Alumni Story

What advice would you give to a student navigating career choice?

"For students navigating career choice I would recommend first and foremost that they start as early as possible. That entails meeting with the Career services Department within the first week, if not the first month of their matriculation into Indiana University. By planning in advance, they will have a clear guide and purpose for through their experience over the next four years. There have been times I’ve encountered students who waited until their last year to start thinking about their futures. Only when time is short do they begin compiling resumes, cover letters, and connections. But for a college experience to mean something, what you put in is what you get out of it, and by asking those existential questions, creating those documents, and building a close network, students can set themselves up for success upon graduation."

What is one thing you wish you would have known when beginning your career journey?

"Before college, I wish I had known how to network with professionals in my field of interest. Navigating the job market can be a daunting experience without someone to help you find opportunities and the truth is that nobody, not even the most sociable or experienced of persons, goes through it alone. And a key aspect in this lifelong expedition of self discovery is finding those who share similar purposes who can help you fulfill such purpose in all that you do. It is still a skill I am working on but starting to develop it in college helped me meet people who want to see me succeed."

What advice would you give to a student navigating their career choices?

"It is important to have career goals. Sometimes those goals feel really far away as you do the daily tasks of your job. However, every job you take will teach you new skills that you didn't have before, you will gain new perspectives, passions and understanding that you may never have thought about. Even if you think those jobs are pulling you further away from your goal they are actually pushing you closer to you. Good or bad those experiences will shape you so that you can really accomplish your goal and succeed."

What does belonging look like for you in the workplace?

"No one has it all together, even if it looks like they do. Transitions are really hard whether you have a disability or you don't. Just know that everyone is trying to figure out what the career-driven version of you looks like. And no matter what your first job is no one at your job is expecting you to be perfect. They know there is a learning curve so don't be afraid to ask questions along the way and give yourself some compassion in the process."

What does belonging look like for you in the workplace?

"To belong in the workplace is to be part of a community that accepts you as you are, strengths challenges and all. As our professional world gradually becomes more accessible, many more individuals with disabilities will find places of employment that do not judge based on flaw but on value."

How has your identity impacted your career choices?

"My identity as an individual with a disability has impacted my career choices significantly as I want to serve those who are just like me and who may have difficulty finding their way. By finding a career in public service, my goal is to make this world more diverse and inclusive. As someone who was told time and again that I wouldn’t be held back by my disability, my family would see that as motivation to prove those same people wrong and that is what I seek to do for my fellow individuals."