We asked W. P. Carey Alumni: What is one activity you engaged in while you were a student that was fundamental to prepare for a professional career?
Here is what they had to say:
- Build and Develop Your Network
- Get Involved and Continually Update Your Profile
- Play Intramural Sports
- Gain Real-World Experience and Connect with Mentors
Build and Develop Your Network
Connecting with people in the industry and organizations I was targeting was essential to get a better understanding and knowledge of the skills required and the expectations for students looking to get into those types of roles.
Maintaining and continuing to develop those relationships is also important. Networking is not transactional, it is about building meaningful relationships where there is mutual support. Most probably at the early stages of your career you’ll receive more than what you give but be sure to always put yourself out there and support in any way you can. In the future once you become more experienced, you’ll then pay it forward!
Jose Cerecedo Lopez, MBA ‘20, Ph.D. Candidate & Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, The University of Texas at San Antonio
Get Involved and Continually Update Your Profile
Meet as many people as you can and connect digitally. I was part of many organizations, held leadership roles, enjoyed volunteering opportunities, contributed during internships, participated in campus projects, went to career fairs, and attended professional and alumni networking events (even though I hadn’t graduated yet).
This will help build your soft skills, awareness of professional routes, and build a network for you. I recommend you continually document what you learn and update your LinkedIn profile every semester. You will see how the world is a small place and how supportive this community can be both in-person and digitally!
Krystal Aguilar, BS Marketing and Certificate in International Business ‘13, Marketing Automation and Strategic Services Account Executive, North America, NATEEVO
Play Intramural Sports
While academics, specialty majors & classes are typically preparing you for a professional career, one activity that shouldn’t be ignored is intramural sports.
The connections and relationships that I was able to cultivate while playing intramural sports carried over into my professional career as well.
Always be trying to build relationships and meet new people because they may provide the skill sets or connections to help boost your professional development while in college.
Daniel Johnston, BA Business Communication ‘14, Enterprise Account Manager, Google Cloud
Gain Real-World Experience and Connect with Mentors
My experience as an unpaid intern was invaluable and is something I would love to see universities add to their graduation requirements. Being able to bring together academic studies with real-world experience allowed me to get a step ahead when I graduated and began my career. The internship allowed me to have a unique understanding of the professional environment, expectations throughout departments, and also gave me a chance to learn from those on the job.
Equally as important throughout my career has been the relationship I’ve had with mentors. I’ve had mentors for nearly 25 years who have greatly influenced my path and have turned into lifelong friends. I strongly recommend students connect with potential mentors early on and embrace all they have to offer.
Josh Schimmels, MBA, MBA ‘06 and BA Broadcasting ‘98, CEO and Publisher, Los Angeles Business Journal
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