What I do: Academic Advisor, Alverno College
As an Academic Advisor I counsel and advise diverse groups of students from every major. My work with these students includes everything from evaluating their transfer credit, discussing their academic evaluations and degree requirements, analyzing their degree audits, and helping these students find ways to deal with conflict both in and out of the classroom. I give presentations to large and small groups of new students during Beginning Class Schedule and Orientation. Most importantly, I help students take ownership of their own education and responsibility for their future.
How I got my job: After I graduated from Alverno College I came back to visit. While visiting I saw a posting for a position for an Admissions Counselor. The job description sounded like it would use the skills I gained while a student at Alverno, especially my Communication skills. I was offered and accepted this position. After five years in Admissions, I applied for a job as an Academic Advisor. I had already established a good working relationship with many of the Academic Advisors. This, along with my experience at the college, was all a part of why I believe I was offered this position.
How I use my Alverno education: Everyday I use my Alverno education at work while I do things like, work in groups, stand up and give presentations, think of creative ways to solve problems, and most importantly, keeping my values intact.
How I define career success: Career success to me means: Having a job that you like doing and that allows you to still have a life outside of work.
Tips from the field: The best advice that I can give is to check out the job before you base your college career on it. It is so important to go out and do informational interviews, job shadowing, and to really research careers. If I hadn't done an informational interview in my Pre-Professional Seminar class, PPS 129, early in my college career, I may be working in the news media. Instead I went out and did an informational interview with a local anchorwoman. She explained to be what being an anchorwoman was really like. I decided it was not for me. It may be a wonderful choice for some, but I don't even like watching the news now! It was such a great and important experience to figure out what I did not want to do. The last bit of advice I'd like to give is to enjoy the journey. While I was in school, like many, I just wanted to get done. Now I look back and really miss my days in the classroom. I also wish I would have been more involved outside of the classroom. Be sure to get the most out of your education both in and outside of the classroom because this time will go very fast.
