CLA's Student Ambassadors

Hometown: Comoro, Dili, Timor-Leste
Major(s): Political Science and Economic Business

What advice would you give to a student still deciding on their major? 
I would encourage students to explore classes outside of their comfort zone and connect them to what they are passionate about. Majoring in Political Science and Economic Business came from trying new subjects and realizing how they could shape the change. Be curious, talk to professors and peers, and don’t be afraid to pivot when you find something that truly inspires you.
 

Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Major(s): Economics
Minor(s): Business Law

What advice would you give to a student still deciding on their major?
Take advantage of your general education requirements. I didn't declare my major until the second semester of my sophomore year. I was able to use the first few semesters of college to take care of the necessary general education requirements I need to graduate, but I was also able to take a wide variety of classes which I may not have been able to explore had I been in a more rigid college.

Hometown: Oakdale, Minnesota
Major(s): Psychology BS (pre-med)
Minor(s): Ensemble Music

What unique opportunities have you discovered at CLA that you didn’t expect before enrolling?
I discovered the pre-health resource center. I go there and talk to my advisor every semester to ensure that things are on track through their support. I feel confident in the medical school application process for the future. My advisor has been a great help and not only providing me information, but encouraging me as well.

Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
Major(s): Political Science
Minor(s): Earth Science

How has being in the Twin Cities enhanced your college experience, both academically and socially? 
The U understands that college is more than just classes, it is a season of life where lots of students have social experiences high on their priority list. This understanding allows for the freedom for students to discover what they enjoy, while also still keeping proper boundaries for academic prioritization. You get out of it what you make of it!

Hometown: Moorhead, Minnesota
Major(s): Biology, Society, and Environment
Minor(s): Cell Biology, Anthropology

What types of academic programs or resources have you found most valuable here at CLA?
The BIO-Leap program offers CLA students without prior research experience the chance to conduct independent research. I’ve gained valuable experience working in a pharmacology lab at the University of Minnesota Medical School, collaborating with PIs, postdocs, and graduate students.

Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota
Major(s): Strategic Communication: Advertising & PR, Psychology
Minor(s): Ensemble Music

How have you been supported in achieving your career goals or gaining internships while at CLA? 
Going to CLA Career Services was helpful because they were able to guide me through the process of how to write a resume and cover letter. They also offer interview preparation and they do headshots. Another way that I was supported was through taking CLA 3002 because it gives students information about how to get involved with research, how to be prepared for an interview, how to set up your LinkedIn, and other career preparation skills.

Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
Major(s): Biomedical Engineering
Minor(s): Spanish, Neuroscience

How has CLA helped you develop your career goals, and what kinds of real-world experiences have you had here (e.g., internships, research, networking)?
CLA has helped me shape my career goals by providing a wealth of resources, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences. Through networking events and career fairs, I have connected with professionals in my field and gained insights into different career paths. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in research, leadership roles, and internships that have strengthened my skills and clarified my professional interests, preparing me for future opportunities.

Hometown: Bloomington, Minnesota
Major(s): Communication Studies
Minor(s): Creative Writing

How have you been supported in achieving your career goals or gaining internships while at CLA?
The combined help of the student services and professors I've had have guided me towards discovering pathways for involving myself in ways that improve my collaboration skills, creative-limits, and general focus on myself. I'd also like to thank my professors and friends again for seeing strength and resilience in me that I never saw in myself. Without them, I wouldn't be here.

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Major(s): Human Physiology

Hometown: Chanhassen, Minnesota
Major(s): Political Science, Media and Information
Minor(s): Applied Economics

How have you been supported in achieving your career goals or gaining internships while at CLA? 
Not only has my experience in CLA provided ample opportunities and guidance on how to develop necessary skills and improve my professionalism, but CLA Career Services specifically has been an invaluable resource for me. They helped me polish my resume, cover letter, and interview skills and are always hosting helpful events.

Hometown: Albertville, Minnesota
Major(s): Strategic Communicatoons

What is your favorite CLA Core Competency and why?
My favorite CLA Core Competencies are Engaging Diversity and Ethical Reasoning and Decision-Making. These values reflect my own core values that I continue to work on and foster growth.

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Major(s): Statistical Science

How is your CLA experience shaping your career goals?
My career goals are shaped most by being in class, as strange as it sounds. Some of the topics in my class really excite me and make me want to learn more. As college students, our goal is to apply our learning to our own lives and careers. So, when I am in class and I learn something new that excites me, I don't hesitate to explore it in my free time.

Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Major(s): Strategic Communications: Advertising and PR

What advice would you give to a student still deciding on their major?
A piece of advice I would give a student that is still deciding on a major is giving themselves grace and room to explore their interests. Self and career is critical in finding out what will stick with you and what won't.

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Major(s): Computer Science

What types of academic programs or resources have you found most valuable here at CLA?
Academic advising and CLA Career Services have been invaluable. Advisors helped me align my courses with long-term goals. Career Services guided me through internship preparation and professional development, while leadership and public service programs strengthened my advocacy and policy skills, preparing me for my future career.

Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Major(s): Biology, Society, and Environment
Minor(s): Public Health

How has being in the Twin Cities enhanced your college experience, both academically and socially?
Being in the Twin Cities has given me access to so many academic and professional opportunities, from research in pediatric health to working as a peer advisor. The city’s diversity also helps me feel more connected to my community while meeting people from all kinds of backgrounds. I love that there’s always something going on, from interesting lectures to cultural events to checking out new coffee shops with my friends!

Hometown: Moundsview, Minnesota
Major(s): Psychology

What does being a CLA student mean to you?
Being a student at CLA means gaining experience and knowledge of not only your desired major, but also knowledge of various other topics. This holistic education broadens my understanding of not only psychology, but other related interests allowing me to become more diverse and versatile. Overall, being a CLA student means greater personal growth, having a diverse range of skills and knowledge, and being able to adapt to any situation. 

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Major(s): Computer Science

What advice would you give to a student still deciding on their major?
It is totally okay and normal to not know what you want to major in because it is a big decision. Time and exploration is key. I would highly recommend going to the Center for Career Planning and Exploration because they have great career coaches who work with you 1-on-1 to help you figure out what your strengths/interests are and explore majors/careers that align with that.