Finding a career is a difficult task. In today’s society, landing a job is easier if you know people that will be able to put in a good word for you at the business or company you are applying at. These people, however, are not always easy to find. That is why one needs to meet as many professionals as possible and maybe even get internships with some professors doing research in their field of interest in order to have a recommendation from a professional. The task of finding these individuals is an everyday task starting from the day one considers a career.
As I entered my freshman year of college, I thought that I had plenty of time to meet a professor or individual that would be able to recommend me to a company. This, however, I learned early on is an incorrect assumption. So, I began considering what my interests and values really are. As I considered this, I decided that I would like to do something in the medical field, whether this is in a lab using chemical engineering or attending grad school in order to become a doctor.
Next, I needed to consider what professionals were in this field that I knew and where or who could I go or meet that would be able to help me along on my career path. Initially, I considered my family doctor who I have interviewed before for another paper. After this, I began to construct a path for myself in order to get out in my field more and see what there really was being offered. Knowing this information, I decided to sign up for a research program through the ISU honors program. I am still waiting to see what professor I have been assigned to, but it is my hope that I will get to work with Dr. Nelson in physical therapy. This would give me an idea of how a job as a doctor may work or at least give me an idea of working with people. Also knowing a professor as his assistant would hopefully give me a professional who would be able to give me a good review for a company.
In order to get a career in today’s world, sometimes it’s more important who you know rather than what you know. In order to find these people, it is important to get started in your fields of interest as early as possible. This will allow you to meet people that someday may be able to help you land your own dream job. Also, before any of this, you need to look inside and decide what you really love to do and value in life so you can choose the career path for yourself.

AIChE Club

Being part of a community is an experience everyone has from the moment they are born. As they grow and develop, that person will become a more important piece of that community, and help its development, hopefully. A good way to grow in experience and in community is to join a group or organization that will help propel you to places you want to go.
Upon joining Iowa State University, I was unaware of the total number and diversity of college clubs this university had to offer me. On attending club fest, and attending a separate meeting later that night, I decided to become part of the AIChE. This organization is centered around Chemical Engineers and bringing many of them together in one central group in order to get things done, such as national competitions and to spread information on business looking to hire chemical engineers or providing internships.
As I considered what group was for me, I decided that AIChE was my best option because not only will it be a great experience, but it will further me in my major of chemical engineering. As a member of this organization, I can view presentations from companies that I may be interested in working for when I graduate. I am also able to participate in many team situations in my field, proving to future employers that I will be able to work in team situations.
Finally, AIChE provides many opportunities for leadership skills. In the club itself, there are opportunities to become a president or a class representative in the organization. Outside of the basic cabinet positions, committees are created to put together events, such as the national conference or teams that will be competing in a number of different competitions. The opportunities are limitless.
Being a contributing member to society is important in order for the furthering of society and individuals. Clubs are a great way to get involved in society and community. Not only are you involved but you have a bigger voice in the world and valuable skills are learned that will propel you farther in any direction that you wish to go.