It was a full house at Sage College in Albany this semester as 11 alumni from the College Experience Program (CEP) returned to where it all began. Across two Mondays these graduates sat down with the current freshman employment class to pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to navigate the workforce.
The panels featured a diverse group of voices, including Tor, Catherine, Canaan, Andrew, Bill, Brendan, Michael, Kaylee, Amy, Sunny, and Abby. Together, they shared a raw and inspiring look at their professional journeys, proving that success isn’t always a straight line, it’s a series of experiences.
One of the most relatable moments came from Megan, who shared a story about ambition and balance. In an effort to increase her earnings, she took on a second job at The Dollar Tree. Ultimately, the role conflicted with her primary position, and she decided to move on. However, Megan didn’t view it as a failure. She was proud of herself for trying something new and emphasized how her job coach helped her navigate that difficult conversation about availability with her employer. Her takeaway? It is always worth it to explore your options.
A recurring theme throughout both panels was the vital role of the Living Resources job coaches. The alumni were quick to point out that a job coach is much more than just a search assistant. They are partners who help you communicate with supervisors when things get complicated, advocate for new responsibilities or a schedule that fits your life, and find encouragement during the tough days of a job search.
Michael offered a powerful piece of advice regarding this partnership: “If your job coach isn’t right for you, you need to advocate and ask for a new job coach.” His message was clear: you are the driver of your own career, and you deserve a team that helps you shine.
For many students, the pressure to find the “perfect” career right away can be overwhelming. Amy helped ease those fears by sharing her own resume, which includes everything from hospitality and food service to retail and bakery work.
“You need to try a lot of different jobs before you find the right one,” Amy told the freshmen. “Just think of each one as a new experience, a chance to learn new skills and meet new people. You will land where you are supposed to be.”
The energy in the room was a testament to the strength of the CEP community. The alumni didn’t just share stories; they stepped into the roles of mentors, offering a roadmap for the students following in their footsteps. They left the sessions eager to return for future panels, proving that once you are part of the College Experience, you are part of a lifelong network of support.