Five Words of Wisdom for College Seniors from EBF Launch Boot Camp Speakers

During the Emma Bowen Foundation’s two-day Launch Boot Camp, senior fellows participated in candid conversations and interactive sessions that equipped them with key skills and insights needed to apply for, accept, and excel at their first jobs.

From partners and longtime EBF supporters to alumni who have walked in our fellows' shoes, seniors heard invaluable advice from professionals in all stages of their career.

Here are 5 highlights: 

“There is beauty in the imperfection.”

— Amanda Cupani, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at Viant Technologies

Amanda and her fellow panelists reminded seniors that no matter where you land, you will always learn lessons along the way.

“Get organized.”

— Niéna Drake, Emmy Award-Winning Executive Producer + Founder and Senior Director, AMMP Network, EBF, and EBF Alum

Niéna shared several job search strategies and tools. She recommended that seniors find ways to keep themselves organized to avoid getting lost in the complexities of sorting through contacts, companies, and resources during the job search process. 

“Confidence is going to come with action.”

— Rana Campbell, Senior Integrated Marketing Manager at Paramount, Chief Dream Driver at Dreams in Drive, and EBF Alum

During her presentation “Learning How To Advocate for Yourself,” Rana addressed EBF seniors’ concerns regarding how to handle situations such as salary negotiations and contracts as entry-level employees, noting that through practice these conversations will become more effortless. 

“...Keep that ongoing list of job responsibilities and projects you’ve worked on.”

— Nicole Alonzo, Campus and Early Career Recruiting Manager, FOX Corporation

When it came to the dos and don’ts of resumes, Nicole and her colleague, Veronica Baker, Campus Recruiter, took the reins with an interactive session. One suggestion Nicole emphasized for seniors is to maintain a long form resume for oneself because it is easy to forget many of your activities as time goes by. 

“It’s all about growth. You are going to grow year by year, month by month, and even day by day.”

— Kelcie Bolden, Producer, WAPT, and EBF Alum

On a panel of alums who have recently transitioned from intern to full-time employee, Kelcie displayed her youthful sagacity, describing the development of her skill set and the balancing of boundaries as she learns how to foster an environment that will enable her to deliver her best work.

Now, equipped with advice and tools from Launch Boot Camp, EBF seniors are one step closer to not just a promising career, but to thriving on their selected paths.

Bonus Quote:

“[You will] find your journey that is most fulfilling, rewarding, and aligned with where you want to be.”

— Foluke Tuakli, Strategic Storyteller and EBF Alum

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A special thank you to our partners, supporters, and alumni for making Launch Boot Camp a success and providing our fellows with more words of wisdom than we can even note here.