College Experiences That Helped A Director Of Communications And Outreach At Lumina Alliance Succeed
Clementine's undergraduate success stemmed from leveraging privileged access to opportunities, actively participating in extracurriculars like student government and club leadership ("all of the extracurriculars I could"), and demonstrating self-advocacy by seizing unexpected leadership roles ("I just stood up and said, I'll do it"). This proactive approach, combined with recognizing and utilizing available resources, built a strong foundation for their career in communications and outreach.
Leadership, Extracurricular Involvement, Opportunity Recognition, Self-Advocacy, Communication Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Clementine Ellis
Director of Communications and Outreach
Lumina Alliance
Agnes Scott College
University of Florida, MA, Sociology
Anthropology, Sociology
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Communication and Marketing
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Clementine's undergraduate experience highlights the importance of leveraging extracurricular activities to develop valuable skills and enhance resumes. Her involvement in student government and club leadership roles demonstrates the impact of active participation in campus life.
2. The anecdote about Clementine unexpectedly becoming president of the sociology and anthropology club underscores the significance of recognizing and seizing opportunities, even if they are unplanned. It showcases her willingness to step up and take on challenges, ultimately leading to a rewarding experience.
3. Clementine's acknowledgment of her privilege in having the time and resources to dedicate to extracurriculars and internships is crucial. This highlights the importance of understanding and appreciating diverse access to opportunities and the need to find ways to maximize available resources for career development, regardless of background.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
In undergrad, I was really lucky and privileged. I could focus entirely on school, extracurriculars, and internships without needing an extra job, and I recognized that privilege.
It was about balancing the many opportunities available to me, opportunities not everyone has. I participated in all the extracurriculars I could, including student government and being president of the sociology and anthropology club. These are accessible as an undergraduate, teach important skills, and look good on a resume.
It's a combination of identifying opportunities, having access to them, and then taking advantage of them. For example, in my sophomore year of college, I wanted to join the executive board of the sociology and anthropology club. I had prepared a speech to run for secretary.
However, when I arrived, no one wanted to run for president. I stood up and volunteered to take on the role. I saw the opportunity and seized it.
This required the opportunity to be present, my availability to take on the role, and my willingness to advocate for myself. I had to see myself as capable, willing, and deserving of that position. I ended up being president for the next three years.