Career Prep

Transcript

Next we turn to Amitoj. She’s double majoring in political science and emerging technology in business and design. And she has an interesting story about how an advisor in Miami University’s Career Center helped her land an internship at a major company. Take it away Amitoj.

– Hi everyone. My favorite part of my Miami journey thus far has been the mentorship and opportunities I’ve been able to receive. My two mentors on campus are Dr. Christina Carrubba-Whetstine. the director of the Rinella Learning Center and Mr. Michael Turner, my career advisor at Miami’s Career Center. Being a woman of color, a first-generation American and a first-generation college student means that there’s a lot of imposter syndrome in my life. But through my relationship with these two phenomenal individuals, I am able to rise above that and realize every day that I can do anything I set my mind to. Through the support of Christina, I was able to co-found Miami University’s Women of Color And Excellence Group. Starting a completely new organization amidst a global pandemic is pretty challenging, but being able to know when to step up as a leader and more importantly, knowing when to step back and allow others to shine has set a precedent for leadership and advocacy for the rest of my life. Being empowered is great, but being able to empower others is phenomenal. Speaking of my career, I recently interned for Dominion Energy and I have one person to thank for this, Mr. Michael Turner. One day, just a few hours before Dominion Energy’s application for their diversity and energy conference was due, Mr. Turner sent me an email encouraging me to apply. I thought this was pretty weird. I had never saw myself as a fit for corporate America, but I applied nonetheless because of how well Mr. Turner knew me. After attending this conference, I fell in love with Dominion Energy and learned how to market myself as a professional and ended up scoring a public policy internship with Dominion Energy. And I’m already getting recruited by a top four company for next summer. None of this would have been possible without my mentors here at Miami University who believed in me from day one that I could be in rooms that I never imagined I could be. Miami University has taught me not only to love and honor others, but to love and honor myself. And this is why I’m forever grateful to be a Red Hawk. Now, back to you Alex.

– Great job Amitoj. Your stories prove how mentorship can make all the difference in the world. And at Miami they obviously work to ensure that students from all majors get the same level of career preparation. We can’t wait to see what you do next Amitoj. You’re an inspiration to first-generation students everywhere. Thanks again for that.