EDUCATION EDUCATION
THE SETUP FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS: A GUIDE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS BY COLLEGE STUDENTS
challenges in STEM fields and new, ever-changing social, economic, and professional landscapes have changed the outlook and importance of a successful college education process. So what does it take to successfully enter college, perform well throughout a four- to six-year tenure as an undergraduate, and earn the degrees needed to secure a rewarding career? The answer to that depends on whom you ask, but some of the best people to broach the topic with are students who have navigated their college careers with outstanding results. We sat down with two well-performing students who have maintained successful studies and STEM research at some of the nation’s top-performing historically Black colleges and universities. Lucretia Williams, a student at Howard University, is a computer information system major who has developed a mobile app that creates holistic solutions to help relieve the stress and pressures for HBCU students. Deshaun Crawford is a student and computer science major at Delaware State University. A former NASA Scholar, Deshaun has secured a position as one of Apple’s advertising platform software engineers after graduation. These students discussed the most important things that helped them stay focused throughout their academic careers.
T
Create Support Networks One of the first, and perhaps most important, things
students should do is develop a strong support structure, both in academic and extracurricular circles, that includes professionals and students. Both Lucretia and Deshaun see great value in this. “It’s important that students have a great advisor and an
upperclassmen mentor to help them figure out their curriculum scheme and the best classes and professors,” Lucretia explained. “Networking is key. Make sure you are making the right connections because the connections you make may provide many opportunities down the road.“ “I learned a lot during my NASA internship,” Deshaun explained, “because I had an intelligent mentor named Ray Gilstrap who taught me enough to set me apart from other students when applying to become an Apple Scholar. My experience of becoming an Apple scholar opened up a huge array of opportunities to work with and learn from some of the world’s greatest engineers and network with influential individuals in my industry, including other students. I believe it’s important for students to hang around people that are going in the same direction. It’s also essential to help the people around you excel and help them get where they want to go.”
he 21st-century university student looks nothing like those from years ago, especially when it comes to opportunities for minorities and people of color. New
editors@ccgmag.com
Get Involved on Campus Good networking should lead to active involvement
in and around campus. Becoming an active participant in organizations and associations will promote a greater understanding of one’s self and develop personal and professional interests. “Freshmen should want to build their resumes the best
way they can,” Lucretia explained, “especially if they don’t have job experience in the fields they are pursuing. I definitely suggest joining organizations in their majors and holding some type of leadership position. I would also recommend participating in competitions and seeking out opportunities to volunteer.”
She continued, “You should consider going to career fairs
as a freshman, even though you haven’t had any experience. This will help you develop what companies are looking for in a successful intern so that you can prepare yourself to be the ideal candidate. Also, don’t count yourself out and think
by Terrence Dove
Lucretia Williams Student and computer information system major Howard University
54 USBE&IT | DEANS ISSUE 2017
www.blackengineer.com
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