College Experiences That Helped a Landscape Designer at OLIN Succeed
To achieve career success, undergraduate students should prioritize securing internships for practical experience and actively network with peers and professors; finding a mentor-professor who can provide connections and insights is "pretty potent". This approach, according to the Landscape Designer III at OLIN, is key for bridging the gap between education and the professional world.
Networking, Internships, Mentorship, Career Exploration, Professional Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Derek Lazo
Landscape Designer III
OLIN
University of Southern California
UC Berkeley, Masters of Landscape Architecture
Environmental & Related Sciences
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Get internships and work experience.
2. Network with other students and professors to gain insights and connections.
3. Find a professor who can mentor you and help connect you with internships and other opportunities.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I think getting internships and working is so important for gaining experience. Networking is also crucial, both with other students and especially with professors.
Professors are often at the intersection of education and the professional world. They have context, connections, and a lot of insight. Ideally, you'll find a professor who can serve as a mentor and connect you with people or opportunities.
It's understandable if some professors aren't people you'd want to socialize with. The goal is to identify which ones might be helpful. Think about who you could connect with on that level or form a relationship with, so at least someone is in your corner.