“Somewhere I have never traveled, gladly beyond any experience.” E.E. Cummings provided solace during my chaotic first week of freshman year at Marist College. Everyone around me seemed like they knew what they were doing while I, as the adage goes, ran around like a chicken without a head. It was daunting, it was apprehensive, but it was real. It was the start of a new experience; a new life that I now realize has changed me permanently.
A big part of my Marist experience was working at the Center for Career Services. During my sophomore year I received an email from Career Services stating a social media internship position was open. Truthfully, I applied on a whim. It was the week before Spring Break and I was unmotivated to even leave my dorm room. But I knew I wanted industry experience and to grow as a professional eager to enter the communications industry after graduation. So while watching Season 2 of The Sopranos, I applied to the posting and, to my surprise, was offered an interview. I spoke with Deidre Sepp, a former career specialist in the office, to learn about the position and the center’s hopes to grow its social media presence while trying my hardest to impress her. I guess whatever I did worked. My first day in Career Services began after an uneventful spring break in my hometown of Rockland County, New York. Again, I entered like a headless chicken; apprehensive and anxious, not knowing what to expect. Luckily I was working with another sophomore, Matt Onorato, who is probably one of the nicest people I know. Looking back, I laugh at the fact that I was so nervous initially because the people who work in Career Services couldn’t be any nicer. They are empathetic, kind, dedicated to their students, and have been invested in my personal and professional growth during every step of my journey. The staff’s attitude made it easy to come into work each week. When I started working in the office, the social media for the Center for Career Services was pretty much nonexistent. For this reason I was excited to develop social media strategies, conduct research, and help this tremendously kind office that gave me such a wonderful opportunity. Flash forward to the end of finals week: classes have ended, and my time at Career Services is officially over. It still feels weird to say that. Fortunately, I’ve watched Career Services accomplish all its goals and more since I arrived, and everyone is humble and hungry enough to continue this upward trajectory. What we offered students when I started more than two years ago versus what we offer now is incredible to compare. We are active on a bunch of digital platforms, hold more events on and off campus, and have expanded our offerings, including Walk-In Hours. But beyond that, I have developed relationships with great people. People who have assured me that I would find a job or internship when I was panicking. People who have helped me decide which places and positions to apply to. People who have provided interview tips and guidance. People who celebrate and thank their student workers daily for their contributions. I don’t know how I got so lucky. Right now I’m holding back tears in the library because I truly am going to miss Marist. My advice for current and future students is to seize every opportunity here. I went abroad to Florence and worked at the Center for Career Services during my time as an undergraduate. Despite the obvious differences between the two experiences, both opportunities make me proud of the person I have become. Sadly, I must go and travel to yet another experience. One that is unknown. But uncertainty, as I lived it here, is exciting.
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