Where Women Go

Find a mentor! 

"Whether it’s a professor, a club advisor or an older student, make those connections. Put yourself out there, ask for help and build those relationships. For me, just to name a few: a former professor and former supervisors at internships. I know it’s scary to approach more experienced people, but you’ll be surprised at how much people are willing to help others, especially students, succeed." Lauren Boyd, Multimedia Specialist at The Ohio State University 

Be Your Best Advocate

Whether you’re applying to a part-time job on campus, preparing to enter the real world, or even just fighting for some personal time to wind down, being an advocate for yourself and your needs is critical for young women. Know your value, know what you want, and don’t stop until you get it. No one will come to your aid as quickly or fight as fiercely as you will for yourself, so make sure you’re doing that every day. You deserve it!

This tip comes from Jillian Baer, Graduate Programs Coordinator in The John Glenn College of Public Affairs

 

Define your own work life balance. 

Don’t let others decide what that is for you. Find things outside of work that you are passionate about. Then YOU decide how much of each you need, to be the best you can be in both places. It is different for everyone, and the balance is important to your success.  

This tip comes from Molly Calhoun, Associate Vice President in the Office of Student Life 

“Too often, we think we are expected to know everything and that asking questions is a sign of inability or unpreparedness. In fact, I have found as a young professional that asking questions is not only an essential part of understanding anything – it starts a dialogue and shows that you value learning something new or care enough about information to have the clearest possible view of a situation. Raise your hands, speak up, seek out your answers and you’ll be surprised what you find!” Ashley Sinram, Multimedia Coordinator at The Ohio State University

Be the best version of yourself! 

Ever find yourself feeling envious of others - or even down about yourself - after seeing other people and their accomplishments on social media? Always remember that social media only represents a fraction of our experiences, and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Simply focus on being the best version of yourself! 

This tip comes from Carol Harper, Digitial Communications Coordinator for the Office of Student Life 

Take time for fitness every day. 

Schedule an hour every day for exercise, and honor your commitment. You can’t take care of others or be effective in your job unless you are feeling healthy, centered and balanced. A daily dose of exercise will help you achieve better wellness and is key to managing the stress of daily life. 

This tip comes to us from Kristin Smith, Assistant Director of Sponsorship and Stewardship in the Office of Student Life 

Always advocate for yourself. 

Don’t assume opportunities will fall into your lap or that others will remember to think of you. Graciously ask to be considered for opportunities which help you to grow professionally.  

This tip comes to us from Stacey Renker, Assistant Director of Risk & Emergency Management in Student Life 

Making decisions. 

When dealing with students facing decision-making, I have two quotes that I love:

“Nothing is more difficult and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide”. Napoleon Bonaparte

“Always do what you are afraid to do”.  Ralph W. Emerson

Keep these in mind when you are making decisions!

This tip comes to us from Ana Berríos, Associate Director of Career Counseling and Support Services 

Be you with no apologies! 

I spent a great deal of my first year in college trying to fit the mold others had created. Once I decided to be myself with no apologies and become involved in activities that empowered students - like Residence Life, Greek Life, College of Education, etc. - I truly started to live. I made life long connections and true friendships. Learn to be you with no apologies! 

This tip comes to us from Carrie Miller, Associate Director of Student Activities in the Office of Student Life 

Be genuine and kind as you advance.

When you begin to advance in your career, take the time to be kind and genuine to those you work with on the way up. You never know when you will encounter those people in the future!

This tip comes to us from Aubrie Smith, Communications & Logistics Manager for the Office of Student Life

Begin networking soon and often!

Build relationships with your classmates, professors and other on-campus faculty and staff. These relationships will prove invaluable to your future. 

This tip comes to us from Michelle Morgan, Digital Engagement Specialist for the Alumni Association 

Get involved! 

Participate in as many things as you can. I was very active with work, school and internships in my student days and met some great people, but I wasn’t active within student groups or organizations. I love to travel, so I would have joined STEP if it were available to me at the time, or a non-profit group that traveled abroad for humanitarian work. Explore your passions and get involved! 

This tip comes to us from Nikole Prete, Office Associate for the Office of Student Life 

"In terms of challenges to avoid, I would say make sure you are not your own obstacle. Don’t make decisions through inaction, fear or guilt. One of my favorite sayings is, “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” You might not enjoy negotiating the salary for your next job, but no one else will do it for you." This tip comes to us from Christine O'Malley, Communications Consultant in Office of Human Resources. Read more from Christine in Buckeye Voices.