Mark Hunsaker, dean of personal and professional development
Hello, newest Vikings! We are so happy to welcome you to campus and look forward to connecting with you all throughout this next year. We all work hard, do our part, and partner together to help you grow academically, personally, and professionally each semester you are here. As for the CPPD, our part is to help you confidently and competently navigate the next steps of your journey at Berry and beyond.
With this goal in mind, I’d like to offer three tips as you transition to campus this fall.
1. Embrace all the change. I know this first bit of advice may sound scary, but I have learned a couple of key lessons about change over the years that are important for you to know. Change is inevitable and often difficult, but it can also be fun if joyfully embraced. You probably expect your first year in college to be filled with change as you move away from home, make new friends, and adjust to a new campus community, but did you also know that it is normal to change your major and your life/career goals after coming to college? It’s true! Studies have shown that 82% of college students in the United States will change their major at least once. Changing majors is something many students do as they explore and learn more about themselves. Self/major/career exploration is a big part of what college is all about! One of the best things about Berry is that you have access to a wide range of advisors and opportunities that can help you explore potential majors and careers for you. So, if you find yourself thinking about changing your major, your LifeWorks job, or your career goals, embrace the opportunity to reflect and explore your options. Reach out to your academic advisor, first-year mentor, career consultant, or work supervisor, because we are all here for you and happy to help you take a good next step on your college and career journey.
2. Set up your Handshake account & follow the CPPD on social media. This is a really practical tip that is both easy to do. Handshake is Berry’s career management system. We describe Handshake as a “one-stopcareer-shop” because it will allow you to explore and apply to thousands of internships and jobs, set up customized job alerts, schedule career advising appointments, and much more. We encourage all Berry students to activate your Handshake account ASAP at Berry.joinHandshake.com and start learning about the amazing things it can do for you now. To stay up to date on all things related to LifeWorks and Career Development, keep an eye out for our weekly CPPD newsletter and follow us on social media: @BerryCPPD on Instagram, YouTube, and X.
3. Make sure you enjoy your first semester at Berry. Your first semester in college is a special and important one – there are many wonderful opportunities for you to enjoy on campus…including your first LifeWorks job. As you begin to work in your new roles, I strongly encourage each of you to take the time to get to know your work supervisors. LifeWorks supervisors often become personal and professional mentors to their student workers. Spend time getting to know your LifeWorks coworkers as well, as this is often a great way to meet new people and learn about other opportunities on campus. Most of all, please know that each LifeWorks position offers you the opportunity to develop valuable professional skills and will provide you with insight into and momentum towards your future life and career goals.
Three ways you can make the most of your Berry education during your first semester. If you follow these three tips, I promise you will get off to a good start, and sometimes, a good start can make all the difference.