Hello! My name is Carson, and I am currently a senior double majoring in Psychology and Philosophy. I came into Chapman with no experience whatsoever. My resume had volunteer experience and that I played football, that was it! I knew I wanted to participate in experiential learning and start gaining experience, but I wasn’t sure if internships were for me! Throughout this blog I will go over how I went about formulating my experiences to fit my career goals in hopes to show you that you too can gather relevant experience without internships! 

First year:

When I first got to Chapman, I knew I wanted to take advantage of my work study and get an on-campus job. I applied to 40 plus jobs during my first couple of weeks of school and guess what, I didn’t hear back from anybody! This was of course before I started working at the Career center and using our amazing career resources (I was not paid to say that)! I was actually really bummed out about it. Like I know I had no idea what a resume or a cover letter was but still, not one, ouch. However, right when I was ready to give up, I got an interview request from the Ticketing office to be event support. The job title was not the one I was most interested in, but I took what I was offered, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made, you will soon see why. 

I worked at the ticketing position doing covid screening checks outside events (shout out if you remember daily covid checks). Not the most exciting position in the world but it helped me develop a lot of good transferable skills like communication, professionalism, and conflict management. Here is where things get cool. I picked up a shift during finals week (I know yikes), but it just happened to be an event hosted by Career and Professional Development! A little networking at the event and they ended up offering a position to work as a Front Desk Assistant at the Career Center! Sign me up! All because I picked up that extra shift during finals week, absolutely crazy! 

Second year: 

Over the summer between my first year and 2nd year at Chapman, I applied for the Career Peer Advisor role within the office, and I got it yeaaaaaa! Easily one of the best jobs I have ever had! So now I am currently working as a Peer Advisor and Front Desk Assistance. During this time, I was law school bound and wanted to be a Public Defender. I then decided to rush Kappa Alpha Pi, the professional pre-law co-ed fraternity at Chapman, also one of my best decisions! I was able to meet so many new people who became friends and now have pretty much become family. Rushing KAPi allowed me to gain lots of leadership experience and surrounded me with hardworking people to push me to become better! 

During the spring semester, the career office gave a super cool opportunity for the Peer Advisors to get AED/CPR certified. I really enjoyed this training, and it gave spark to another career passion of mine. That passion was becoming a Firefighter Paramedic! The motivation from KAPi and the AED/CPR training led to me enrolling in EMT school over the summer! I wanted to pursue my other career interest in being a Fire Medic and becoming an EMT is the first step to do that. It was a big decision to basically go to school all summer, but I knew I wanted to do it, and that it was better to start earlier than later. I graduated top of my class and enjoyed every second of it. This is why getting involved is important because it can expose you to all kinds of opportunities! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third year:

I applied to Lynch Ambulance to work as an IFT EMT, and I got the job! Throughout the semester I was able to work as an EMT on the weekends. One of the main reasons why I loved the idea of becoming a Public Defender was that they truly help anyone that asks for their assistance. I found the same satisfaction while working at the EMT job. It doesn’t matter what their beliefs, attitudes, age, or where they are from, if they call asking for help, we will be there. I also really enjoyed the healthcare aspect of the job and providing patient care. It was fascinating working alongside paramedics, and it validated my interest in the fire service. After this I officially made the mental switch to focus on the fire service and becoming a Fire Medic vs. going to law school and becoming a Public Defender.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth year:

Going into my last year at Chapman, I knew I wanted to become a Resident Advisor and leave a positive impact on the incoming freshman. My past roles as a Career Peer Advisor and as an EMT have really instilled and confirmed my passion for helping others! I found myself really enjoying being the person that others can go to for answers. I knew the RA position would be another great opportunity to become a leader who can help new residents with their questions/concerns. All the past experiences have given me all the appropriate skills that can transfer into the Resident Advisor position. I got the RA role, and I was super excited! Even though I had to put a pause on my EMT job to do the RA job, I knew it was the right decision because I will have the rest of my life to work in emergency medical services, but I only have one more year at Chapman, so what a better way to send off then with the RA role! Lastly, I also obtained the Vice President of Recruitment position for KAPi for very similar reasons when compared to the RA role. All about serving as a mentor, leader and a person of contact for all new members into the fraternity! 

I came to Chapman with no experience whatsoever and I was able to develop a unique skill set that includes leadership, conflict management, people skills and many more! I was also able to achieve these experiences and skills without internships. I chose to tailor my experiences to on campus jobs, clubs/orgs, and off campus jobs. Through these experiences I feel confident in my resume and my abilities to achieve my short term/long term career goals! My last takeaway point.Don’t get too caught up in thinking internships mean everything. Yes of course they are still an amazing option to gain experience, but it is not the only means to do so. You can tailor your career experience through a multitude of ways, more than just internships!