While I previously decided to meet with a career advisor who assisted with more general studies, for my second career advising meeting I decided to meet with someone who specialized in STEM as that’s an academic interest that I’m very curious about and excited to explore. Meeting for the second time with Ruthann Coyote, I was able to somewhat pick up where we left off, ask to follow-up questions, as well as bring up completely new topics and areas of discussion. Part of what I’m really interested in doing is gaining an engineering degree, likely in mechanical engineering as I think this will help me if I choose to follow my current passion for industrial design and/or product design. In trying to figure out the resources and support systems already set in place at Wesleyan to help me achieve my goals, I came across a few different paths, but never really understood the nuances between them and the pros and cons of each. Going in I was well as aware of the Dual Degree programs and options regarding that option, however, when I was looking at LinkedIn profiles, I saw some graduate students that have recently accepted positions with an engineer in their title, however, I don’t think partook in the 3+2, 4+2, 3-1-1-1 Dual Degree Programs. I believe they were part of the Master’s program offered at Wes for certain STEM majors. Also in talking to professors, one professor I met will discuss looking into the undergrad master’s program that Wes offers to see if it would fit my goals and needs.
Going in pretty clueless, thinking that ultimately transferring would be my best bet and allow me to diversify my academic portfolio, I was really pleased to hear about what the Master’s program, those selective had to offer. I was also really keen on understanding how someone from Wes, a recent graduate, who might not hold a bachelor of science in whatever engineering specialty might do when approaching the job market for the first time. It was helpful to see that others have been able to do it and have already somewhat paved the way in terms of trying to figure out the next steps of finding a job or pursuing higher education following their undergrad years at Wesleyan. Being able to see students and their paths, once again made my dreams once again feel obtainable, which was really comforting as the last semester and a half or so have felt like a whirl-wind of needing to get everything in line as soon as possible as well as making sure that I haven’t skipped any steps or missed any crucial parts to make the journey even possible.
I was also able to establish a bit more of a connection and expand my resources as I now feel more comfortable reaching out to career advisors for help, even if it’s just a quick question or a quick virtual meeting.
