I’m finding, as graduation approaches, that there are no breaks for college seniors. I’m currently juggling classes, commuting and working at JFK Airport as a security coordinator; a position I landed after making a connection at Vaughn College’s career fair. It’s a busy year, but it’s exciting.
At JFK, I’m responsible for many different projects and tasks revolving around the aviation industry. In addition, I work on weekly car audits, and ensure parking safety in specific lots. I also grant security access in different areas of the terminal. Lastly, I cover the signing approvals of escort forms for visitors such as construction workers and other companies contracted by the airport. This job has given me the opportunity to view aviation on a whole new level, and to experience airport management firsthand, bringing my classes at Vaughn to life in a really valuable way.
Getting this job was not simple. I knew I had to stand out as an applicant to land this internship. There were many other people applying for the position, including several other Vaughn students. I was confident with my application, because of the great resources available through Vaughn. I consulted with the office of career services when I was compiling my resume and scheduled mock interviews to help build my confidence. When my JFK interview arrived I presented myself well, had a great resume, and gave a memorable interview. Sure enough, they called me back, and I started my paid internship immediately.
When one door closes, another one opens. Graduation is approaching, and the rest of my life is about to begin. I’m so thankful for the experiences and connections I’ve made with the help of Vaughn College. I know this job is the start of an exciting career.
This semester I had the opportunity to attend the Leadership Academy retreat at Frost Valley YMCA with other Vaughn students. In this program, 20 students are chosen to spend a weekend away, learning and developing our leadership skills. We participated in group and trust exercises to build morale and learn more about each other. What I really liked about this program is that it brings together so many people that may not have connected on campus otherwise. I developed great friendships while learning the importance of networking, decision making, problem solving, a positive attitude and self-motivation. Now we attend different workshops where the College brings inspeakers from diverse backgrounds in aviation, management and engineering. Because of the friendships I made in this trip, I attended a career fair in Tennessee with four other students from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). I met with so many companies and was able to talk with them and apply for internships and jobs. I will also be attending two more professional association conferences sponsored by Vaughn later this month. I encourage students to apply for this program the Leadership Academy because it’s one of the many things I love about Vaughn: They want students to develop as people, as well as in our academics so we can be ready for that dream job after graduation.