Wasn’t going to pass up this opportunity

This week I attended Professional U's first career expo of the spring, the Diversity and Inclusion Career Expo. I actually forgot the expo was on Tuesday until it was too late. I forgot to wear business attire, not exactly a deal breaker for employers at the expo but not recommended by the organizers.

I also didn’t have a portfolio with copies of my resume, another recommendation for these professional events. But I wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to learn more about certain employers and opportunities.

The table I spent the most time at was Sherman Williams. I wanted to learn more about their internship and job opportunities. As a senior graduating this fall, I wasn’t eligible for their internship but am eligible for their management training program. I was excited to learn more about, as I've been in a leadership position at my part-time retail job for about three years now.

The recruiter also explained to me that as a paint store they have various customers, both business clients and normal people. Many customers are interesting as many of them are DIYers (Do it Yourself) who are interested in paint for their projects. She explained that it's fun to help them find the best paint to suit all their project needs.

I’m very interested in pursuing their management program and will likely check into it more in the future. It’s a different industry I hadn’t really considered working for before. It's also advantageous that one of their locations is close to where I live.

— Gabriel Miller, senior communication studies major

Upcoming Boutique Career Expos

Explore career options, job opportunities and network with alumni and industry professionals.

• Communications/Marketing/Management Expo — Thursday, March 5, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the KUB Ballroom
• Education Expo — Friday, March 13, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., in the KUB Ballroom
• Technology Expo — Thursday, March 26, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., in the Greenly Center

#BloomOnward #HuskyLife #ProfessionalU

I am on the right path!

As the weeks count down closer to the big day of graduation I have found myself investing more time into career development, attending all different Professional U workshops. Perfecting my resume, cover letters, elevator pitch and more than I ever knew went into a “professional brand."

Throughout this process, I have learned job hunting is a full time job in itself. I mean researching each company, tailoring each application perfect and keeping track of the requirements of each. As crazy as it sounds, I think I’ll actually miss my 15 page research papers.

But with the help of career development office and special shout out to the counselor Luke, they’ve been by my side throughout the process. Even during my mini anxiety attacks about the “futureeeee” (dun dun dunnnn!). Seriously, it can be really scary to plan for the unknown. Not really knowing where life is going to take you, what job opportunities will open up or the alternative paths you’ll have to take.

And it seems life as soon as someone finds out you’re graduating they go into a game of 21 questions, where you’re supposed to have the answers to life figured out. One of the workshops I attended called “Answering Career Questions” helped me get through Thanksgiving break and my oh-so nosey family members.

What I really loved about that workshop was it was really a conversation between us (the participants) and the workshop leaders. Centennial 108 turned into a safe space where people had the opportunity to share their insecurities about college, their major choice or what the future has in store for them. And the workshop leaders did an awesome job of helping us explore why we felt this way and gave us solid resources to explore.

Like this website onetoonline.org that you can search any career field or major and see what kinds of jobs are out there. After that workshop I felt totally confident to tell people what “someone with a communication degree” does.

One piece of advice I can give to anyone either in my shoes or will be shortly is: take your time, soak up as much information as you can and practice! Make sure you attend career development workshops and pace yourself. That’s what has been working for me so far.

With less than 50 days until I moon walk across Haas stage, I still have lots of room to grow; but I trust I am on the right path!

— Giovanna Andrews, senior communication studies major #HuskyLife

Am I career ready?

Okay I’ll start off with a quick story about girl that was entering her senior year of college and by a sick twist of fate was forced to change her major,….AGAIN. Yes folks, she was entering into her fourth year of school and on to her third major and not by her choice this time. If you have not already guessed this mystery girl is me!

Summer 2016 I was officially without a major and for the first time in my college career completely directionless. With some research I decided to become a communications studies major with a track in leadership and public advocacy.

Going into the major kicking and screaming if I may add. I had no idea what comm stud majors did and what they had to offer, all I knew it would get me out of school the fastest so I signed up. Disclaimer, this is not one of those Cinderella stories about how I fell in love with my major and lived happily ever after. Even though that is literally what happened. This is about the journey that helped me realize that is major is where I belong and who/what helped me get to that “ahh” moment.

Career Boot Camp

Because I had no idea what I could do with my major, I decided to visit the Center for Professional Development and Career Experience (CPDCE) where I learned about the Career Intensive Boot Camp. If you do not know what the boot camp is, it is a weekend where juniors and seniors participate in workshops all about professional development.

I got the opportunity to network with alumni, get my resume reviewed, and go through mock interviews throughout the weekend. One of my personal favorite sessions was the etiquette dinner at Monty’s, where I enjoyed a four-course meal with a straight posture and fancy new (proper) dining etiquette.

What was most impactful throughout the experience was talking to some of the alumni who had such an interest in listening to my dreams and goals. I mean really listened, took their time out of the day to speak with me and guide me on how to make them into a reality.

Encouraged me to stick with my major and challenged me to see how my department could befit me. I had some of the most meaningful conversations that weekend that inspired me to have a new outlook on my situation and communication studies.

Since then, I have stayed connected with many people I met that weekend. Now a regular in Center for Professional Development and Career Experience. I go to workshops throughout the semester and learn some great tips about handling life after graduation.

I am now in my last semester of college, last…semester…of undergrad! The time has flown by and I am excited to see where my life takes me. Join me as I explore what the CPDCE workshops, guest and events to help me prepare for the ever so daunting adult life ahead.

— Giovanna Andrews, senior communication studies major #HuskyLife