Peer Career Consultant Blogs

When I first started my college career, I knew I wanted to pursue business – specifically something related to management – because I enjoyed leadership and working with people. However, I quickly realized that management is an incredibly broad field ,and I needed to narrow my focus. It wasn’t until I immersed myself in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and hands-on experiences that I gained a clearer understanding of my interests and career aspirations.

In my freshman year, I joined the Chinese Student Association (CSA) as a freshman representative and later transitioned into the role of Culture Show Director during my sophomore and junior years. Planning and executing a large-scale cultural show taught me invaluable lessons about project management, team coordination, and leadership. From managing logistics and working with performers to overseeing event execution, I discovered how much I enjoyed the process of bringing a vision to life – an experience that first piqued my interest in project management.

Beyond CSA, I sought opportunities to develop my leadership and organizational skills further. I joined Alpha Phi Omega (APO), a professional co-ed service fraternity, where I served as the Vice President of Membership. One of my key responsibilities in this role was planning and executing a banquet for our chapter, an experience that once again reinforced my interest in people management and event coordination. The challenge of organizing an event while ensuring an inclusive and engaging experience for all members taught me how to balance structure and flexibility – a crucial skill in any leadership role.

Through these on-campus experiences, I not only developed practical leadership skills but also learned an important personal lesson: before I can effectively lead others, I must first learn how to lead myself. This self-awareness and growth have been instrumental in shaping my professional journey and securing key opportunities, including:

• Retail Management Internship at CVS Health – where I gained experience in store operations, leadership, and customer engagement, reinforcing my interest in managing teams and improving workplace efficiency.
• Human Resources Internship at BestLogic Staffing – where I developed an understanding of recruitment, employee relations, and talent management, further strengthening my passion for people-oriented roles.
• Upcoming Full-Time Role as an Assistant Manager at Amazon Fresh – where I will be leading teams, optimizing operations, and applying the skills I’ve gained in leadership, project management, and problem-solving. 

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to appreciate how each experience – whether an extracurricular role or an internship – has contributed to my professional development. Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned include:

• Leadership is about adaptability. Every team and project comes with its own challenges, and being flexible in how I lead has been essential.
• Organization and planning are key. Whether managing an event, overseeing a team, or handling day-to-day operations, strong project management skills are critical to success.
• Self-awareness enhances leadership. Understanding my own strengths, weaknesses, and leadership style has helped me become a more effective and confident leader.

As I prepare to transition into my full-time role at Amazon Fresh, I’m excited to continue honing my leadership and management skills in a professional setting. The journey of self-discovery and career exploration is ongoing, but I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my path so far. For those still figuring out their career direction, my advice is simple: get involved, seek out leadership experiences, and be open to learning. Sometimes, the best way to discover what you love is by putting yourself in new and challenging situations.

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