JAGUAR SPOTLIGHT: SU CAREER SERVICES

Southern University student, Kristofer McKinney, is one of many students who have taken the initiative to venture to the Career Services Center to prosper in his chosen field. McKinney will receive his Bachelor of Nursing in May 2018. Upon graduating, Kristofer McKinney can already brag about his outstanding experience gained as a Nurses Assistant at Twin Oaks Nursing Rehabilitation Center, a Research Assistant, and an Intern at the University of South Alabama.
Q: How do you manage to maintain a 3.7 GPA while devoting a large chunk of your time to the Human Jukebox Marching Band?
A: I must say it is not easy. What I have done is created a daily schedule of everything I need to complete within in a day. I have a planner that has my class schedule, assignments due dates, study times, practice schedule, and extracurricular activities, that I am involved in as well. I have many long nights being in the Human Jukebox Marching Band, but it has taught me that determination, discipline and time management are essential factors to succeeding in whatever you have your mind set on.
Q: How do spend your spare time?
A: In my spare time, I like to hang with friends and have a good laugh. I am the probably goofiest person that you may ever run into. I may say some of the silliest stuff, but I am pretty sure I could get a chuckle out of anyone. I enjoy meditating and thinking about ways of advancing my outlook on my future career. These hobbies keep me humbled and remind me that I am here for a purpose.
Q: What is it about nursing that sparked your interest?
A: Well, my overall career aspiration is to become a Pediatrician and own my own practice. From personal experience as a Certified Nurses Assistant and internships, I have learned that nurses are very knowledgeable and diligent workers when it comes to caring for any patient. Nurses are made from long work hours, intense clinical encounters, and disciplined from the rigorous work load. Nurses are naturally well-rounded, open-minded, critical thinkers. I do believe nursing will enlighten me more on my medical knowledge and will continue to mold me into the Pediatrician I want to be.
Q: What is your favorite meal?
A: Honestly, I don’t really have a favorite food. I enjoy any meal that is of quality and has plenty of flavor. What I could say is that I am very southern and I must have a glass of sweet tea. If I don’t get my hands on a glass of sweet tea, I might just go insane!
Q: How has the Career Services Center attributed to your personal, academic, and professional success?
A: The Career Services Center has really opened my mind to how there is so much more to life, and in order to receive it, you have to be properly equipped with all aspects of professionalism to be granted the opportunity. Mrs. Montgomery along with her staff really dedicates countless hours to us, ensuring that we achieve on any level and get whatever we are going after. What really hit home for me, was the several conversations in regards to stepping up your game. It made me want to be better as I grew not only as a student, but a young professional as well.