College Experiences That Helped A Program Coordinator At Mt. San Antonio College Succeed
Yolanda's undergraduate experience, characterized by "just trying to survive" while juggling school and work, highlights the importance of seizing opportunities despite financial constraints. The paid internship in Washington, D.C., requiring Yolanda to overcome "fear and be willing to make changes," proved pivotal in launching their career, demonstrating the value of proactive career exploration and willingness to relocate for professional advancement.
Career Exploration, Overcoming Challenges, Resilience, Networking, Internships
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Yolanda Haro
Program Coordinador
Mt. San Antonio College
UCLA 1990
SIT, Master’s degree
Political Science, American Studies
Education
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Seek paid internships to gain practical experience and financial stability.
2. Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone to pursue opportunities; sometimes that means relocating for a better position.
3. Mentorship programs provide valuable connections and career insights; look for opportunities to participate in them.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
As an undergrad at UCLA, I was just trying to survive. I was going to school full-time and working part-time.
I only lived on campus for one year, so I was commuting on the bus. I didn't really have too much time to research other things beyond getting through my day.
I had to get through school, attend tutorial sessions if I needed them, and get through work. The one thing I did right before leaving UCLA was work for the UCLA Alumni Association on a mentor program.
That was really inspiring because we worked with UCLA students, connecting them with high school students and professionals in their fields. It was a tribe mentor program, and that was very inspiring for me.
The other thing that was helpful was that I was researching internships, and I needed a paid internship. I could not afford a non-paid internship because I had my family supporting me.
When I was able to find a paid internship in Washington, D.C., I was willing to leave my family and leave California. I had never lived in another state away from my family before, and I had to have the courage to leave so that I could get a paid internship and explore my options.
Overcoming that fear and being willing to make changes, and sometimes separating from family, I think it's what helped me launch into all these different things that I've done.
Advizer Personal Links
Impactoleadership.com