Andrea Cardoso

Concerned about finding a job? Learn from Andrea Cardoso’s success story…

What kinds of things did you do while in college to prepare you for your professional life after college, or to make yourself more marketable?

I got involved in extra-curricular activities that were related to my prospective field and areas of interest. While participating in Beta Alpha Psi, I had the opportunity to network with professional people in my future field as well as learn about what the field of accounting involved. I was involved in the Rotaract Club for a year and a half, and it gave me the opportunity to interact with people who cared about improving the community. I also took some time to visit Career Services starting the second semester of my freshmen year in order to decide on my major. I also found Career Services to be a great resource for building my resume, preparing for interviews, and searching for internships. All the ladies there helped me attain a part-time job that was related to my future field while I was still in college. Overall, I knew that I needed to put in the effort if I wanted to be successful and that growing individually needed to be a main focus.

How did you hear about (or find) your current position?

I heard about Rushton & Company my sophomore year of college. Career Services had flyers in the restroom about their internships, and I kept them in mind for my junior year. I researched the company and talked to people who had been involved with them and found it to be an excellent workplace. Once I was given the privilege to intern for them in the summer of 2013, I learned more about the field and knew that I wanted to stick to accounting. I kept in contact with them and let them know that I was going to graduate in December 2014. They were able to make me a job offer after work came through from their end.

What advice would you like to give to current students to help prepare them for careers and/or the job search after college?

Use all the resources that you have – Career Services, professors, advisors, former students, etc. The more information that you learn about your field, the better prepared you will be. Do not limit yourself when it comes to your future because it is never too early to invest in it!