We all know college can be daunting, especially trying to navigate your future career. Have some questions that you need answered? Undeclared and need some guidance? Look no further! Below are some FAQ’s that Rashmika Ramlall, Assistant Director of Career and Professional Development, can answer for you:
- What is the biggest mistake a student could make for their career development? Best?
“The biggest mistake I think a student could make is not putting themselves out there! You need to meet people and get connections, so the best thing a student could do for their career development would be to join a club, go to events on campus, hang out with other classmates, or even volunteer in the community.”
- If a student can only attend one career event, regardless of major, which one should it be and why?
“I would recommend attending one of our Career Connections Expos (especially one that has the most employers attending), so that you can meet as many professionals and alumni as possible, gain connections, get comfortable with giving your elevator pitch and talking about what sort of position you’d be interested in, and also learning more about what else is out there for you.”
- Could you give a real-life example why attending expos is important?
“Last month, I saw firsthand how impactful our Career Connections Expos can be. We hosted our Teacher & Education Expo this spring, and we featured around 100 school districts and employers. This is the only expo where specifically student teachers can interview on the spot and even walk away with job offers. One student told us that he left with five offers in one day! It really showed me how valuable these events are—where else can you meet hundreds of employers in one place and land multiple job offers just by showing up and having conversations?”
- Can you give advice to underclassmen who might be undeclared?
“For students who are undeclared or undecided on a major, I would absolutely take the FOCUS2 assessments on Handshake and then meet with your Career Coach to discuss it! Doing this can help you figure out (or help you narrow down) a major or a career path that is a good fit for you. We want to make sure that you choose a major that aligns with your values, skills, and interests, so taking the FOCUS2 can help us understand that.”
You may have seen Rashmika make a few cameos on our IG reels on @bloomuengaged, please follow us for more and let us know how YOU will do Professional U!
