International student Abdullah Yasser Ali ’19 is pursuing his dreams in the United States as a senior at Vaughn College as a mechatronic engineering major.
Coming to America
In 2015, Ali moved to the United States from Egypt to pursue his college career. After applying to several colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and Germany, Ali selected Vaughn as his college of choice.
“I was drawn to Vaughn for the college’s mechatronic engineering program,” Ali said. “The curriculum and small campus community was the perfect fit for me. After leaving my family behind in Egypt, it was comforting to find a home at Vaughn.”
Family ties
Growing up in Egypt, Ali said spending time with his father was a driving force to feed his passion for engineering. “My father is a mechanical engineer and a car enthusiast,” said Ali. “I recall using his tools and helping him work on cars. He always encouraged me to work with my hands and do my best. Looking back, I realize my passions are just like my dad’s.” Leaving home was not easy for Ali. At first, his mother was not pleased about the idea but as time went on her acceptance and approval made adjusting easier. “Having my mother’s approval meant the world to me,” Ali said. “It showed me a level of trust in my decision to further my education and that she realized I was mature enough to make the move.”
Finding a home at Vaughn
Ali embraced his move to New York and had no problem fitting in to the Vaughn campus community. In his freshmen year, he joined the soccer team and made friends right away. By his second year, he was appointed captain of the team, a role he still holds today. Soon after, Ali was chosen by one of his professors to be a “student instructor” to tutor students in chemistry. “I was honored when my professor approached me with this position,” Ali said humbly. “I love helping my fellow students. It’s a great feeling knowing I can relate to them on a different level and contribute to their success.”
In 2017, Ali expanded his scope of activities on campus and joined the team in the admissions office. There, he began planning and organizing open house events among other responsibilities. “Open house is always a fun event and a great way to meet prospective students,” Ali said. “I’m proud to be a part of the admissions department,” Ali stated. “I remember what it was like when I came to Vaughn, so I can relate to prospective students and enjoy answering their questions.”
Over the summer, Ali joined the UAV club at Vaughn. “Being part of the UAV club, is an incredible experience” Ali said excitedly. “Drones are and will be a big part of our future including offering new career opportunities. Being a Vaughn student gives me a competitive and well-rounded edge to learn and get hands-on-experience relating to all aspects in my field- even drone technology.”
Looking to the future
Feeding his passion for cars, Ali said he hopes to apply his knowledge at from Vaughn and pursue a career in the automotive industry. “My plans are to remain in the United States,” Ali stated. “I believe there are better job opportunities here and more potential to find for a job in my field of study. I’m excited to graduate next year but I will always keep a piece of Vaughn with me to remind me of what it took to get me where I am today.”
See Ali at the Vaughn Open House
This year marks Ali’s third open house. “Open house is one of the highlights of the year,” said Ali. “I enjoy meeting perspective students and offering my first-hand college experience. It’s a great feeling to know that I may have been instrumental in guiding someone to apply and become a Vaughn student.”
Vaughn’s fall Open House is scheduled for Saturday, November 10 and Saturday, November 17 between 10am and 2pm. It’s a fun and informative day where interested students along with their families can meet with faculty and staff to ask questions and tour the campus. Register today.
What do Spotify, Pandora, iTunes and YouTube all have in common? If you said they’re some of your favorite go-to sights to hear your favorite music, then you may want to tune in more often. Did you know that studying to the right kind of music can make you feel less stressed, more focused and dare we say it, smarter? It’s true.
Let’s face it, no one likes to study. But how cool is it that music can be just what you need to get through the books easier while making your studying more productive? Pretty cool, right? Want to hear more? Sit back, grab your headphones and learn how studying to the right kind of music may be more than just music to your ears.
Benefits of studying to music
Do you listen to music while you study, or do you prefer total silence? The jury is out on which is better since everyone is different; however, several research studies are proving that listening to the right kind of music can put your mind into study mode.
Here are some of the benefits of tuning in to the right tunes:
Relaxes the mind
Increases concentration
Lessens distractions
Improves focus
Improves performance in high-pressure situations, such as mid-terms and finals week
Best genres to study to
Music is universal, and everyone’s tastes are different. You might be experiencing that right now with a roommate or a group of friends. What soothes one person might drive the other one to pull their hair out. Sound familiar? Since we all have different personalities, music preferences and even study habits you’re probably wondering which type of music is best. We’ve done the homework for you (you’re welcome) with some suggested genres and examples of each that may help put your brain in the right frame of mind. Take a listen.
Classical music—Mind-boosting effect helps with mathematics
Before you dismiss classical music as “not your thing,” it’s worth a try. You’ve most likely heard of Mozart, one of our world’s greatest classical composers, but have you heard of the Mozart Effect? A group of studies found listening to Mozart can cause a temporary “enhancement of spatial temporal reasoning performance,” which means the ability to think through long-term, more abstract solutions to logical problems. In fact, the Mozart Effect has little to do with listening to Mozart and more to do with listening to music that activates a certain part of the brain. Even Albert Einstein was a fan of Mozart!
When it’s crunch time and you’re burning the midnight oil, try listening to Baroque classical music. Composers such as Bach, Vivaldi and Handel are known for their up-beat music composed of 60 beats-per-minute. Studies revealed those who listened to music that played at 60 beats-per-minute showed a dramatic reduction in stress and an increased sense of relaxation It’s become a popular choice when you need to get work done.
Integrates both sides of the brain for more efficient learning
Raises IQ scores
Sounds of nature—Keeps your brain engaged by increasing concentration
Have you ever tried studying in a noisy room? It can be annoying and frustrating to say the least. Calming music Nature sounds such as waterfalls, rain and the seashore, for example, can be extremely effective in masking white noise.
Here are some benefits or studying to the calming music of nature sounds:
Masks voices and white noise which can be distracting
Enhances cognitive functioning
Optimizes concentration
Songs without lyrics—Great choice when reading and writing
The last thing you need is more words in your head when you’re reading your textbooks or writing a paper. Listening to songs without lyrics is a great way to stay focused without distraction.
Brian Eno’s Music for Airports—Chill-out electronic music for serious studying and deep concentration
You may want to crank this up for your next cramming session before your big exam. This album was specifically designed to relax stressed out travelers at airports. It’s also been shown as an effective tool when it’s time for serious studying and deep concentration.
Creating a playlist
It may sound obvious, but research revealed brain function decreases when you listen to music and sounds you don’t enjoy, making it difficult to focus and concentrate. So, be sure to choose music and sounds that make you happy. Here are some tips for creating your playlist:
Create your playlist in advance so you’re not fumbling to find a new song every few minutes.
Keep your playlist to around 40-50 minutes—this is a great reminder to take a study break when it’s over. Plus, it helps you plan your study sessions to meet your concentration level.
Avoid listening to the radio. Dialogue between radio personalities and commercials can be distracting.
Turn it down. Listening to music at a moderate level is best.
With the new semester kicking off, now is the best time to start creating your playlist so it’s ready to go when you need it. Happy listening!
It should come as no surprise that college students experience a lot of stress. Between balancing their courses, studying, commuting, interning and frequently holding down a job on top of it all, pursuing a degree can be a challenge. Fortunately, students at Vaughn College can count on the office of counseling and wellness to help them prioritize both their mental and physical health.
Dr. Dinelly Holder, director of counseling and wellness at Vaughn, weighs in on the many on-campus programs and workshops available to students and how she and the College are committed to keeping them on a positive and healthy emotional track. “My goal at Vaughn is to give our students the support, encouragement and positivity they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
The Office of Counseling and Wellness
Vaughn encourages any student who may be feeling stressed, or just has the need talk to someone, to make an appointment at the office of counseling and wellness. “We want our students to know that we are here for them, no matter how trivial they may think their situation is,” said Dr. Holder. “It’s all about positivity and leaving here with a sense of purpose and a better mindset.”
Positive Programs
Throughout the year, the office of counseling and wellness hosts interactive educational programs and live performances to engage students in some of today’s most prevalent issues, in addition to other wellness-related workshops and events.
Here is a snapshot of these on-campus events:
Fall Semester
“Sex Signals”—This educational program features a live performance with local actors who depict real-life scenarios surrounding inappropriate behavior and sexual advances. The student audience is asked to participate when the situation becomes inappropriate or dangerous. “This program ties in with the ‘see something, say something’ movement,” Dr. Holder explained. “It’s a great way for students to have a voice while learning the importance of rape prevention.”
Drug and Alcohol Workshop—This group workshop is presented by an outside expert who discusses the issues and dangers of drug and alcohol use. Students will gain helpful tips and prevention tactics to lead a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle.
Spring Semester
“Save a Life Tour”—This interactive educational program is designed to show students the hard reality of drinking or texting while driving. Students have the opportunity to sit in a simulator, or “drunk car,” to get an up-close experience of the devastating effects of driving under the influence. To drive the message home even further, students are presented with a graphic video of the harsh reality of what can happen if they take that chance. “Vaughn prides itself on being a drug and alcohol-free campus,” said Dr. Holder. “It’s important to instill the hard-hitting facts of the dangers associated with driving under the influence. This program is just another way Vaughn is committed to keeping its students safe.”
Student Health Fair—This on-campus event features local doctors and vendors who present free products and screenings to students. These include offerings from eye doctors, dentists and organizations that promote safe sex practices.
Year-Long Events
Dr. Holder makes her presence known on campus throughout the year by organizing events where she distributes information on various relevant topics which include healthy relationships, confidence, depression and anxiety, and self-esteem. “It’s important that I make myself as visible as possible,” Dr. Holder said. “I want to make sure the students are reminded that I’m here for them no matter what the issue is.”
Veteran Workshop
Every fall and spring semester, student veterans can work with Vaughn’s veteran liaison to ensure all their government funding is in order, and inquire about other veteran services.
Fitness Center
In addition to the health and wellness workshops, fairs and programs throughout the year, Vaughn also has a state-of-the-art fitness center where students can work out and train year-round. The facility features cardio and weight training machines, and students can take strength and conditioning classes from Ricky McCollum, the director of athletics and head men’s basketball coach.
Words of Positivity
As a licensed clinical psychotherapist, Dr. Holder has more than 15 years of experience in the field. She says today’s students are faced with multiple stressors that can wreak havoc on their mental and physical well-being. “One of the most important things I encourage my students to do is speak positively to themselves,” said Dr. Holder. “There’s only one you. Instilling positivity gives students the boost they need to succeed.”
Whoever said, “there are no guarantees in life,” clearly was not familiar with Vaughn College’s dedication to the success of its students. The College’s impressive track record speaks for itself, with 99 percent of its graduates, 83 percent within their field of study, employed or continuing their education within one year of graduation. It’s all part of Vaughn’s commitment to preparing its students for their careers by providing a futureproof education. The Vaughn Guarantee takes it one step further.
Vaughn Guarantee
Preparation is key, and Vaughn is so confident that its curriculum prepares graduates for employment that it is offering a guarantee to eligible students who meet certain criteria*. Here’s how it works:
If a Vaughn graduate is not employed full-time in their field of study within one year of graduation, and conducting an active job search, Vaughn will:
Provide reimbursement for one year of the graduate’s federal direct undergraduate student loan payments
If a graduate who meets the criteria would prefer to enroll in the master’s program at Vaughn, they can do so without incurring charges for one year in lieu of receiving loan payments
Preparing the way
Ask any student and they will tell you that finding a great internship or finding a job after college is the ultimate goal. At Vaughn, students have the edge to succeed at both goals. The College has set the standard in excellence by enacting a collaborative effort between the students, activities and career services departments to ensure each graduate is prepared and has the resources they need to apply for available positions. Additionally, the faculty and staff are so knowledgeable in the fields of study offered, their special insights and exclusive industry connections may help create a path of success for their students.
Below are some examples of Vaughn students who are working this summer at exciting internships―and one student who landed his dream job.
Samantha Vitez
Vitez ’21 is a 31-year-old second-year mechatronic engineering major whose passion for cars led her from working as a car mechanic to enrolling at Vaughn College. Focused on finding a summer internship, Vitez said she worked with the team at Vaughn’s career services department to streamline and fine-tune her resume. She networked and conducted searches on her own until she ultimately discovered what she calls the “internship of a lifetime.” Vitez applied for a 10-week summer internship at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, to be part of the Project Formulation department, where she’ll be creating a strategy to help engineers migrate to a new suite of tools to use for future space missions. “I was so excited to hear I was selected for the internship position,” Vitez said. “I admit I was a bit intimidated when applying for it, but the team at career services gave me the encouragement and confidence I needed to apply to such a challenging position.”
Vitez has already secured an internship for the next two summers with the Department of Defense, where she will work for the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) in Warren, Michigan. Here, she will work with engineers to develop and design new armored vehicles. She was offered the Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship by the DoD and a two-and-one-half-year full-time position with TARDEC after she graduates in December 2020.
More successful students leading the way
Like Vitez, Vaughn’s career services department helped two other female engineering students find exciting summer internships n their respective fields.
Vaughn seniors Kieri Watson ’19 and Jairo Chauca ’19, both majoring in mechanical engineering technology – aeronautical, will work in project management this summer at Harris Corporation, a defense contractor and information technology services provider, at the company’s Long Island, New York location. Working the business side of the engineering industry, they will be assisting the design team to help streamline the manufacturing process as well as learning how to incorporate the Lean Six Sigma principles.
Other great internships were also available this summer. Jacqueline Oricchio ’21, a mechatronic engineering major was selected by Rolls-Royce to work in Indiana to help support the design team that builds turbines in engines. Her additional duties will include working in an administrative role and coding for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs.)
Landing a job before graduation is every student’s dream. For one Vaughn student, that dream became a reality. Working consistently with career services and setting several job search appointments, Rohit Agarwal, an airport management student, was hired by San Francisco International Airport (SFO) months before his graduation as an airside operations coordinator.
Career services weighs in
“At Vaughn, we all work as a team to ensure our students are fully prepared to enter the workforce,” said Sean Manning, internship coordinator and graduate assistant for career services at Vaughn. He explains how Vaughn is committed to leading students to their career by using its industry resources and finding internships and jobs that are in line with their fields. “We are proud of our 97 percent placement rate,” said Manning. “Now, with Vaughn’s Guarantee, our students can be even more confident their careers will be futureproof.”
If you’re looking for an education that will stand the test of time, schedule a visit and come meet the team who can help guide you towards a brighter future.
Sending your child off to college is one of life’s most memorable moments. Helping them choose the right college, however, can be a challenging decision.
College tours play a major role in the decision process when selecting the best college for your child. Physically walking the campus, touring the buildings and speaking to administration and faculty representatives can give students and parents a true feel for the college.
We realize you may not be able to visit every college on your list, so we’ve put together some helpful information to help you narrow your choices and decide which colleges to check out and which questions to ask once you’re there.
Let’s start with some tips for a successful college tour:
Plan early:
Students, get a head start by touring colleges in your sophomore or junior years in high college. Transfer students should plan on touring colleges at least one semester prior to applying. The earlier the better.
Schedule a tour:
Many colleges have set times for tours and prefer that you make appointments ahead of time. Call the colleges you plan on visiting and schedule a tour date and time with them before you arrive.
Plan your trip:
Most college visits require a road trip, so map out the best routes to take and book accommodations early. Hotels fill up quickly during college tour dates. If you’re considering out-of-state colleges, it’s a good idea to plan family vacations in or near those locations to make the most of your time and resources.
Entrance essays:
If your choice colleges require an entrance essay, choose your topic and begin drafting it early. This will give you plenty of time to streamline your writing and craft a powerful essay.
Talk to students and other parents:
You just might get your best feedback from talking to students (and their parents) who are already attending the college. Ask them questions like, “Why did you choose this college?” and “What do you like and not like about it?” These students can be your best resource.
Tour the residence halls and explore off-campus housing:
Most college tours include a sneak peek into the residence halls. Don’t be shocked when you see the small living spaces. Campus living may be your first taste of independence, so embrace it by making it your home away from home. Although freshmen are encouraged to live on the campus, it’s always a good idea to ask about any additional housing options associated with the college.
Download our helpful checklist and fillable questionnaire to make the most out of your next college visit.
Building a strong skilled-based résumé while you’re in college is the first step to positioning yourself for the workforce and landing a job after graduation. It’s the one asset that can set you apart to edge out the competition.
Sean Manning, internship coordinator of career services at Vaughn College, weighed in on how to structure a powerful résumé and offered tips on what to include and what to leave out.
Manning says it’s best to divide your résumé into sections, so you can highlight your successes and accomplishments. Follow this simple structure to build a strong résumé:
#1 Professional Summary/Profile
This section focuses on why you are qualified for the job. Outline what qualities you possess and what experiences you have gained while in college that make you the best candidate for the job.
#2 Education
List the college you’re attending, your expected graduation date and all relevant coursework that applies to your field.
#3 Honors, Awards and Achievements
Here you can boast about yourself and list any scholarships you’ve received, in addition to any academic awards and accolades.
#4 Academic Experience
Pay close attention to this section as it can be the selling point to get your résumé to the top of the pile. In this section, you want to list any notable group projects and/or research projects you worked on. Be sure to highlight any leadership roles you held during the project and any software you used (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or specialized technical software). Most importantly, describe the process of how you reached your end goal. If you are a student in the technology field, for example, be sure to describe the methodology you followed and any special equipment you utilized.
Here is how information for academic experience should be listed:
Name of the project
The date it was completed
The goal of the project
The process used―and what you learned
#5 Work Experience
Since students aren’t expected to have much employment experience, it’s important to list any volunteer work in this section along with any paid and non-paying jobs. Be sure to list the skills you gained.
#6 Skills
This section should highlight various skills you’ve achieved. These include industry and technical skills, such as design, programming, electronics, and software skills (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Remember that for software skills, it’s important to list your level of experience and to specify the functions you are proficient in.
If you are a bilingual student, use this section to list the languages you speak and if you are proficient in written, conversation or both.
#7 Non-Technical Skills
List any non-technical skills you have learned, such as public speaking, solution selling, customer service or calendar management, among others.
Below is a helpful “do’s and don’ts” chart that can be used to build a standout résumé. Save or print this chart so that it’s readily available whenever you need it!
The career services department at Vaughn is dedicated to ensuring every student has the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, feel free to call us or drop-in at any time!
So, the semester is winding down, which can only mean one thing: Final exams. If you’re a student, you probably feel the pressure even way before the exams begin. Stress and anxiety levels can increase during this time—and it’s hard to focus and study when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Before the panic sets in and you resign yourself to pulling all-nighters, take a step back, take a deep breath, and look at the tips we’ve put together to help keep yourself organized and calm so you can have a successful, stress-free end to the semester.
College students know firsthand the struggle of making ends meet. Balancing both school and work seems to be the norm for most students these days, so knowing the best ways to excel at both can provide students lasting benefits for their future. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. In fact, nearly 80 percent of students work at least part-time to help offset rising tuition costs and expenses. Not to mention, it gives their parents’ wallets a break.
So, how to balance work and college? Here are some real-life tips to help you keep your college life in balance while working:
Find a flexible job—Search for a job that has flexible hours. Be upfront with your manager about your class schedule, especially during mid-terms and finals when you’ll need extra study time. Knowing your schedule in advance will not only help you manage your study time, but will enable your manager to adjust your shift to accommodate when you can work.
Find an on-campus job—Working on campus is a home run for college students. They have the luxury of staying on campus and going to their jobs either before or after class, without the hassle of commuting.
Ask professors for work—Some professors hire students to help them with outside projects. This is a great way to earn extra money while getting hands-on experience in your field.
Take online classes—Online classes are a gift for students who need to work more hours and who are dedicated to earning their degrees. It frees up valuable time and offers students the flexibility of working at their own pace without being married to a set class schedule.
Find a job/internship related to your major—Internships or jobs in your field can offer invaluable experience for your future. They can offer insight to help you determine if a field is a good fit for you. Some students may realize after working a specific job that it wasn’t the right choice for them. Alternately, other students find their niche and go on to pursue that career.
Working while in college can be a bit overwhelming for some students, so it’s important to set goals. If you think that working now isn’t worth it, just remember the time you are currently putting in will pay off later when you graduate with little or no debt. You’ve got this.
With high school graduation a recent memory, incoming freshmen are hanging tassels from their rearview mirrors and gearing up for their new college experience. Getting off on the right foot is the best way to set your future in motion. Whether you’re staying local or going away, the next four years will be what you make of them. So, take a deep breath and read on for the top tips to getting the most out of your freshman year.
1. Choose a major—You’re probably asking yourself, “How do I know what I want to be? Isn’t that why I’m going to college?” The answer is?you can always change your mind, as more than 80 percent of students do. Just think about your strengths and interests and go from there. Choosing a preliminary major can set you on the right track so you’re not taking classes that you won’t need down the road.
2. Attend and participate at orientation—Think of orientation as your first networking experience. It’s an event packed with valuable information and where you’ll hear firsthand about college resources and how to navigate through your new campus environment. Everyone is in the same boat and trying to fit in, so put your smile on and let your personality shine. It’s a great place to start building friendships and asking questions.
3. Get your dorm supplies—If you are planning to move away, leaving the nest and setting up your own room can be an exciting time. Be sure to review the recommended dorm supply checklist from your school and check with roommates to determine who is bringing what. Don’t forget to pack your favorite pillow, pictures or anything that will make your new space feel like home.
4. Meet with your adviser—By now, you should have your fall schedule in place, but it’s a good idea to set an appointment with your adviser once classes have started to get a handle on prerequisite and required courses. An adviser is your best resource to help you plan and balance future schedules so you’re not overloading yourself.
5. Contact professors early-on—Now is the time when being a “teacher’s pet” can be a good thing. Building strong relationships with your professors early-on shows that you’re serious about your studies and gives them a glimpse into your personality. Try emailing your professors to arrange a time to meet at orientation so you can introduce yourself in person. Put your best foot forward and be respectful.
6. Buy the book and show up to class?Believe it or not, these are two things that you can skip but shouldn’t. Yes, textbooks can be expensive, but you can often find them used, and they are worth the money. Professors mostly teach from the book and you’ll need to read assigned material if you want to do well in the class. At some colleges, professors leave attendance up to the student. This can be a liberating?yet dangerous?option since professors cover valuable material in class, as well as what is in the textbook.
7. Manage your time?So, there’s a mixer you want to attend but you have a ton of studying to do. What gives? Balancing your time can be your best asset at college. Your grades are important, but so is your sanity. If you know there’s a social event you want to attend, then be sure to get your studying in early or double-time it days before so you’ll be prepared for your next class and have a clear conscience about blowing off some steam.
8. Sharpen your social skills?Most freshmen start off knowing only a handful of people, if anyone at all. Polishing your social skills and coming out of your shell just might be the best thing you can do for yourself. After all, most freshmen are reinventing themselves, so now is the best time to get out there to meet people. It’s a level playing field. Keep an open mind, put yourself out there and make some new friends.
9. Get involved?Don’t wait to explore the many opportunities college campuses have to offer. Clubs and teams go way beyond sports, so take the time to explore what interests you and give it a try. Don’t see a club or team that matches your interests? Many colleges are open to hearing new ideas, so don’t hesitate to put a proposal together to start your own club. Getting involved with on-campus activities is a great way to stay engaged and connected with your school while building new friendships and nurturing new or untapped talents.
10. Refresh your technical skills?You’re now in the big leagues, so knowing how to comfortably navigate technology is a must when it comes to researching content and completing assignments and projects. It’s a good idea to do your homework ahead of time and know the requirements before you get to college. For example, does your college prefer a special laptop? Do you need to purchase it ahead of time or will you be able to buy it from the college? And be sure to polish your skills for the different programs your courses might use like Excel and PowerPoint. It’s time well spent.
11. Ask for help?It’s O.K. to ask for help. In fact, it’s expected and shows professors and faculty that you’re genuinely concerned and dedicated to earning the best grades possible. After all, you’re there to learn, and they are there to teach you.
12. Safety first?Staying vigilant is part of everyday life and being on a college campus isn’t any different. Having a sense of security is a priority for both students and parents, so it’s important to make yourself aware of all safety measures that are in place on your campus. Bottom line—use common sense and avoid less-than-desirable or dangerous situations. Prevention is your best defense. Be smart.
13. Get a job?College is expensive. Consider getting a part-time job freshman year to earn extra money. Not only will you be able to afford an occasional night out, but working also expands your circle and builds confidence and character.
As summer winds down, it’s almost time to start the new chapter in your life. Take a deep breath and embrace your future. You’ve got this.
College students are taking a break from the traditional concept of summer vacation to obtain a brighter future. Instead of lying on a beach or traveling, the new trend is for students to forfeit their time off for resume boosting summer internships and activities.
Summer internships
A summer internship is a valuable way to gain hands-on experience in your field of study. And internships aren’t just for juniors and seniors anymore. Getting involved at the freshmen and sophomore levels keeps students engaged. It not only looks great on their resume, but offers students an opportunity to explore their field of study outside of the classroom. Remember, it’s important to apply early since there may be limited positions available.
“Don’t be discouraged if the internship isn’t paid,” said Jessica Caron, director of career services at Vaughn College. “The hands-on experience can be just as valuable as a paid internship—if not more.” No one is saying not to enjoy some fun in the sun this summer, but keeping the momentum going during this time off can give you the edge you’ll need to land a job after graduation. “Employers expect students to have experience when they graduate,” said Caron. “They will hire a candidate with a strong resume with no time gaps over someone who looks like they didn’t make the best use of their time.”
Volunteer jobs
Caron explained how Vaughn students are landing summer volunteer positions at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Arrivals―Terminal 4. “The program at JFK is perfect for students who were unable to find an internship or may be working other jobs but are still looking for the hands-on experience,” Caron said. “The program offers a flexible schedule and is open to all students of all majors.”
Any volunteer work, even if it’s not related to your field, can boost your resume. “We encourage our students to visit our office and use the resources we have available to find job opportunities,” Caron said. “It’s important for students to keep busy over the summer.”
Join the club
Joining clubs and various student chapters of professional organizations on campus early in the school year can open doors for summer internships. Caron said getting involved with professional organizations can lead to full-time jobs after graduation. “Being well-rounded keeps students engaged and increases their academic success,” Caron explained. “It’s a win-win for both sides. A strong resume represents the student’s hard work and dedication, and that information is equally valuable to the employer when looking to hire the right candidate for the position.”
Give me a break
It’s important to carve out some “me” time over the summer and enjoy special times with family and friends. Remember, whether you’re working as an intern or in a volunteer position, think of the time you’re spending as a stepping stone to your future. And most of these jobs won’t last the entire summer, so you’ll still have time for summer fun.
A message from the director
“It’s important for our students to get involved with career services at Vaughn,” Caron stated. “Even if they aren’t looking for a job at that time, we want them to know we are here to help them prepare for their future. Whether it’s learning how to write a powerful resume to enhancing their interviewing skills, our job is to help our students find the best career options for their future.”
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