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Beth, Co-Director, LA Senior Program at Minds Matter SoCal: Advize Career Interview
A Stanford graduate and former union lawyer, this individual's career showcases a remarkable journey from student leadership and law to a fulfilling role as Co-Director of the LA Senior Program at Minds Matter SoCal.
The work involves guiding college-bound students through the application process, mentoring them through essays and university choices, and fostering crucial life skills.
A day includes coaching students, managing the complexities of college decisions, and building strong relationships with mentors.
Success requires understanding student challenges, navigating the admissions process, and fostering confidence.
The most rewarding aspect is witnessing student growth and long-term success, despite the significant time and emotional commitment.
Entry-level positions as mentors are ideal for recent graduates who can relate to the students' experiences.
A key lesson learned is finding work that inspires daily passion, a value developed through challenging undergraduate experiences such as teaching and community engagement.
Navigating a career as a woman in the 1970s shaped the individual's commitment to positive change and lasting impact.
This interview offers unique insights into a career combining legal expertise, mentorship, and a deep commitment to supporting young people's aspirations.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Beth Garfield
Co-Director, LA Senior Program
Minds Matter SoCal
Stanford University, 1974
University of Michigan Law School
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Psychology
Law
Legal
None Applicable
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Career Path of a Co-Director LA Senior Program at Minds Matter SoCal
Beth's career path began with student leadership roles at Stanford, including co-presidency of the Associated Students and co-founding the Center for Research on Women, which "has thrived into an incredible organization." After law school, a desire to "do something good in the world" led to a fulfilling career as a union lawyer for over 45 years, culminating in retirement and a new role at Minds Matter SoCal.
Main Responsibilities of an LA Senior Program Co-Director at Minds Matter SoCal
Beth, Co-Director of the LA Senior Program at Minds Matter SoCal, guides college-bound students through the demanding college application process, starting with junior year essays and continuing through senior year, including support with applications to universities such as the University of California. As a writing coach, Beth and the team work with students on "absolutely beautiful" essays, resulting in acceptance to "spectacular colleges."
A Day In The Life Of A Senior Program Co-Director At Minds Matter SoCal
A Co-Director at Minds Matter SoCal's LA Senior Program spends Saturdays guiding students through college applications, working with five students as a writing coach and collaborating with mentors who "build incredible bonds" with the students. The role also involves managing the stressful college decision process, including financial aid, and supporting students as they navigate "should I actually leave California?" and other big questions.
Most Important Skills For An LA Senior Program Co-Director At Minds Matter SoCal
Beth, Co-Director of the LA Senior Program at Minds Matter SoCal, emphasizes the crucial skill of understanding "where the students are coming from," recognizing the unique challenges impacting their lives and goals. This, combined with knowledge of the college admissions process—including the limited time spent reviewing applications—and the importance of conveying a student's unique qualities, shapes Beth's approach to guiding students toward "a career that you love," while encouraging flexibility and openness to evolving career paths throughout their academic journey.
Favorite Parts of Being a Co-Director LA Senior Program at Minds Matter SoCal
Beth, Co-Director of the LA Senior Program at Minds Matter SoCal, most enjoys "getting to know the students as deeply as I'm able to," following their journeys "after they leave," and witnessing their growth and changed perspectives after high school, even connecting with former students at Stanford. This highlights the long-term impact of the program and Beth's deep investment in the students' success.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Senior Program Co-Director at Minds Matter SoCal
Beth's biggest challenge as Co-Director of the LA Senior Program at Minds Matter SoCal involves helping students manage the overwhelming number of deadlines during their senior year; the goal is to shift students' perspectives from viewing deadlines as limitations to seeing them as opportunities, a skill equally applicable to her previous career as an attorney working with young lawyers who also struggled with procrastination.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Nonprofit Industry as a Co Director at Minds Matter SoCal
Beth's favorite aspect of working in the youth mentorship industry is witnessing the "enormous optimism" and high aspirations of students, believing in their ability to achieve "lofty goals." However, the transition to college sometimes presents challenges as students compare themselves to others, highlighting the importance of fostering confidence and reminding them of their inherent value.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Non-Profit Work, According To A Co-Director At Minds Matter SoCal
Minds Matter SoCal's mentoring program thrives on optimistic individuals excited about life, with mentors—many young professionals in their late twenties and early thirties—sharing their experiences and building meaningful relationships with students that often extend beyond college. The program's success highlights the special, often temporary, time in life when young professionals can dedicate significant time to mentorship.
What A Co-Director At Minds Matter SoCal Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Non-Profit Industry
Beth, a retired Co-Director at Minds Matter SoCal, emphasizes the significant "enormous time commitment and emotional commitment" required, a crucial aspect that she wishes she had known before starting. The rewarding work with low-income students, however, makes the extensive hours worthwhile, resulting in remarkable student success despite occasional challenges.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Mentors at Minds Matter SoCal
Beth, Co-Director of the LA Senior Program at Minds Matter SoCal, suggests that a recent college graduate's best entry point into the organization is as a mentor; this role is ideal because recent graduates "can relate so totally and fully to what the students are going through," having recently navigated similar challenges.
Significant Career Lesson From an LA Senior Program Co-Director at Minds Matter SoCal
Beth's most significant career lesson is finding "something that makes it exciting to wake up every morning," a passion she found in labor law, representing unions and mentoring young attorneys. This passion, combined with a fulfilling family life, led to a deeply rewarding career.
College Experiences Helped an LA Senior Program Co-Director at Minds Matter SoCal Succeed
To prepare for a career focused on positive global impact, Beth intentionally sought out challenging experiences during undergraduate studies, including two summers teaching at Ramah Navajo High School in New Mexico, where Beth "developed a fabulous relationship with the students," and working at Camp Friendship for young people with physical disabilities. These experiences, outside of Beth's comfort zone, helped Beth define personal priorities and develop valuable skills applicable to a career path centered on service and community engagement.
How Identity Has Influenced a Co Director LA Senior Program at Minds Matter SoCal's Career
Beth's experience as a woman navigating a career began in a 1970s college landscape where "the world was very different for women," with limited female professors and a sense of isolation for many women students. This early challenge, however, fueled their commitment to change, leading to significant contributions and recognition, culminating in receiving an award which confirmed their impact and solidified their sense of pride in their career trajectory.
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