Thursday, April 21, 2011

My First Weeks at Toppel

Written By Jesse Cortes



Needing a job... and more money, I applied and interviewed for a few work-study positions on campus. I called around different departments, but most of the positions had already been filled. I found out about the Peer Advisor position at the Toppel Career Center through student employment (and with the help of Priyanka ;) and it grabbed my interest, so I applied. A few days later we set up an interview and I eventually got the position.

My first few weeks have been quite fun and interesting. It is a laid-back work environment, and the flexible hours allow me to work around my school schedule, which is great. Everyone in the office is nice and they have been very helpful training me for the position. On top of having enjoyable co-workers, there is ALWAYS food being brought into our office, which is another plus.

Working at Toppel has been and will continue to be a great experience. I am learning professional skills and making great contacts along the way. Two weeks ago, we held our annual Student & Alumni Career Symposium. I attended the hospitality session, which was led by a very knowledgeable panel and I was able to network and make great contacts throughout the event. I also have redone my resume and uploaded it to CaneZone and now feel as if I could present it with confidence to anyone. Through the different training sessions, mock interviews and various events that we run, I don’t think I could have landed a better work-study position.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

That's Awesome. Work is not supposed to be fun, or is it...

I absolutely think it should be. If you are not having fun, you're not doing it right.

Lili said...

Good going Jesse! Work should be enjoyable, plus Toppel is a great place to start.

Stuart said...

Do something you enjoy and you'll never have to work a day in your life!
Congratulations on finding something you enjoy! Well wriiten blog!

Anonymous said...

This blog is very informational. I have UM as one of my prospective schools so I am considering work-study. Thank you for your contribution and for helping me understand the ins and outs of the program. Hope to read more of your blogs!