Career Center

Michelle Anderson

Career Path: Four Years in the Making

Looking back over the past four years, I never thought the final days at Gustavus would actually be here. Finding a job and finishing my college career has been a blessing, but the path to it wasn't easy.

When I first came to Gustavus, I had ideas of what I wanted to do, perhaps pursue nursing or something in the biology field, but in no way was I ready to commit to a specific major or career.

The biology and science courses were interesting but I figured out along the way that working with people was what I really liked about nursing.

After taking classes in many disciplines, I found myself drawn to those in economics management. I also spent a lot of time in the career center reading, talking, and reflecting about alternative career paths. I also took the Strong Interest Inventory at the career center affirming my interests in business rather than biology. After this process, I felt confident declaring my major as business management.

As a junior I played sports but I knew I also needed to gain internship and volunteer experience. I went back to the Career Center where they helped me set up a career exploration in international sales. Additionally, I offered to help plan and market the "Working for Change" social justice conference and then used the Career Center resources to find a marketing internship for the summer. Additionally, I became the Public Relations coordinator for the largest volunteer program on campus: Big Partner Little Partner program offered through the Community Service Center.

In the beginning of my senior year, I scheduled interviews via G-Net, attended job fairs and informational sessions sponsored by the Career Center. After attending an on-campus informational session for Stockamp & Associates, I submitted my resume and a cover letter. A week later I was contacted by the company for an interview. Using materials from the Career Center, I made it through three rounds of interviews, and was offered a job as an associate consultant for Stockamp, and will be located in Minneapolis and traveling throughout the country.

All in all, the one piece of advice I would offer would be this:

Use the Career Center frequently for all the opportunities and resources they offer. It has been a huge help, and I am truly thankful.

In hindsight, Gustavus was the right choice for me, and the opportunities it has to offer have been what truly allowed me to develop into the person I am and has given me the opportunities to succeed.