Spring Career Development Series
In April, we hosted a series of impactful workshops and a dynamic Q&A panel designed to empower and guide professionals on their career journeys. From mastering online job search tools to understanding job offers and benefits, our events provided attendees with practical insights and inspiration. Here’s a recap of the enriching sessions that took place.
Navigating Online Databases to Search for Internships, Fellowships, and Jobs
Monique Michel, a versatile professional with experience across multiple industries, shared priceless insights and practical tips that left attendees inspired and ready to conquer the professional world. Her journey from intern to full-time professional at Veritas is a true testament to her passion for empowering students to reach their full potential. Over the last two years, she has been dedicated to supporting interns and recent graduates, and her dynamic personality made the session not only informative but also incredibly fun. Participants walked away with the knowledge and confidence to navigate online databases and propel their careers forward. Participants left with a clear understanding of how to effectively use online databases to advance their career goals.
How Did You Land Your Job?
This Career Explorations and Discovery series featured an engaging Q&A panel with three distinguished professionals who shared their career journeys and advice.
Kaela Quinto, a Talent Development Coordinator at Stanford University, captivated the audience with her story. As a first-generation college student, Kaela graduated early from Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business while working full-time. Her career spans healthcare, non-profits, and internships at tech giants like Cisco Systems and Palo Alto Networks. Kaela's advocacy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, particularly through her work with Stanford's DEI Committee and JEDI Collective, resonated deeply with attendees.
Martín Ricardo Cisneros, known as the "Tech Maestro," brought over 30 years of experience in education to the panel. As an Education Evangelist at Adobe, Martín has been a pioneer in blending traditional and modern educational practices. His innovative approaches and passion for technology and education have made him a sought-after speaker, and his insights into next-gen educational strategies were highly appreciated.
We were also honored to have Alex Haro, a Sr. Technical Sourcer at Amazon Web Services, on the panel. Raised in Watsonville, California, by farm-working parents, Alex's story is one of resilience and determination. Despite the challenges of his upbringing, Alex pursued higher education and completed an M.A. in Communication from San Jose State University. His commitment to supporting First-Generation professionals and promoting social equity inspired many in the audience.
Comprehending a Job Offer Letter & Benefits Package
Miranda Cortez led an insightful workshop on understanding job offer letters and benefits packages. Miranda, the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, shared her experiences of overcoming systemic barriers faced by people of color. Her career began in the classroom, pairing students with mentors who better represented them, and this passion for challenging inequitable hiring practices led her to a fellowship with Saga Education in New York City and later to their national recruitment team.
Miranda’s session was both educational and empowering. She provided attendees with a thorough understanding of how to navigate job offer letters and benefits packages, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their career opportunities. Her dedication to advocating for underestimated candidates and her current pursuit of a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University added depth to her presentation.
Participants also enjoyed hearing about Miranda’s personal interests, including her love for farmers markets, paddleboarding, and spending time with her partner and their pug, Harlem.
Conclusion
These events were not only inspiring but also educational, offering unique perspectives and practical advice for career development. Attendees left with a wealth of knowledge and a renewed sense of motivation to pursue their career goals. We look forward to hosting more such events in the future, continuing to provide valuable resources and support for our community.