#seniorspotlight

[ocsharvard]

Where will you be next year? Seattle, WA

What will you be doing? Working as a software engineer at Microsoft

What advice would you give Harvard undergraduates? Let people know your passions and interests. I got my first software engineering internship because someone I worked with in a student organization knew I was interested in trying my hand at software engineering, so she chose to be my champion and guide me through the internship application process. 

[buafricanstudies]

    When I arrived at Kilachand Hall to begin my freshmen year, I was lost. I graduated from a high school with about 70 seniors and had arrived at a university with over 30,000 students. After several days of unpacking and beginning classes, I still felt unsettled. Then one morning I heard some familiar beats out on Nickerson Field that reminded me of home. Lo and behold, I had stumbled upon the African Students Association (ASO) table at SPLASH. ASO quickly became my new home. Afrithms, ASO’s dance team, was my creative outlet; it gave me the opportunity to confidently express myself and share my rich culture. ASO also connected me with mentors that have supported me every step of the way.

    Through ASO, I spent a lot of time at the African Studies Center (ASC) and had access to the abundance of resources that the center provides. Now as an ASC Office Assistant, I work to ensure that students continue to benefit from all of the opportunities and resources. Any student can enroll in one of the ten African languages offered at the Center and study abroad in Africa using their language. As a student born in Ibadan, Nigeria, it is great to witness the interest others have in my Motherland. It has really been a privilege to connect people with ways to learn about and experience the different countries and people in Africa.

    Moving forward, I hope to always find new ways to connect to my heritage and share it with others. I will be graduating from the Questrom School of Business this May, and my goal after graduation is to enter into a role where I can continue to discover myself and connect people with better opportunities and business solutions.  I recently saw a post that said “happiness is created not found” and I have adopted it as my mantra. It may take some time to find exactly where I want to be, but regardless, it is important to find outlets in which I can pursue my passions and simply create happiness.

- Victoria Olakojo, Questrom ‘17

[joel8x]

My daughter @macnienstedt actually asked for me to take her photo today! She was selected for a #seniorspotlight feature at @collegeofcharleston & needed a #headshot ❤️❤️❤️ Her buddy @em.c0 came for moral support & of course left with some new photos 📷 (at JWNPhoto) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbquDkcL44X/?utm_medium=tumblr

[ocsharvard]

Where are you located now?

Greenwich, CT

What are you doing?

I'll be joining Ogilvy's associate program in NYC.

What advice do you have for Harvard undergraduates, now that you’ve graduated?

Don't stress if you don't have a job until the spring. Good things come to those who are patient and persistent. Sometimes you have to submit many, many, many applications to get an interview, but if you stay optimistic, it will happen!

[ocsharvard]

Where are you located now?

Washington, D.C.

What are you doing?

Working as a Staff Assistant at the White House Presidential Personnel Office.

What advice do you have for Harvard undergraduates, now that you’ve graduated?

Harvard, for me, has become less of a place and more of a community. The relationships you foster can and will truly stay with you forever. As much as you can, be open to meeting new friends, engaging with your classmates, and reaching out to grad students, professors, and alumni that might share the same interests as you! You might just find your future best friend, mentor, or advisor — and at the very least, you can share a great conversation!

[ocsharvard]

Where are you located now?

Louisville, Kentucky

What are you doing?

I will be working at PMG Digital Media Agency in their Graduate Leadership Program in Dallas, Texas.

What advice do you have for Harvard undergraduates, now that you've graduated?

The best advice I received while at Harvard was to follow your own passions even if they go against the grain of what a Harvard student is "supposed" to do.

[ocsharvard]

Where are you located now?

New York City

What are you doing?

I will be interning with the World Resources Institute and then working for ICF Consulting.

What advice do you have for Harvard undergraduates, now that you've graduated?

Do what YOU want to do! Don't do what you think you are supposed to do. You only get one life, so don't waste it!

[ocsharvard]

Where are you located now?

New York, NY

What are you doing?

I am working as an Associate at the Boston Consulting Group.

What advice do you have for Harvard undergraduates, now that you've graduated?

I switched my concentration four times before finally having the courage to pursue the area of study I really loved, and when I did, I never looked back. I would really encourage all undergrads to be honest with themselves about what they like to study -- and to have the courage to pursue it, because this will be your only chance to do so at such an amazing institution!