#careerbootcamp

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Takin notes and drawin folks (@mfayad95 + @madhu_az ) at #careerbootcamp #adobe

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Winding career path prompts new grad to engage

Laura Bruaw ’19 may have had a windy road to her first professional position, but the lessons were valuable and she wanted to help others navigate their path.

“I had a major in every college at BU when I was there,” laughed Bruaw. “I finished the degree in the last two years of school.”

As an Honors student, Bruaw was tasked with an independent research project early on in her academic experience, and it was with that project she came upon her first curve in the road. Although she was a secondary education/English major, her interests for the project drew her to computer science and Bruaw chose to examine the reaches of instructional technology for adult ESL learners.  She switched her major to computer science shortly thereafter.

“I was just trying to tie in all of the interests I had at every point I was in school,” explained Bruaw. “I realized I didn’t want to be a teacher pretty quickly, and I was at a loss for what to do.”

After another two semesters in technology courses, Bruaw was still unsure.  A faculty member noticed her anxiety and offered to help her sort it out.  

“My professor simply asked me what I wanted to get out of life and my profession,” Bruaw recalled. “He reassured me and gave me some options that fit my goals.”

Bruaw took the advice and enrolled in some business classes to see how she liked them, even though a business degree wasn’t something she had ever considered. An idea began to take hold — maybe the major one declared was less important than the professional goals one had. She made her second switch to information technology management the following semester and hasn’t looked back. When it came time, Bruaw applied to no less than 15 internships, and was selected to join the team at PPL Utilities for the summer.

“I knew the internship was a good fit with my ITM major, because that’s exactly what they teach you to do in that major at Bloom,” Bruaw said.

Bruaw completed the internship and was hired by PPL Utilities this spring as an associate technology translator. She describes her work as a type business analyst; working with the business side of an organization for solutions to building and technological requirements. And while she realizes the value of her experiences now, Bruaw said not finalizing her major until her junior year was “definitely nerve-wracking.”

“There was so much uncertainly about what I wanted to do,” Bruaw explained. “What I realized eventually was that there is so much flexibility between the degree you get and the jobs you can work. I still draw from my other majors and experiences.”

What Bruaw learned was that it was too easy to discount a potential job that doesn’t have one’s particular major or background listed in the description, but it is worth examining the skills required, such as public speaking or research, or information analysis. She said so many people make the mistake of narrowing their employment options to fit their major.

“Everything goes a lot deeper than major,” said Bruaw. “I’ve learned that if I have the skill set they need and an interest in this field, I can apply my skill set to that field.”  

Many times, those skill sets depend on experience, and Bruaw is eager to help others who are now in the same place she was not more than a year ago. She hadn’t received her degree more than a month when she volunteered for the first time on a webinar panel about making the most out of an internship. Her advice to students was to get everything possible out of the experience, whether it was positive or not.

“I definitely could pull from my own experience into it,” said Bruaw. “You can learn so much and take a lot of important information away that you don’t think about, like the culture of the organization.”

“As a young alum and someone who was a participant and intern, it’s important that she can talk about her experiences in a real way,” explained Professional Development Manager Lauren Kross-Polinski.  “Her experience really spoke to the importance of an internship to make a good impression and demonstrating your ability to work within that organization, and it was inspiring for students to see someone who was in their shoes just last summer and is now getting ready to start a position at the same organization.”

Bruaw also encourages students to take advantages of all the professional resources available through the Department of Alumni and Professional Engagement. She said that programs like ZIPD and Career Intensive Boot Camp were instrumental in teaching her how to be comfortable in professional situations and think on her feet. She has a co-presenter role at the boot camp this fall, with PPL Corporate Talent Manager, Brian Case.

“I always encourage people to do anything, whether it’s the three-day boot camp or a webinar,” explained Bruaw. “I got a lot out of meeting younger alumni and talking to people at [the Career Intensive] boot camp, so I thought if I had a chance to do that I would.”

Bruaw stresses the important role BU alumni played in getting her ready for the professional world.

“You can read about resume and interview tips all you want, but to be able to actually sit down and do it real time with someone who is there to help you is so invaluable,” explained Bruaw. “Alumni have been in your shoes and they became successful, so it reassures you that you can too.”

   — Andrea O’Neill, communications coordinator for Alumni and Professional Engagement

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Professional U connections making the difference

While Nathan Reynolds had known since high school that he wanted to help people, he wasn’t exactly sure how. Inspired by his mother, who is an RN, Reynolds originally began as a biology major, but then focused on the health care field with the goal of becoming a physician’s assistant. 

Faculty guidance and professional interactions through a freshman seminar class, however, made Reynolds rethink his trajectory.

“My instructor emphasized what we needed to consider before we went any further and by the end, I didn’t see myself in that career anymore,” said Reynolds, a health sciences pre-physical therapy major.

Reynolds was encouraged to attend workshops from speakers in the field where he learned about day-to-day interaction with patients, and was inspired to draw on his own experience as a student athlete.

“I love anatomy and physiology, and I wanted to be in a field where I would have fun while helping people, so I started looking at other options and stumbled across physical therapy,” Reynolds said. “It just seemed more my style. I’m more relaxed individual, and that’s crucial for those working on their physical mobility.”

To get an even better feel for the industry, Reynolds participated in a Husky Career Road Trip hosted by two BU alums who work in the exercise science field in Philadelphia. This summer, Reynolds will log nearly 40 job shadowing hours at various types of in and outpatient facilities as he prepares to secure an internship and apply to grad school.  

“My experience has been great,” Reynolds said. “I keep learning new treatments and techniques.”

In order to gain even more of an edge, Reynolds attended the Career Intensive Boot Camp his junior year

“Participating in the CIBC gave me a glimpse into some of the professionalism I thought I was ready for,” Reynolds said. “It opened my eyes to the fact I need to work on becoming confident and more articulate.”

Being able to engage with alumni and those who are professionals now and being able to ask questions really helped me gauge how serious you need to be about the profession you are going into and not limit yourself.  There’s growth in everything.

Reynolds also learned to draw upon his experience as a CA; one that he says has developed his leadership skills and he has found is closely related to his career choice.

“Being a CA requires you to build a relationship with others, make sure they’re safe, and set an example; and if you do that as a CA, you can do that in health care,” Reynolds said. “People need to be able to trust you that you will help them. There are certain things you do, not because the job requires it, but because doing them makes you a good CA”

Reynolds says that even if one feels they know what to expect from their chosen career, research is essential to fully understanding the day-to-day experience of that profession.

“You can say you love something, but if you don’t immerse yourself in it you will be unprepared,” Reynolds said.  “I’m just now figuring that out, and I’ve been Pre PT since I was a freshman. I didn’t make those connections with people in the field, and I should have.”

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From student to professional

Nearly 100 alumni and students, organizational partners, faculty and staff joined this spring for Bloomsburg University’s Career Intensive Boot Camp, a weekend of professional development for seniors, juniors, and recent graduates to learn how to leverage their skills and experience to not only get a job, but to be successful in transition from student to professional.

During the boot camp, students participated in more than 20 unique sessions, covering topics such as Compensation Considerations, Debunking the “Career Path” Myth, The Shocking Truth of Getting Hired, Making Connections on LinkedIn, Mock Interviews, and Instructor-led Etiquette Dinner.

For Nathan Reynolds, a junior pre-physical therapy major, participating in the boot camp gave him “the convenient ability to meet and network with other students currently on-campus, professionals, and BU alumni.” He said that learning about financial matters, resume-building and interviewing skills, as well as proper etiquette during a professional meal were the most beneficial aspects of the weekend.

“The [panel] that stood out to me the most was speed and group interviews. After hearing feedback, I feel confident knowing I do bring value and should be confident and proud of my accomplishments,” said Elena Hernandez Sixtos, a senior Applied Science: Technical Leadership major.

Bloomsburg University holds boot camps during the fall and spring semesters each year at the Greenly Center in downtown Bloomsburg. This Professional U activity is organized and hosted by the Office of Alumni and Professional Engagement, coordinated by the Center for Professional Development and Career Experience.

  — Kelsey Weaver, mass communications major

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Making the transition from student to professional

Cole Kresch ’16, an environmental planning graduate, came to Bloomsburg University interested in the sciences and left as an entrepreneur.

Kresch originally enrolled at BU as a biology major but quickly changed to environmental planning once he realized he could meld his interest in digital media with his love of science and the environment. Having grown up around campus and the town of Bloomsburg, Kresch’s choice for BU was second nature.

“It just felt right to be here” explained Kresch.

As a junior, Kresch spent a summer as a media intern at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station where he and a student from the University of Florida captured images of the surrounding area and K-12 education programs for web and social media. Some of Kresch’s photos were later used in print brochures and other promotional publications.  

As he approached his senior year, Kresch prepared for his professional life by adding a few business electives and filling holes in his portfolio. It was this effort that led him to the Career Intensive Boot Camp (CIBC) as a student volunteer; capturing headshots of participants and attending a few of the workshops.  Environmental media was where Kresch was heading, and he felt good about his path.

But that path suddenly curved in a way he never saw coming.

Not long after CIBC, Kresch was asked to photograph several weddings. He was familiar with the wedding industry through his dad, who has 39 years of experience owning his own DJ service. Kresch was inspired. The clients were pleased. It was then that the possibility of being an entrepreneur like his dad became more of a reality in Kresch’s mind.

CNK Photography was born.

“I had maybe three to four weddings under my belt andI started to fall in love with it and that’s when things took a turn for the better,”explains Kresch. “I booked a few more weddings and then it took off. Now, I can’t see myself doing anything else.”

Three years later, Kresch returned to Boot Camp; this time as an alumni volunteer, speaking to students as part of the Life After BU: Making the Transition from Student to Professional Young Alumni Panel. For him, CIBC is a greatplace for BU alums to give back to their alma mater.  

“Bloomsburg was a life changer for me and it is an awesome feeling to give back to who gave to you,” said Kresch. “There are students now who are in the same boatwe were all in at one time.. ”If you  can speak to something they need, whether you’re offering an ear or a job, it’s to their advantage.”

Kresch wants students to know that if they have the right skills and provide the right service, being an entrepreneur is worth exploring.  

“I volunteered for Boot Camp to reach those who have the same drive as I did, but aren’t sure what to do next,” says Kresch. “Owning your own business is a lot of work and a lot of fun and it definitely pays off.”There are people out there who don’t realize how their goods and services tie into the local community.”

Kresch cautions current students and new grads not to under estimate the BU alumni network, especially when reaching out to potential employers or clients. 

For example, Andrew Turnure ’16, a fellow panelist at CIBC and owner-operator of Turnure Media, is a close colleague of Kresch, providing videography services as part of a joint package for clients. Kresch and Turnure met as juniors in a media intro class and became close colleagues after graduation.

“Our alumni base is much bigger than students think and they don’t take enough advantage of it.” said Kresch. “BU alumni are countrywide which is really cool. You’re almost guaranteed to find a BU alum when you apply to a job. I looked to a lot of alumni when I was graduating, and I had no idea what I was doing. To guide these students in the right directions is an awesome feeling.”

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Women’s History Month Young Alumna Profile

Lucelis Ortega ’18, Marketing

Ortega works for Travelers Insurance as an inside auto claims professional. Her responsibilities include investigating and analyzing the necessary facts to determine coverage and causation of the auto accident and help customers through the repair process all while delivering consistent customer service. 

Lucelis is a 2018 Bloomsburg University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a concentration in emergent media. She was very involved on campus as a student serving as the event planner for the American Marketing Association; was a marketing intern for the office of sports information and marketing; was a member of the Speech and Debate Team, a Phi Sigma Pi Honors Fraternity member, and a Her Campus member. Lucelis was also a Board of Governor's mentor, a volunteer in the Multicultural Center, and worked in the Women’s Resource Center.

How did you get into working at Traveler’s Insurance?

I initiallymet my current boss at the Bloomsburg ZIPD conference and obtained his business card. I set up a meeting to go to and the office and during the visit, I spoke with a couple of managers and some recent Bloomsburg grads. After talking with everyone and receiving a tour of the office, I immediately felt like I belonged. I applied the day after, and the rest is history.

What do you love about your job?

I truly love the environment and how amazing all my bosses and coworkers are. In any job, there will be stressful days but every day they make coming into work fun and worth it. I also love all the opportunities I receive to grow as a professional. I am incredibly proud to work for a company that cares so much about their employees.

Who have been your female role models?

Throughout my college experience, I’ve had three main role models, my mom; Albra Wheeler, the Women’s Resource Center coordinator; and Denise Chaytor-Zugarek, the retention specialist in TRiO. These three are by far the strongest women I have ever known and could not have been as successful as I am without them. I could never thank them enough.

What advice do you have for young females going out looking for that first job?

I would say to be fearless. We often get very discouraged and shy especially when networking but using your voice is essential in getting what you want. You have all the power to make yourself successful.

If you could go back in time, what advicewould current Lucelis give to undergrad Lucelis or just after graduation Lucelis?

I would tell myself to slow down, enjoy the moment, and everything will fall into place. I was always so worried about not finding a job or not being successful that I did not take the time to enjoy my last few months in college.

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

I love the fact that every day is different, it is fast paced and I am never bored. I also really love the feeling I get knowing I made a difficult process for a customer much less stressful.

Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?

In five years I see myself working as an account manager, hopefully for Travelers insurance. I would love to meet new people as well as help organize and create strategic plans to better the business. I can’t say what life has in store for me in 10 years. Ihaven’t thought about it that far butI hope that I am happy and healthy.

What motivated you to want to come back for Boot Camp?

I wanted to be able to help students develop their professionalism as well as calm their anxieties and worries about life after graduation. I know how scary it can be and how refreshing it is to see someone that was in their exact position a year ago letting them know that everything will be okay.

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Career ready ✔️👔👠💼 #ProfessionalU #HuskyUnleashed #CareerBootCamp (at The Greenly Center) https://www.instagram.com/bloomsburgu/p/BujdD_3Hlfb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1qje3t0unacfu

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Never too early to get career ready! 

A key initiative of Bloomsburg University’s Professional U is to help students of all majors feel better prepared when it comes to having the necessary tools to acquiring a job after college.

Professional U is holding a three-day Career Intensive Boot Camp from Friday, Sept. 14, to Sunday, Sept. 16, at the Greenly Center, downtown Bloomsburg. This program strives to prepare students for what they will face in the job search process.

During the boot camp, students will network with BU alumni and potential employers. Students will also participate in one-on-one resume reviews and have two mock interview sessions. There will also be panel discussions about job searches and workplace relationships.

The keynote speaker for the weekend will be Amy Brayford, vice president, chief human resource officer and chief of staff to the president and CEO for Geisinger Health System. Brayford oversees the entire Human Resources operation for Geisinger, which includes more than 30,000 employees. Brayford is a graduate of Bloomsburg University and Ithaca College.

Students who register by Friday, Aug. 31 are automatically entered in a chance to win a $20 gift card to the University Store.

Registration covers all meals, including a four-course etiquette dinner, all materials, including a workbook and leather bound portfolio, access to a BOLT course, professional headshots, and a certificate of completion.

  — Dallas Kriebel, mass communications major