Kenneth Morales
The journey through college can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to planning for the future. That is why Marlin Hernandez, an academic advisor for the Humanities and the Arts, leads an initiative to help students plan their professional careers one step at a time. Her College Life Workshops offer an engaging space for students to get to know their campus resources, as well as gain insights from professionals that will assist them in shaping their college experience in a supportive and interactive environment.
The College Life Workshops support college students by addressing both personal and professional challenges. The Financial Literacy Seminar empowers students to take control of their finances, covering essentials like credit scores, budgeting techniques, and managing student loans. Meanwhile, the Stress Management for Finals workshop provides strategies to manage stress effectively during high-pressure times. For career preparation, the Jobs vs. Careers Seminar distinguishes between short-term jobs and long-term career paths, offering guidance for each. For those nearing graduation, the Life After College Focus Group offers support in marketing their degrees, exploring job opportunities, and considering further education. These sessions together are designed to fortify students' skills, mindset, and confidence as they navigate college and prepare for life afterward.
“It’s helpful to apply to many scholarships and not wait until the last minute to apply for jobs”, said a student after attending the workshop: Networking & Mapping Your Way to Career Advancement (Internships). At the workshop Hernandez explained the many opportunities that are open to students that will help them gain the skills and experience employers seek out. Students can find a plethora of opportunities on the Division of Humanities and the Arts resource page. Hernandez works in cooperation with the Career & Professional Development Institute to provide students with a diverse amount of internship opportunities that give them a successful start to their career paths.
The College Life Workshops go beyond academic skills: they aim to create an inclusive college experience that supports students throughout their academic and professional journeys. As one student shared, “The workshops helped me understand how to plan now instead of later for my future.” These workshops are held twice a month; to reserve a spot in taking the next step to shape their future, students can RSVP through the Humanities and the Arts Workshops page.