Kee, Career and College Specialist at Martinez Unified School District: Advize Career Interview

Kee's journey from fashion advertising in Singapore to becoming a Career and College Specialist at Martinez Unified School District is an inspiring story of career evolution and community impact.

The role centers around communication, advisement, and facilitating early college credits, and involves a dynamic mix of creating resources, managing social media, and guiding students of all grade levels through college applications and financial aid.

A typical day involves a constant stream of emails and student appointments, navigating complex college and career paths.

This position demands staying current with the ever-changing college admission landscape, requiring attention to detail, strong people skills, active listening, and the ability to network with other districts.

There's great satisfaction in nurturing students, solving problems, and witnessing students feel settled and prepared for their next steps. The biggest challenge is managing student procrastination and expectations.

People who thrive in this industry are willing to learn, inquisitive, detail-oriented, and fundamentally enjoy helping others improve. A surprise in the role is the need to actively engage disengaged high schoolers.

Aspiring professionals can gain experience through internships at college centers or by volunteering to help underserved students.

A significant lesson learned involves thoroughly understanding complex procedures to better empathize with and guide students.

This specialist believes in the power of taking risks and connecting with students on a personal level, drawing from life experiences of navigating transitions in life.

This career path provides an opportunity to advocate for students who might not be able to advocate for themselves and be a role model.