2008 Woodie Awards
'Today Show' career expert encourages students to use campus resources to develop, attain goals
Jessica Medeiros
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Campus
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Career strategist Adele Scheele spoke last night at the University of Rhode Island's Independence Hall Auditorium about how college students can prepare themselves for life after graduation.
The presentation, hosted by the URI Women's Council for Development, the URI Alumni Association and the Home Economics Endowment for the Study of Business, was largely based on her book, "Launch Your Career in College."
Scheele encouraged students to discover their interests, develop goals and participate in activities that will help them achieve these goals. She stressed that students must be responsible for taking these steps.
"Your parents can make you go to college and get good grades, but they can't make you have interests or build connections," she said. "These are the things that will launch you into being successful."
Scheele said students should make use of the programs and resources available to them such as internships, clubs, studying abroad, student government and job fairs.
Scheele also encouraged students to build relationships with professors, who are often willing to write letters of reference.
"The world of a university is an internal marketplace and everyone can find something here to help them succeed," Scheele said. "College is where you grow and learn to make connections and recognize opportunities, because they don't come labeled."
In regard to internships, Scheele said students should take more than one, preferably from a variety of fields.
"Take one in what you think you could do and then take an 'if only,' and that way you can see what fits you best," she said.
On a more general note, Scheele said the way a person approaches life will have a drastic impact on whether they will be successful or not. Those who are outgoing and interested in networking and meeting people will have a smoother, more enjoyable time reaching their goals.
"The number one reason people succeed is that they stick out their hand and say hello," she said. "They introduce themselves and they engage others, they find out what other people's dreams, goals or interests are."