The Universities at Shady Grove (USG)

Hi, guys today I am going to talk about informational interviews and how it has been beneficial for me as a college student.

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Informational interviews are a crucial tool for college students to gain insights into their desired career paths. These interviews allow students to learn about the day-to-day responsibilities, required skills, and potential challenges of specific roles from professionals working in the field.

As a college student, I’ve found informational interviews to be helpful. They’ve given me a better understanding of what those careers are actually like, helped me identify areas where I might need to build up my skills further, and enabled me to make valuable connections in my dream field. A huge benefit is that you can explore a potential career path without committing to a full-time job. By conversing with people already working in the field, I can assess if a particular career aligns with my interests, values, and long-term plans.

I think this is especially important given the changes in the job market. With the uncertain labor market, students must develop realistic career expectations and gain a good sense of the skills and experience employers are seeking. Using informational interviews will help students figure out how their studies and emerging skills match industry needs and better understand the job market.

For instance, when I started college, I considered a career in information technology but wasn’t sure which specific roles would be the best fit. By speaking with an IT professional, I learned about some of the different specialties within the field, such as software development, network administration, and technical support. This gave me a clearer understanding of the various paths I could pursue with an IT degree.

Doing informational interviews can also help students build connections that could lead to job openings later. Networking is super important these days, and these chats let students get a foot in the door and make a good impression with professionals in their dream fields.

Overall, informational interviews are a powerful tool that college students should utilize to gain insights, clarify their career goals, and develop a professional network.

With the leaves turning into shades of orange and red, we are approaching mid-semester! It’s time to embrace the coziness of fall! This season offers the perfect opportunity to layer up and style your outfit. Here are some fall outfit ideas for you! 

Layering

Turtlenecks: Great for warmth and style. You can choose neutral colors such as black, forest green, beige or autumnal shades.

Long-Sleeve Tees: Perfect for layering under sweaters or jackets that are comfortable.

Outwear

Knits/Cardigans: Oversized or textured knits add warmth and a cozy vibe.

Flannel: Comfortable for layering. Unbuttoned for a relaxed look or buttoned for a sophisticated look.

Footwear

Boots: A must-have in various styles. Leather or suede options can elevate any outfit.

Sneakers: For those seeking a vintage vibe, the Reebok Club C 85 is an excellent option that can elevate your everyday looks!

Accessories

Beanies or Hats: Add a stylish look and can also keep you warm! Color can vary to match your fits.

Crossbody Bag: Practical for carrying everyday essentials. My personal favorite is a Uniqlo crossbody bag, it offers a modern and simple design.

As for where to look for a cozy café to enjoy a dessert with seasonal specials, I have a recommendation where you can treat yourself to a delicious fall-flavored dessert!

Paris Baguette is a bakery located in Rockville Town Square that is known for its delightful selection of pastries, breads, and cakes. Their fall menu offer seasonal favorites such as Maple Pecan Layer Cake and Pumpkin Spice Latte that perfectly capture the essence of autumn.

Travel for Free: The World of Conference Scholarships

Many professional conferences are held annually across various fields. This post will focus on STEM and tech conferences, as that is where my knowledge lies. So, what is a conference scholarship? Many institutions, including universities, Google, and non-profit organizations such as Rewriting the Code, provide funds to bring underrepresented individuals to these conferences…for free! My scholarship was awarded by the Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing (i4c) at the University of Maryland, College Park. The applications are open to students annually, and you only need to fill out one form to be considered for many of the conferences. Each scholarship offers different perks, so it is important to know what you will be getting. 

What was included on my scholarship?  

• Plane Tickets  
• Transportation to and from airports  
• Conference registration  
• Hotel  

Moreover, conferences usually take place in the fall, so applications are generally open during late spring and summer. Check out these pages to learn more about and apply for conference scholarships:

• Google’s Conference Scholarships
• Rewriting the Code Conference Scholarships (You must create an account and login to access the conference scholarship page!)
• i4c’s Conference Scholarships  (The Techsgiving Summit application is still open! Apply ASAP!)

oSTEM 14th Annual Conference

This past weekend, I participated in my first conference: the oSTEM 14th Annual Conference. Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) is an organization for queer students and professionals in the STEM field. Their annual conference aims to connect queer and trans professionals and empower us to seek new opportunities.

My Experience at oSTEM

Spending my week at this conference was a turning point for me. I have worked in the hospitality industry for years, and for years, I have proudly worked as a waitress at conferences. For the first time, I was not serving. For the first time, I was in the room as a professional. I would be lying if I said it was not a mix of emotions, ranging from nervousness to excitement. Listening to others’ journeys and having the opportunity to connect with industry professionals was an important opportunity for the development of my confidence as a tech professional. My favorite part was the oSTEM career fair, where I met two people who got interviews for internships on the spot! This is the power of taking up space. Make yourself seen. Apply for a conference now (or at least save the date for next year)!