É«ÀÇÉçÇø

Now, Altonia's perspective of her role: 

In your position, what kinds of things do you do on a daily basis?

I assist students with identifying career pathways for their selected major while also providing them with the resources and tools needed to engage with employers while in a productive internship and/or job search. In addition, I work collaboratively with various academic departments on campus to plan and execute career-related programming such as in-class presentations, industry nights and career fairs.

What is your favorite part of your job? Why?

Creating new and innovative programming that increase students’ skills, knowledge and awareness about their professional career is my favorite part of the job. That is because I feel that providing students with additional avenues for engaging in career services outside of the career office is critical.

One of my favorite programs implemented this year was entitled Fancy-A-Flick. Held at the Owl’s Nest, this program was a collaborative effort implemented by the Office of Career Advancement (OCA) and É«ÀÇÉçÇø’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Event participants received on-the-spot assistance from OCA staff members in the areas of resume and cover letter development, professional branding, elevator pitch and professionalism in the workplace. Furthermore, students had the opportunity to take 3 professional headshots, network with their fellow colleagues, and indulge in light refreshments. The event was well-attended and received by both students and staff, and plans are being made to implement the event for Fall 2019.

What is your favorite work-related memory?

I started a women’s leadership organization at a previous college that I worked for in Jacksonville, FL. The purpose of the organization was to provide participants with the essential resources and skills needed to assist them with excelling academically and professionally while understanding the importance of giving back to their community through volunteer opportunities and community service. All members graduated from the college (some with honors), and are now working in their field of choice or attending graduate school. Till this day, I still keep in contact with the ladies and have made plans to visit them during my trip to Jacksonville, FL in May.

Could you share a happy É«ÀÇÉçÇø related work memory?

This year, our office collaborated with the College of Communications and Creative Arts (CCCA) to implement the 1st (hopefully annual) CCCA Career Expo. 285 students attended, with visitation from the College Deans, Chairs, Faculty and Staff members. Since then, students have contacted me excitedly expressing job or internship offers received from companies that attended the fair. It’s exciting to hear how events orchestrated by our department are impactful and produce job opportunities for the students we serve.

Share one thing you wish people knew about your department.

How remarkable we are and how hard we work! Everyone has their area of expertise which makes the office as a whole function cohesively and effectively. We are incredibly supportive of each other and our students and welcome opportunities to collaborate with other units within Student Success, as well as other colleges and departments throughout É«ÀÇÉçÇø.

Do you ever visit campus for fun? If so, what do you like to do here?

Yes! I like to partake in all Homecoming activities and attend concerts, events and performances presented by the College of Performing Arts.

RU the type of person who would high five the É«ÀÇÉçÇø mascot?​

Yes!!!