When Yadyra Guzman transferred from State College of Florida to USF Sarasota-Manatee, she knew that in addition to excelling academically she would also need to gain professional experience in her field to prepare for life beyond USF.
“I knew I wanted to work in sports marketing, but I had no idea how to get started,” Guzman said. “How would I craft a strong resume and cover letter without any work experience? How would I start to build a network?”
Guzman wasn’t alone. During orientation, she spoke with other incoming students, many
of whom expressed similar concerns.
Thankfully, they were in the right place.
Career Coach Antonia Ripo introduced the new Bulls to the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD), where she supports students at every stage of their professional development by assessing their interests, hobbies and strengths and connecting them with career opportunities.
“We work alongside students to develop a vision for their future, identify their distinguishing talents and make the connection that will help them achieve their career goals, whether it is jobs, internships or graduate school,” Ripo said.
Ripo also works with local employers and members of the community who wish to host training programs — such as the professional development conference sponsored by Enterprise or the leadership series sponsored by Northwestern Mutual — and recruit USF students.
“We help employers understand the criteria for quality internship programs that will create a pipeline of students to their organization,” Ripo said. “Our community members have been exceptional in giving back to USF Sarasota-Manatee students.”
With Ripo’s guidance, Guzman successfully landed a job in the Office of University Communications and Marketing. Coincidentally, her first assignment included supporting a marketing campaign to promote the great work the CCPD does to connect students with professional development opportunities and jobs.
Ripo meets with over 300 students each semester who come to the CCPD seeking assistance drafting their resumes and cover letters, enhancing their skills and connecting with employers and internship opportunities. The CCPD also hosts Coffee and Career Chats — informal sessions held in the rotunda that provide students with an opportunity to meet and engage with professionals from different industries over coffee — and the triannual Career Shadow Day.
To partner with the CCPD at USF Sarasota-Manatee, email SAR-careers@usf.edu.