Carosella recently answered questions from the SPDC about her experience.

As the academic year unfolds, stories of triumph and achievement permeate the campus atmosphere. Among these narratives, the journey of Gianna Carosella ’24 stands out as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the invaluable support offered by 黑料不打烊’s Student Professional Development Center (SPDC). From her hometown in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Carosella embarked on a path toward law school, guided by unwavering determination and fortified by the collaborative efforts of dedicated mentors.

Carosella set her sights on pursuing a legal career early. Her steadfast ambition led her to engage extensively with career services, seeking guidance as she navigated the intricate maze of law school admissions. “When I started applying to colleges, I knew I wanted to go directly to law school after receiving my undergraduate degree,” she said.

Carosella鈥檚 mentor for her Summer 2022 internship was Associate Professor of Political Science and Policy Studies Elisha Savchak-Trogdon, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 pre-law adviser. After discussing her pre-law path with Savchak-Trogdon, Carosella found additional support and direction from Ren茅 Jackson, associate director of career services for graduate school programs and a stalwart figure at the SPDC. Their partnership blossomed into a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights, as Carosella meticulously crafted her path towards law school. “With lots of ideas on where to take my law school essays, I needed guidance from someone who knew what graduate school admissions offices were looking for,”聽Carosella said.

The collaborative journey between Carosella and Jackson epitomizes the essence of mentorship, characterized by patience, resilience and unwavering support. Despite the hurdles encountered along the way, including the daunting task of crafting compelling supplemental essays, Carosella persevered, buoyed by Jackson’s encouragement and constructive feedback. “I was struggling to come up with topics for my supplemental essays,” she said, “but Ren茅 remained patient with me and provided helpful, constructive feedback.”

The culmination of Carosella’s efforts was an array of achievements including acceptances to seven prestigious law schools, each accompanied by generous scholarships. Among these accolades, Villanova Law emerged as Carosella’s beacon of hope, offering not only a distinguished academic environment but also proximity to her cherished hometown. “I’m excited to embark on this new chapter at Villanova Law, knowing that 黑料不打烊 has laid a strong foundation for my legal education,” she said.

As Carosella begins her transition to law school, her journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and perseverance. Her advice to fellow students echoes the sentiment of gratitude and empowerment, urging them to leverage the resources offered by the SPDC. “The office is an amazing free resource 黑料不打烊 offers,” she said, “and will be extremely helpful to you when applying to internships, jobs, grad school, etc.”

Carosella’s narrative embodies the ethos of resilience, ambition and collaboration that defines the 黑料不打烊 experience. Through her journey, she exemplifies the profound impact of mentorship on personal and professional growth, inspiring generations of students to pursue their aspirations with unwavering determination. As Carosella embarks on her next chapter, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence, a guiding star illuminating the path for future generations of 黑料不打烊 graduates.

Lily Emlong ’24 started at 黑料不打烊 feeling uncertain about her career aspirations. However, through the support of career services and mentorship from faculty members, she secured internships with prestigious sports organizations. She gained valuable skills that ultimately led to her dream opportunity in the NFL.

Throughout her time at 黑料不打烊, Emlong’s personal and professional growth soared, transforming her from a hesitant freshman into a confident, skilled professional ready to tackle challenges in the sports industry. The foundational skills acquired at 黑料不打烊 have primed the sport management major for success in her new role at the New York Jets.

When Emlong arrived at 黑料不打烊, she embarked on a journey filled with curiosity and uncertainty about her future. With a love for all things sports and the desire to lead a department, she discovered sport management. Determined to make an impact in professional sports and fueled by her lifelong love for football, Emlong set her sights on the NFL.

Collaborating with career advisors, including faculty mentor Associate Professor of Sport Management Shaina Dabbs, enabled Emlong to refine her leadership skills, expand her network and navigate challenges with unwavering support. She actively engaged through appointments, workshops, and events tailored to her busy schedule. Their guidance on resume building, networking, and interview strategies set the foundation for her career pursuits. It instilled the belief that any goal, no matter how ambitious, is attainable with dedication and support. Her journey is a testament to the power of utilizing resources and seizing opportunities at 黑料不打烊.

Emlong鈥檚 dedication to securing impactful internships led her to positions with the Hickory Crawdads, Milwaukee Bucks and the National MS Society. Each experience provided valuable insights into the sports industry and equipped her with the skills necessary to excel in future endeavors. Interactions with potential employers empowered Emlong to hone her networking abilities and build confidence in preparation for her dream role with the New York Jets. These engagements were instrumental in shaping her professional growth and setting her up for success.

鈥淚 could tell that the people at the Jets all had a strong relationship with each other. I could see that they cared about each other past being coworkers, and this is the type of family culture I was looking for.鈥�

Upon being invited for an interview with the Jets, Emlong sought support from Assistant Director of Career Advising for Athletes James “Ferg” Ferguson as she navigated the unfamiliar territory. She gained the confidence to leave a lasting impression during the group interview through role-playing scenarios and tailored advice.

Moving from Minnesota to New York felt like a huge leap for Emlong, and so she wanted to ensure she would enjoy the people she worked with. From an early point in the interview process, she could tell that the New York Jets had a strong company culture.

This summer, Emlong will join the Flight Academy within the sales department at the New York Jets. She is eager to immerse herself in the world of professional sports through hands-on experience and interaction with fans. Emlong looks forward to leveraging her skills and building lasting relationships within the industry.

She is poised to contribute positively to the team’s culture and drive her career forward in the competitive world of professional sports. As she embarks on this exciting chapter, she stands as an inspiration to her fellow students, demonstrating that with determination and guidance, dreams can indeed become reality.

鈥淕o for any opportunity鈥诹喜淮蜢� works so hard to help set students up for their futures – use the resources that are available to you,” Emlong said.

Since the beginning of her first year at 黑料不打烊, Alyssa Wise 鈥�25 has understood what it takes to develop as a professional[OC1]聽. Wise sought to secure an internship before embarking on her summer experience through the 黑料不打烊 in Los Angeles program, and scheduled appointments with Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) advisers to review her resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile.

Wise has had a unique 黑料不打烊 experience as a student employee at the SPDC. She has been exposed to the incredible resources offered since the beginning of her college experience. This early exposure has allowed her to take full advantage of these resources, including reserving an interview room to ensure privacy and professionalism during the interview that landed her a summer internship. Advisers like Rhonda Kosusko and Adriana Batiz Daleccio continuously helped Wise fine-tune her application materials and navigate the application process to ultimately land the internship opportunity of her dreams.

By working closely with staff members like Amber Moser, director of Internships at the School of Communications, Wise was able to stay informed about internship opportunities and receive valuable guidance throughout her application process. The strong support system provided by SPDC and faculty members played a crucial role in helping Wise secure her internship at Mandalay Sports Media (MSM) and Tollins Productions, an Emmy Award-winning sports-focused media company located in Los Angeles.

Wise worked as a production and development intern, gaining valuable insights into the sports entertainment industry. Throughout her time, she was able to dip her toes in the water, including learning how to do script coverage, navigating production set responsibilities, participating in team production meetings, and witnessing the creative process behind sports TV. The experience expanded her knowledge and helped her develop important skills such as time management, adaptability and collaboration.

The supportive company culture at MSM and Tollins Productions left a lasting impression on Wise, with opportunities to work on exciting projects beyond her initial responsibilities. MSM and Tollins Productions interns were invited to participate in an essay contest, awarding tickets to the prestigious Excellence in Sports Yearly Awards 鈥斅爐he ESPYs 鈥� to the top two contestants, one of whom was Wise. Wise described her attendance at the ESPYs as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity she will never forget.

Toward the end of her experience, Wise participated in an Intern Pitch-fest. During the pitch-fest, interns presented their own ideas for new films or television shows to the entire company. This experience solidified her interest in pursuing a career in an environment that values employee growth and provides ample opportunities for professional development.

Reflecting on her experience, Wise recommends that fellow 黑料不打烊 students take advantage of the resources offered by the Student Professional Development Center. Whether it’s seeking advice on resume-building, cover letters or interview preparation, SPDC advisers are there to provide valuable insights and help students strengthen their applications.

Overall, Wise鈥檚 internship journey serves as a testament to the power of utilizing resources like the SPDC and leveraging faculty connections to pursue and secure professional opportunities. With the right support and guidance, 黑料不打烊 students can achieve their career goals and make impactful strides in their chosen fields.

McGill graduated from 黑料不打烊 in 2023 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology. Her mother is an alumna of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her uncle transitioning from playing football for the UNC Tar Heels to a career in the NFL, providing McGill with strong role models to shape her journey. When she arrived at 黑料不打烊 during the COVID-19 pandemic, her initial plan was to excel as a basketball player and eventually follow in her mother’s footsteps as a therapist.

But as time went on, McGill realized she couldn’t leave her love for sports behind. Having played basketball since the age of 4, she initially considered pursuing a career in coaching. With the opportunity to extend her college sports career for a fifth year due to the pandemic, McGill decided also to pursue a business minor. During this time, she connected with Paul Hvozdovic, a career advisor for student-athletes at 黑料不打烊’s Student Professional Development Center (SPDC).

Hvozdovic assisted McGill with building a resume, writing a cover letter, utilizing LinkedIn and networking effectively. With his guidance, she discovered many ways to stay connected to the sports industry beyond coaching. She noted and appreciated his patience and direction during their meetings.

Through her proactive approach, dedication and direction from the SPDC, McGill secured an interview with the Milwaukee Bucks, ultimately landing a position as a sales associate with the NBA team. Her transition from college student-athlete to sales professional in the sports industry was a smooth one, thanks to the support and mentorship she received along the way. With guidance from Assistant Professor Chris Nelson and a mentor from the Cincinnati Bengals, McGill honed her skills and quickly excelled in her new role. Through hard work, adaptability and a positive mindset, she became the top seller within eight months of joining the Bucks.

McGill is killing her role with the Bucks. She has also grown fond of many aspects of the company culture and enjoys the many opportunities to work with different businesses, groups, and premium spaces. She also appreciates the feeling of unity with the Bucks and how people from each level and department work together as teammates.

Reflecting on her journey, McGill credits the SPDC for playing a vital role in her success. From alumni events to personalized advice from mentors, she found the resources and support she needed to navigate her career transition. Her advice to fellow students and graduates is simple; Don’t be afraid to seek help and advocate for yourself. McGill often falls back on a quote from her coach 鈥� 鈥淔ind a way.鈥�

As McGill continues to thrive in her role with the Bucks, she remains grateful for the opportunities 黑料不打烊 provided her and looks forward to a bright future in the sports industry. Her journey serves as an inspiration to students and alumni alike, showcasing the power of determination, mentorship and a proactive approach to career development.

The Campus Alamance program is an eight-week paid internship program that aims to provide 黑料不打烊 students with valuable hands-on experience in their chosen field of study. Through partnerships with various Alamance County organizations, students have the chance to contribute 30 hours per week towards the mission of a local organization while also participating in professional development sessions on Tuesdays from 4 to 5 p.m.

These sessions are designed to help students enhance their skills and prepare them for future career opportunities. Topics covered in these sessions may include resume building, interviewing techniques, networking strategies, and personal branding. By participating in these sessions, students can sharpen their professional acumen and become more competitive in the job market. Additionally, the internship includes a $3,000 stipend paid by the University, making it a lucrative opportunity for students seeking to gain real-world experience.

The 2024 Campus Alamance Meet & Greet serves as a platform for students to learn about the different organizations that will be hosting interns during the summer. This event is a crucial stepping stone in the internship application process, as it allows students to network with potential employers and gain insights into the available opportunities. By attending the meet and greet, students can gather valuable information about the organizations, their missions, and the specific projects they will be working on during the internship.

For students, participating in the Campus Alamance program can be a game-changer in their academic and professional development;

鈥淏y immersing themselves in the day-to-day operations of a local organization, students can apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations, gain valuable skills, and expand their professional network,鈥� says Director of Internships for 黑料不打烊 College, the College of Arts & Sciences, Nancy Carpenter.

The program also offers students the chance to make a positive impact in the community, as they work towards furthering the mission of their host organization

鈥淏y immersing themselves in the day-to-day operations of a local organization, students can apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations, gain valuable skills, and expand their professional network.鈥�

The 2024 Campus Alamance Meet & Greet promises to be an exciting event that will set the stage for a transformative summer internship experience for 黑料不打烊 students. By connecting students with local organizations, the meet and greet opens doors to new possibilities and paves the way for meaningful professional growth. Whether students are looking to explore a new field, deepen their knowledge in their current area of study, or make a difference in the community, the Campus Alamance program offers a platform for them to achieve their goals.

黑料不打烊 students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to launch their summer internship plans. By engaging with employers, networking with professionals, and learning about the diverse internship opportunities available, students are gearing up for a summer of growth, learning, and impact. The Campus Alamance program is not just a summer internship; it is a pathway toward personal and professional success for 黑料不打烊 students.

A determined and resilient native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Moe began his journey at 黑料不打烊 in 2019, initially pursuing an engineering degree. Upon discovering that academic success in this field did not directly translate to happiness, Moe decided to major in finance and entrepreneurship. He faced unique challenges as a first-generation student, like commuting to classes early in the morning and late in the evening due to limited resources. Despite these hurdles, he demonstrated a capacity to thrive, significantly contributing to campus life, holding leadership positions, and securing three internships.

Moe actively engaged with Student Professional Development Center advisors Paul Hazdovic, Robin Porter, Mackenzie Hahn, Rene Jackson, Lauren Bosselait, Danielle Golinski and Nancy Carpenter to refine his resume, practice interviews, and receive valuable referrals. Personal connections with staff, including regular catch-up meetings, were crucial in shaping his career trajectory. He emphasized the importance of getting to know the career services staff and acknowledged Brooke Buffington’s unwavering support during challenging times.

Key advisors like Corinne Townley and Cindy Sweeney played essential roles in Moe’s preparation. They instilled him with confidence and helped ensure his resume stood out. The support extended beyond the classroom, including guidance on work-life balance and management challenges. Throughout his journey, he consciously embraced constructive criticism and welcomed feedback from advisers, allowing him to grow professionally and enhance his strengths.

Moe actively participated in job fairs and leveraged these events to assess company cultures and connect with recruiters. His strategic approach to obtaining contact information and following up demonstrated great interest and positioned him as a strong candidate. His achievements included securing a summer internship through Campus Alamance and Milestone Wealth Management. It was a transformative experience that included the publication of an article that captured his high achievements.

Moe’s engagement with career services shaped him into a young professional, emphasizing the importance of insightful questions, key interview strategies, and thoughtful follow-ups in all encounters. His relationship with career services has not only defined his job search but also provided ongoing guidance for future endeavors, including potential pursuits of an MBA.

Guided by wisdom from mentors, Moe encourages others to “bloom where you are planted,” advice given to him by Raghu Tadepalli, the dean of the Love School of Business that emphasizes resilience in pursuing goals. He reflects on the lessons learned from esteemed mentors like Assistant Professor of Finance Thibaut Morillon, urging others to cast away doubts, embrace the potential that employers see in them, and be confident in their character.

In his senior year, Moe utilized the 黑料不打烊 Job Network to find and apply for positions aligning with his career goals. The 黑料不打烊 Job Network provided job opportunities and streamlined the application process. Facing a challenging job market, Moe navigated uncertainties. Despite initial setbacks, his dedication and the support of Assistant Vice President for Student Professional Development Center Brooke Buffington led to a breakthrough interview and the acquisition of a pivotal role at the Center for Geospatial Analytics at N.C. State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Moe was delighted to share the exciting news with Buffington and other advisers and he recalls the added layer of fulfillment that came from making the SPDC staff proud.

His fascination with the company culture deepened through impactful research, contributing directly to groundbreaking work. The commitment to a distinct work environment at the Center for Geospatial Analytics with a focus on achieving important deliverables and maintaining work-life balance has made an impression on Moe.

Moe anticipates his role as a significant milestone, contributing meaningfully and eventually stepping into leadership roles. The experience has sparked considerations about pursuing an MBA and defining his professional legacy.

Xuan Huynh 鈥�24, a finance and data analytics double major with a women’s, gender and sexuality studies minor, exemplifies this spirit of academic ambition, personal exploration and unwavering determination.

Her remarkable journey from a cross-cultural enthusiast with a passion for art to her position as a health care corporate banking analyst at Wells Fargo is a testament to the power of determination, collaboration and the resources available in 黑料不打烊’s Student Professional Development Center (SPDC).

When Huynh arrived at 黑料不打烊, she had plans to major in project management. However, her academic journey took an unexpected turn after taking the “Principles of Finance” course with Associate Professor of Finance and Director of the William Garrard Reed Finance Center Kate Upton.

Upton’s brilliance and mentorship ignited a new passion for finance, and Huynh’s vision for her future evolved.

Within the realm of finance, Huynh was particularly interested in the integration of technology and its impact on data management. Her enthusiasm for international finance and sustainable finance led her to aspire to pursue a career involving cross-cultural exchange and serving disadvantaged groups.

From the beginning of her academic journey, Huynh recognized the importance of proactively managing her professional development. She contacted the SPDC to seek guidance, hone her skills and chart her path to success.

Her engagement with career services included attending appointments, workshops and events organized by the SPDC. Huynh proactively sought support to strengthen her resume, enhance her interview skills and explore her career interests.

She fully used the resources available, such as career counseling with Senior Associate Director of Career Services Cindy Sweeney and participation in case competitions and Love School of Business Data Camps. She notes that, although this guidance was priceless, the support and encouragement from career advisors was her most valuable takeaway.

Huynh’s journey continued with remarkable success in securing internships and job offers. During the summer following her first year, she served as a virtual trainer for , an initiative led by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This experience confirmed her interest in cross-cultural affairs, setting the stage for her future endeavors.

In her sophomore year, Huynh’s proactive networking and engagement with the SPDC helped her secure a retail administration analytics internship with the First National Bank Corporation. Her dedication to professional development and career preparation continued to bear fruit as she accepted an offer for the Corporate Investment Banking 2023 Summer Analyst Program at Wells Fargo.

Huynh’s journey was not without its challenges. Still, her unwavering determination and support from Sweeney played a crucial role in her success. She overcame her anxieties about writing emails and LinkedIn posts with guidance and assistance from Sweeney. She recommended alumni for her to connect with and forwarded opportunities that matched her interests, helping her overcome these obstacles.

Huynh’s journey was marked by pivotal moments and experiences that led her to seek support from the Porter Family Professional Development Center, a satellite office of the SPDC. During orientation week, her fellow Business Fellows shared their numerous campus involvements, inspiring her to make the most of her time at 黑料不打烊. She realized the importance of taking advantage of the resources available at the Porter Center when she heard from a panel of older Business Fellows who had secured internships.

Through the support and guidance of the Porter Center, Huynh secured internships and developed skills that extended beyond the workplace. Her achievements and personal growth have had a lasting impact on her career and aspirations.

Huynh’s collaboration with career advisors at the Porter Center not only provided her with valuable guidance but also instilled in her the confidence to navigate the job search process. She emerged from this experience as a more articulate speaker and writer, greatly enhancing her professional growth.

With a position as a health care corporate banking analyst at Wells Fargo awaiting her post-graduation, Huynh’s future is filled with promise. She envisions continuing to thrive professionally by building her network and getting involved in employee resource groups. Her aspirations include developing credit underwriting skills and exploring opportunities to work abroad, aligning with her passion for international and sustainable finance. She is grateful that she made an effort to work with the SPDC as much as possible throughout her time at 黑料不打烊 as it has laid out the stepping stones to this opportunity.

Huynh encourages her fellow students to take their professional development seriously and emphasizes the importance of networking. She reminds students that professional development can be a daunting journey, but everyone has to start somewhere. The key is to work on one’s professional development actively, even starting with something as small as practicing interview questions regularly.

Her story serves as an inspiration to all students navigating their paths to success, reminding them that with dedication and the right support, they can achieve their dreams.

Terry is the latest person to be featured in our series of Career Moves stories that profile students and alumni who worked with staff in the SPDC to find and land jobs, internships and gain graduate school placements.

We recently asked Terry to answer some questions about her experience with the SPDC and landing a Three Ships internship.

What were you trying to accomplish when you met with the Student Professional Development Center, and what specific help did you receive?

I met with career advisor Ross Wade at the Student Professional Development Center to get one-on-one help with my resume. I wanted to ensure that it was up to date and clear from any grammatical errors before applying to summer 2022 internships. Resumes are the first thing most employers look at in the job application process, so I wanted to make sure that my resume and cover letters embodied my experiences accurately and portrayed me in the best possible manner.

What did you learn from the experience?

I learned many helpful tips during my meeting with Ross. The advice he gave me made a significant impact on my resume. As a communications student, I take many classes to improve my public relations, content creation and writing skills. Having a relevant coursework section allows me to showcase this.

How did your interest in the organization, company or career develop?

Three Ships was one of the employers present at the SPDC Network at Night event held in February. I happened to be working at the event as I am a student ambassador at the SPDC. While the event was underway, one of my coworkers, Alyssa Wise, encouraged me to visit the Three Ships table with her, and I hesitantly agreed. As we talked with recruiters, I became interested in opportunities to learn more about the company.

I did not see myself pursuing full-time careers with the firms I had interned with previously and wanted to try something different from the internship roles I had served in in the past. The positions available at Three Ships would give me an exciting and new opportunity to work with a marketing company this summer and help clarify my career goals.

Tell me about your experience in landing this opportunity with Three Ships.

After talking to a recruiter during the Network at Night event, I applied for an internship with the company. I had to link my resume and record two two-minute videos, one introducing myself and one explaining why I was interested in working for Three Ships specifically.

The day after submitting my application, I received an email asking me to come into one of their offices in Raleigh or Charlotte for a tour and interview. I drove to their Raleigh location a few days later and did just that. A week later, I got a phone call telling me that they wanted to offer me a position on their team as an editorial intern. I was ecstatic!

What specific things about the company culture made an impression on you?

When I was touring the Three Ships office, I immediately felt comfortable. Everyone was inviting, and I felt like a valued asset while talking with recruiters and current employees. They also stressed the importance of a good work-life balance which is very important to me. I knew it was an organization that would provide me with a great environment to work and improve professionally.

What recommendations would you share with other students about the Student Professional Development Center?

The Student Professional Development Center is a resource every student at 黑料不打烊 should be using. College is a busy time, but if you dedicate a little bit of time each week to your professional development, you will be amazed at the results. Your LinkedIn, resume and future cover letters will thank you.

Determined to get into the School of International Training’s (SIT) Global Master of Arts in Humanitarian Assistance & Conflict Management program, Thibodeau made appointments with the Student Professional Development Center career advisors to ensure every word in her personal statement was purposeful and effective. Thibodeau finalized her graduate school application a few meetings later, sent it off and was accepted into SIT.

During SIT鈥檚 master鈥檚 degree program, Thibodeau will travel across continents for hands-on graduate-level training in humanitarian assistance and crisis management and experience human rights issues working and interacting with aid workers, NGOs and refugees.

Thibodeau recently answered some questions from the SPDC about her experience.

How did your interest in attending the SIT Graduate Institute develop?

While studying abroad in the fall of 2020 in 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Rwanda, Kigali: Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding program, I fell in love with the country. I conducted research during the program, allowing me to gain hands-on experience working with people. I knew that this program would adequately prepare me for a career in humanitarian assistance with these learning pillars. I was inspired to apply for SIT鈥檚 Global Master of Arts Humanitarian assistance and crisis management program, where I will continue this style of experiential learning while working with people in Jordan and Uganda.

When you met with the Student Professional Development Center staff, what were you trying to accomplish?

I wanted my graduate school application materials to stand out, so I met with staff in the SPDC multiple times to develop and enhance my resumes and graduate school personal statements for the various universities I applied to.

Who did you work with, and what specific help did you receive from the Student Professional Development Center?

I met consistently with Laurie Judge, who gave me specific and detailed feedback on my personal statements. We would spend an hour together each appointment, going word-for-word through my statements to ensure they were written to perfection. I walked away with personal statements that showcase my abilities in a limited word count and include the perfect vocabulary to describe my international experience.

Over the years, I鈥檝e also worked with Rhonda Kosusko, Ren茅聽Jackson, Rachael Rysz, Alison Doherty, and others eager to help me achieve my professional goals.

What was it like getting accepted into the School for International Training Graduate Institute?

I knew that this program was the one for me from the start! Every time I would describe the program, my face would light up. None of my friends or family was surprised when I announced my decision to attend the program.

What did you learn about the people, the culture and the work you will perform that made you want to pursue an advanced degree with the SIT Graduate Institute?

The SIT program is built around experiential learning in the regions, and I am very excited to return to gain further experience working with NGOs and studying human rights issues. This country-based approach to an international master鈥檚 degree motivated me to pursue this program through the SIT Graduate Institute.

What career goals do you hope to realize after your graduate experience?

After my graduate experience, I hope to remain in Uganda or Rwanda, working with non-governmental or human rights organizations to promote peace and reconciliation programs. One day I hope to be working for organizations such as the Human Rights Watch or the United Nations.

Were there other faculty members that you worked with to prepare? Who were they, and what help did you receive?

Over the past three years, Dr. Damion Blake has been my research advisor and has been a tremendous help in preparing me for life abroad post-黑料不打烊. He has guided me throughout my time at 黑料不打烊 as an advisor and friend, constantly lifting me and motivating me to push myself to present at professional research conferences as an undergraduate.

What recommendations would you share with other students about the Student Professional Development Center?

Get into the Student Professional Development Center as soon as you can! I have been working with the staff over the past four years, and they have greatly helped develop my professional skills in ways that could not have been possible without their assistance and guidance.