Success Stories: Brooks
How have you benefited from using the Career Center services?
The Alcon Career Center in the Neeley School of Business is designed to help you find your direction and connect you from where you are now to where you want to be in the future. In my experience at TCU, nothing has been more critical to my success than pairing my work ethic with the help I’ve received from everyone in the Career Center.
How did working with the Career Center impact your internship/job search?
I received each material employment opportunity either directly or indirectly through the Career Center at TCU. This began with preparation for the TCU Career and Intern Expo during my freshman year through resume building and networking tips which helped me secure a job for the summer, even with limited school work under my belt. Later, because of Jessica Cates (Director, Alcon Career Center) directly contacting me about an opportunity available in my field, I secured a two-year internship with a prestigious family office in Fort Worth during the semester. This experience was crucial in getting and succeeding in my investment banking internship during the summer after my Junior year. Because of the Career Center, I was one of many Neeley students who had already accepted a full-time offer in their desired field and location before their last year of college even started.
What was the most helpful advice given to you by the Career Center?
Aside from the hours of conversations I’ve had with people in the Career Center concerning how to approach making contacts, editing resume bullet points, constructing cover letters, and just simply distracting everyone there with my long and embellished stories about college life, the most pivotal conversation I had in the Career Center was when Jessica helped me realize what I truly prioritized in my job search and how to compromise to reach that main goal. Additionally, the people in the Career Center are an example to every student of what it looks like to be sincerely committed to your job and making a difference for who you’re working with.
What challenges were you facing and how did the Career Center help you solve them or motivate you to solve them?
I think a good starting point is making sure your work ethic is always beyond reproach and your attitude is upbeat. These two things are always under your control, and being strong in these two traits makes it much easier for people to help you. Seek out the people who can support you (hint: they’re in the Career Center) and build relationships as soon as possible.
What advice would you give others facing the same challenges you did?
Rather than becoming discouraged, learn from your mistakes. Ask your interviewers for feedback, and they will happily tell you how to improve. This conversation can solve your biggest problems and make all of the difference in your next interview.
Where there any specific events you went to that were beneficial? If so which one and why was it helpful?
I was part of the Transaction and Investment Professionals (TIP) Board led by Jessica Cates and a number of alumni that is designed to help place students in highly competitive finance internships and jobs. This program gave me the tailored help needed to break into the industry including study materials, alumni connections, assigned mentors, mock interviews, and weekly seminars or conference calls with prospective employers.