Every student envisions the moment when they will stride across the stage, shift the tassel, and toss their caps into the air exclaiming, “I have achieved it!”
The anticipation of transitioning into the real world post-graduation is exhilarating. However, prior to reaching this milestone, it is imperative for students to adequately equip themselves for the life that awaits beyond graduation.
During their four-year academic journey in college, students enroll in courses aligned with their majors, engage in extracurricular activities, and participate in internships to equip themselves for their future endeavors beyond the confines of the campus.
Nevaeh Champ, a senior business student, recounts how her internship experiences during college have prepared her for her aspiring career as a project manager.
Reflecting on her journey, Champ shared, “I was fortunate to secure two internships, both acquired through LinkedIn. The first one, at Liberty Mutual Insurance as a data analyst, although not directly linked to my field of study, equipped me with essential technical skills. The work environment at this company was exceptional.” She continued, “I am eagerly looking forward to my upcoming internship this summer at National Council Compensation Insurance as a customer operation intern, which closely aligns with my passion for project management in the hotel industry.”
Champ also highlighted the organizational and leadership roles she undertook during her college tenure and the valuable lessons derived from each experience.
“Throughout my time at FAMU, I engaged in three organizations,” Champ remarked. “The Big Sister Little Sister (BSLS) program taught me invaluable mentoring skills. Serving as the vice president and now the president of the FAMU DMV Club provided insights into financial management and connected me with peers from my hometown. Additionally, my involvement in Scholars of Finance enabled me to organize professional development events in collaboration with Fortune 500 companies.”
Florida A&M University prides itself on preparing students for the post-graduation phase by furnishing them with essential tools and resources. The institution’s Career and Professional Development Center plays a pivotal role in this preparation by offering job resources and organizing events to support students in their academic and career pursuits.
The center tailors career action plans for students across all classifications, delineating specific goals tailored to individual needs to set them on the right trajectory for their professional and academic aspirations. For seniors, these action plans encompass activities such as on-campus interviews, participation in career expos, refining resumes, compiling a list of potential employers, and more, detailed on the center’s website.
Justin Turk, another senior business student, outlined his post-graduation plans and the steps he has taken to pave the way for his future endeavors.
“Following graduation, my intention is to relocate from Florida and venture into the realm of medical device sales,” Turk disclosed. “I arrived at this decision due to my comfort in sales and my long-standing desire to explore diverse regions. My involvement in SBI has honed my public speaking skills and adeptness in engaging with various topics, which I believe will be beneficial in my chosen field.” He added, “LinkedIn has been instrumental in facilitating connections with companies in the sales domain, streamlining the process of sharing my resume and networking with industry professionals.”
Graduating from college signifies a significant achievement for students, marking the commencement of a new chapter in their lives. Empowered by adequate preparation and the utilization of available resources, these seniors are poised to embark on their professional journeys.