This is my first semester working in Career Services, and I’ve already learned so much about what it really means to be “career ready.” When you hear the phrase “career readiness”, it can honestly feel a little intimidating, like something you’re expected to figure out all at once. But the more I’ve gotten involved on campus, in athletics, and here in Career Services, the more I’ve realized that career readiness is something you build day by day, often without even realizing it.
For me, juggling classes, my practices and meets, and adjusting to a new job on campus has shown me how much growth happens in the middle of everyday life. Small things like communicating with my coaches, prioritizing assignments, showing up to work on time, or learning how to balance school with everything else are actually the same skills employers look for in the workplace.
That’s one thing I love about Career Services. Career Services helps students recognize the value in the experiences they already have. You don’t need some fancy internship or a perfect five-year plan to start preparing for your future. Sometimes it’s as simple as recognizing the strengths you’re building right now. Whether you stop by for a résumé review, a mock interview, help from the Career Closet, or just to talk through your goals, their purpose is to help students feel confident and prepared for whatever comes next.
If there’s anything I’ve learned so far, it’s that you don’t have to wait until graduation to start preparing for your future. You’re already doing it! Every late-night study session, every team practice, every job shift, and every challenge you push through is shaping you into someone who is capable, resilient, and ready.
Ambree Collinsworth
Ambree is currently a junior at SAU and a member of the SAU Track and Field team. Off the track, she is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Phi Mu.
