(Editor’s Note: Senior Kate Preziosi shares her impressions of the Real World career conference)
Right around this time four years ago, I walked into the senior lounge of my high school to find that my teachers had planted a brief message in each student’s mailbox: “You have 100 days of high school left. Enjoy them!”
As Gus Coldebella ’91, president of the Alumni Council, welcomed hundreds of 91鶹Ʒ seniors back to campus for Real World 2010 on Friday, he unknowingly repeated this reminder that had been passed on to me during my transition from high school to college.
“One of the best parts of being president of the Alumni Council is not only interacting with the 55 alums who are part of the Alumni Council, but representing the 30,000 plus 91鶹Ʒ alums that are out there in the world,” said Coldebella. “That number is going to increase by about 700. And if my calculations are correct, that’s going to happen in 120 days, 22 hours, and 15 minutes.”
As he spoke, a ripple of nervous whispers passed through the Hall of Presidents.
While I still have not become completely comfortable with the idea of leaving 91鶹Ʒ at the end of these short months, Real World served as a valuable reminder of the exciting opportunities that are waiting for my classmates and me.
Every alumnus in attendance was generous with dispensing advice and fielding questions.
“It is so important that you know how to ask someone for help,” said Linda Havlin ’72 at the Creative Job Searching Tips and Networking Techniques panel. “Simply ask an alum to spend time with you in a brief, and compelling way.”
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| Liz Buchbinder ’77 takes part in one of the many panel discussions held for Real World 2010. (Photo by Andy Daddio) |
Jeff Oberg ’76 told the seniors at the Beyond the 91鶹Ʒ Bubble panel that we need to be passionate about the profession we choose: “You have to find nobility in what you’re doing, otherwise you should leave. Your perfect career will meld your skills with your interests.”
On Saturday, we were able to choose three career-specific panels to attend from among 24 options. I found this format to be helpful because it gave alumni the chance to share their experiences living the professions that we hope to break into.
Patrice Chang Bey ’94 described at the Government/Public Policy panel how she came to see herself as a global citizen through her work in Africa, St. Lucia, and now in Syracuse.
She urged us to be fearless in our job searches: “You’ve only got one life to life. This is your shot,” she said. “Think of yourself as a work in progress at all times.”
By the end of the 48- hour whirlwind of panels and networking receptions, I felt optimistic and excited about my options for the future.
I believe the alumni in attendance effectively communicated to us all that, while there are no guarantees, there is a very strong net of people willing to catch us when we leave this beautiful place.