What do you wish you had known about the Career Center when you started at Duke?

As a first-year I wish I had known that the Career Center existed! I was really overwhelmed freshman year and was not sure how to successfully make the transition into college. With hundreds of extracurricular activities available, and a rigorous course load, the last thing on my mind was securing a job after graduation. As a freshman I wish I knew about the Diversity Leadership Initiative and the First Year Apprenticeship program... I wish I knew about DukeConnect and the career advising team (CAT). It wasn’t until the first semester of my sophomore year that I was educated about the many resources that the Career Center has to offer.

What do you think the Career Center’s role is?

The Career Center helps students take advantage of the many opportunities and resources that Duke has to offer. In doing so, the staff at the center helps to foster meaningful relationships between students, alumni and employers in hope to secure offers that will allow students to develop personally and professionally.

Have you heard of any services that the Career Center provides that really stand out to you?

Yes. I haven’t taken advantage of Duke Connect as much as I should’ve! This tool allows students to reach out to Duke alumni and ask questions about career interests. Taking advantage of the Duke network is imperative.

Have you heard/Do you have any advice regarding career/internship search and/or the Career Center?

Research internships and jobs that seem interesting to you! One of the things that I did not necessarily do during internships was take risks. I did not follow what I was truly passionate about because I was being held captive by my fears of failure. I advise students (especially first-years and sophomores) to be open-minded and learn as much as possible while searching for internships.