Career Explorations: Connections

The career centers offer various paths for students to travel to determine their career goals. For students still figuring out the best major or potential career or job fit, the centers have a growing number of programs geared toward career exploration.

Indu Damodar, a senior studying management information systems with a finance major, says the career center has been a central part of her story as a Carlson student. “I came in knowing little about resumes and job search, but the career center staff have helped me every step of the way,” she says.

Damodar remembers having her first conversation with Career Center Assistant Director Katie Selby about wanting to work in tech. “I was a clueless sophomore not knowing where or how to start, but she inspired me and encouraged me to start the process,” she says. “She connected me with some alumni she knew in tech and that made my career possible.”

Through her connections, Damodar interned at Microsoft in Seattle this past summer and will be starting there full-time after graduation. “I am blessed to have the chance to start my career at a company I love, doing work that I am energized about,” she says. “This is possible because of all the Carlson alumni and staff who helped me, encouraged me, and supported me in any way they could.”

Alumni, in fact, were the most valuable asset the career centers offered to Damodar. “The career coaches know so many incredible people through their work. Their ability to get you connected with others who have similar passions and want to help students is incredibly valuable,” she says. “They coached me and motivated me to stay positive when things seemed hopeless. Their support made my internship possible and I can’t wait to do that for other students in the future.”