How did you get your current job, and what kind of work do you do in your role?
My current role is a project manager for the commercial real estate industry. I got into this position from networking, and building connections within the industry. In this new complex role, I over see multiple key accounts for my company. Leading teams, manage processes, and overseeing processes to ensure operational excellence. Also nurturing and building strong customer relationships.
How did your Applied Humanities major coursework help prepare you or give you unique insight for the “real world” of work?
My applied humanities major set me up for success in my industry and career journey. By learning how to network, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and be willing to try new things. By attending career fairs, getting to connect with experienced professionals in the classes it really gave me insight into what career life can be like. Learning different styles of communication, and knowing your skill set and how to use them to your benefit were all just a few things the applied humanities major taught me. I would not be where I am today, without all the beneficial hands on learning experiences I had.
What is a benefit you see now in studying your area of emphasis and the Applied Humanities?
The area of emphasis I studied was Fashion Studies. Which has always been a passion and interest of mine. My particular role today does not involve too much of fashion. But it is a part of my everyday life. Being able to style myself for events, office days, and having the information I learned from my emphasis is something I carry with myself daily.
What advice would you give to Applied Humanities students as they approach graduation?
A piece of advice I can give to any Applied Humanities student approaching graduation would be to soak up every minute, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone because it will always have an amazing outcome. At first some things can seem scary, or awkward but once you go through that first step it’s beyond rewarding, and remember everyone was once in your shoes, trying something for the first time.
With hindsight, what do you appreciate about your Applied Humanities education?
From my Applied Humanities education journey I appreciated having amazing professors who were passionate, and wanted to see you succeed. Having people in your corner supporting you makes a huge difference, and encourages you to do the best that you can in every way. The transferable skills, I have taken away from this major are things I use everyday and continue to grow on. This major sets you up for the post grad life, and stepping into your career journey, and I am forever grateful I got to be apart of it.
