Leavey Ambassadors Program Blogs

Coming into Santa Clara University and into the business school, I knew that getting involved on campus would be the number one way for me to not only develop personally but also professionally. Getting involved in professional organizations and programs provides students with crucial networking opportunities, professional development resources, and experience in real-world projects that enrich the college experience and give them a competitive edge in their careers. In high school, schedules often involve incredibly long hours that start early in the morning and end later in the afternoon, leaving students with not much time for themselves and their interests. Coming into university, it truly felt like a blessing to be able to create your own schedule and flexibility as well as going to involvement fairs to see what organizations I could see myself being an active part of. With this newfound flexibility, I proudly and excitedly joined several organizations on campus that surrounded me with creative, insightful, and supportive minds.

Within the Leavey School of Business, I eventually found myself in the Leavey Ambassador program. As an ambassador for the business school, I was in charge of leading tours with my fellow ambassadors for prospective students, taking them around Lucas Hall and introducing not only the physical building but also all the resources that the business school provides its students. This includes interview and resume workshopping, career path coaching, career coaching and resource fairs, and even start-up incubators. In all of my responsibilities in the program, there is a sense of pride in knowing that the tours and events my program leads have a direct influence on bringing in new and innovative minds to the campus.

 I’m also in the Leavey Community Fellowship program, which engages a small cohort of juniors and seniors in a year-long internship with a non-profit organization, allowing them to reflect and explore social justice and economic issues in Silicon Valley. As the Marketing and Communications intern for Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, I create, organize, and schedule content for Catholic Charities’ social media accounts, including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. In assisting the Development, Communications, and Digital Media teams, I often utilize G-Suite and Meta Business Suite to maintain consistent communication and outreach, as well as foster engagement and encourage continued support from current donors.

Outside of the business school, I’m the Wellness Co-Chair of the professional co-ed business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi. In essence, the organization is a collective of insightful, unique, and motivated minds that all strive to grow professionally and personally. AKPsi consistently holds business and tech company-sponsored events and professional workshops for its members to give everyone a chance to get real-world experience so they are better equipped and prepared for internships and post-graduate jobs. I am incredibly thankful for the relationships and resources that the chapter has provided me, and wanting to give back to the community that gave me so much, I took on the Wellness Co-Chair position to make a more direct impact on the chapter. Taking on leadership roles and positions in any organization enhances the professional profile of an individual by showcasing their commitment, initiative, and ability to manage responsibilities effectively. I’m glad that AKPsi gives me the opportunity and an outlet to combine my passions for mental health and professional development and I look forward to continuing my journey with the chapter!

Overall, getting involved in professional organizations and programs can significantly enrich your college experience, providing industry insights, exclusive internship and job opportunities, and fostering personal growth and confidence. I highly recommend that all business students join major associations, professional clubs/organizations, and take advantage of Leavey’s career assistance to prepare themselves for the outside world!

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