JAGUAR SPOTLIGHT: Kamrie Dillard

Southern University student, Kamrie Dillard, is one of many students who have taken the initiative to venture to the Career Services Center to prosper in her chosen field. Dillard will receive her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Degree December 2016. Upon graduating, Dillard can already boast about her outstanding experience she has gained as an intern at Raytheon Company, a Department Co-Op at Noranda Alumina. Who knew that as an undergrad, she would achieve such greatness and give herself a jump-start to her future. I had the pleasure of asking Miss Dillard about how one visit to the SU Career Center helped launch her journey to what may have at first seemed like unreachable heights.
Q: What led you to venture out to the Career Service Center?
A: Mrs. Montgomery and the staff are always visible around campus, promoting the center and encouraging students to visit. As an engineering major and Honors College student, it is extremely important that I have internship/Co-op experiences before graduating. Utilizing the center and its resources is a win-win situation for me, and only enhances my academic and professional experience. I scheduled my first appointment during my freshman year, and I have been a regular ever since!
Q: What have you benefited as far as your professional experience?
A: In addition to connecting me with job opportunities, the Career Services Center also ensured that I was well prepared for any available opportunity. I was able to practice and prepare for things such as networking with companies, interviews, dressing for success, resume building, and being able to articulate my skills and experiences, with the help of the center. These skills do not go away once a student begins a job, they are actually put into action and determine how well you can perform, and the center does a great job placing emphasis on them.
Q: What advice do you have to offer to your fellow classmates who have yet to seek help from the Career Services Center?
A: Call, e-mail, stop by – the staff is always available and accessible! Mrs. Montgomery has assisted me in many ways and has always been adamant about students’ success. Also, attend the informational sessions and get to know company representatives. Develop a relationship with the center so that the staff and the visiting companies know who you are. Mrs. Montgomery always says that she cannot recommend us if she does not know us! There’s a breadth of information and guidance available and the center makes it its mission to ensure all students are gaining professional experience. I encourage all of my peers to take full advantage of the center and its resources.
Do not leave Southern University without seeking and completing an internship—especially without the assistance of Career Service Center. At Southern University you can always count on a helping hand.