Ann Hoang (’27 Writing for Film & TV and Strategic & Corporate Communication)

In this month’s Career Corner, Ann Hoang (’27 Writing for Film & TV and Strategic & Corporate Communication) discusses how her work-study experience with Wilkinson College’s Career Manager Erin Berthon has guided her professional growth.

When I started at Chapman University, I considered myself well-rounded, someone who loves to learn and explore new things. As a double major in Writing for Film & TV and Strategic & Corporate Communication, I’ve experienced the unique cultures of both Dodge College and the School of Communication. But this semester, I found myself in new territory: Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

As a student assistant in the Dean’s Office, under the guidance of Career Manager Erin Berthon, I’ve helped manage Wilkinson College’s social media presence and supported students with their career-related questions. What started as a nerve-wracking experience has quickly become one of the most valuable learning opportunities of my college career, one that has taught me both creative and professional skills that I’ll take with me long after graduation.

Learning the Language of Social Media

Like most of Gen Z, I thought I understood social media until I started managing it professionally. Running Wilkinson’s accounts involves much more than posting content. It requires planning, creativity, and data-driven decision-making.

Using tools like Postpone and Canva, I’ve learned to strategize posts, align visuals with brand identity, and represent our college authentically. It’s been a crash course in digital marketing and visual storytelling, skills that are essential in nearly every modern industry.

This experience has given me more than just technical knowledge; it’s also helped me see the business side of creativity. I now understand the importance of analytics, deadlines, and collaboration, and how a strong social media strategy can connect communities and elevate a brand’s story.

Building Professional Habits That Last

One of the biggest takeaways from working in the Dean’s Suite is learning how to be professional in a workplace environment. Every shift, I collaborate with Erin and other staff members, balancing creativity with accountability.

In an office setting, professionalism means more than meeting deadlines; it’s about communication, reliability, and adaptability. Learning to take initiative, seek feedback, and hold myself to higher standards has been invaluable preparation for future internships and full-time roles.

I’ve also learned the power of community in a professional setting. Saying “hello” to everyone, asking questions, and offering help has shown me that teamwork and mutual respect truly make an office thrive.

Becoming a Peer Mentor

Part of my role as a Career/Social Media Assistant is supporting students with their career-related inquiries. I’ve workshopped and refined numerous resumes to help students represent themselves confidently and professionally. Through this, I’ve developed a strong eye for what stands out to employers and recruiters, skills I actively apply in my own job and internship applications.

Sitting down with students to review their materials has also allowed me to take on a mentoring role, even when our career paths differ. Providing well-rounded guidance to my peers is an ability that I can bring into any future workplace as I grow in my career.

In many jobs, you’re asked to step beyond your usual responsibilities. Being able to offer support and guidance to new team members shows initiative and a commitment to your organization’s success. Plus, having versatile skills in your toolbox is always an advantage; you never know when creativity and problem-solving will be needed

The Heart and Soul 

What’s special about Wilkinson is how deeply it connects to every Chapman student, whether they realize it or not. From English and history to art, foreign languages, and political science, Wilkinson courses shape how we think, write, and communicate.

Even my Spanish and Linguistics classes, taken as GEs, have influenced how I view global communication and cultural understanding. Wilkinson College courses teach students to think critically, create meaningfully, and act compassionately, traits that employers across industries value deeply.

After all, Wilkinson truly is the heart and soul of Chapman. And being part of it, even for one semester, has shown me how far the blend of creativity, professionalism, and community can carry on to my future career.