Serena Werner, B.A. History, May 2006

Graduation/Degree: B.A. History, Theatre and Elective Studies supports, May 2006

What I do:  I work for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), located just outside of the District of Columbia in Alexandria, Virginia, as a Project Assistant for the Enhancing Police Response to Victims (EPRV) project within the Research Center Directorate.  The project is an effort of the IACP and the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), Office for Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).   

How I got my job: I obtained my position with the IACP through my internship experience at Alverno College.  As a student I attended various presentations for The Washington Center (TWC) for internships and academic seminars sponsored by the internship office. Through those presentations I found the relationship with government agencies astounding, and subsequently decided that the opportunity was irreplaceable.  Through discussion with the intern staff at both Alverno and TWC I determined that the early security clearance application deadline was most appropriate for my interests. 

The process was timely. Once I started receiving inquires and phone interviews from different government agencies I immediately felt the program had accomplished my objectives.  In the interview stages I found that the preparation and skills that I had obtained through my courses at Alverno allowed me to have successful interviews, especially the interview guidelines.  In addition to being well equipped to answer the questions asked in the interview, I also was ready to ask a set of questions that I felt were important in choosing the right internship for my needs.  Specifically, I found that asking about the level of involvement I would have as an intern to be successful in finding an internship that would fully utilize my skills, as well as actually help to educate me in the field.

When I finally arrived at my internship site in DC I was prepared to be professional and ready to represent Alverno, and in doing so managed to gain incredible responsibilities, educational tasks, and build a rapport within the agency. This resulted in networking that allowed me to be a candidate eligible for employment. 
           
How I use my Alverno education: I have found that the best thing about my Alverno education is that the task presented during my education, no matter how minimal they seemed, prepared me for the professional world.  My Alverno education is apparent in so many parts of my career that it has allowed me to show maturity beyond my years.  For example, communicating at many levels whether it be discussing a problem with a co-worker or presenting concepts to management, the ability to manage my time effectively and maintain organization, taking action and making decisions during difficult circumstances, being responsible for all tasks I am presented including taking ownership for things that have not gone smoothly, following through with my work, offering feedback for improvements as well as seeking it and simply become an active part of the work that I do. 

How I define career success: For me career success is not necessarily about the title that I obtain or the salary acquired; it is about making a difference in lives of others.  I do not think that means being famous or recognized by every member of society as I walk down the street but in the little ways.  My success is measured when I wake up in the morning and know that what I am doing at work will change the lives of people across this country even if they do not know my name, when I receive a thank you letter from a Chief who expresses his gratitude in the enhancements we at IACP provided his agency with, or more importantly hearing the testimonials and thanks from officers around the country who explain how our work helped save a life and create a positive impact within the community they support…knowing and seeing what I am doing affecting the communities and lives around me even if it is one by one.   
   
Tips from the field: 

• Those that are pushing you the hardest you will respect the most in the long run as they are the ones that are allowing you to grow the greatest. 
• Listen and soak-up “like a sponge” the career advice provided within the internship office for interviewing and professionalism as it is necessary at each and every level of your career. 
• Remain professional in all aspects at all times. This should be present in the word choices you make, the way you dress, your personal conduct and the way you hold yourself as you never know who you may be in contact with.  If you are unsure what is appropriate ask or aim higher. For example, if you think a meeting is casual business attire it is okay to wear a suit. 
• There is nothing wrong with having weaknesses, we all have them, as long as you acknowledge them and when appropriate work towards strengthening them.
• Ask...ask…ask!  Do not hesitate to ask for whatever you need and want. Ask for clarification on tasks when needed, for more responsibilities, to participate in an event you are interested in, or simply for help when needed.
• Be open to new experiences, perspectives, advice in order to take advantage of the most beneficial educational opportunities.  I have noticed that individuals who are constantly trying to prove how much they know and make a point sometimes miss the most important aspects of the learning experience and being a part of a team. 
• Rapport goes a long way!  It is necessary to constantly build rapport and network with members in your field as you may find them being the ones that help you make your next career step or support work that you are divested in.  In building that rapport you will have to remain professional and communicate openly.  Do not be afraid to go a step ahead and thank an individual who has thanked you or follow up with someone you meet at a meeting.