“It is not too late. You are not behind. There is no “right” way to do things. Maybe you will wake up one day and change your whole path – and maybe it will be the best decision ever!”
As a student at Puget Sound, Anya Lipkowitz ’24 worked in a few different campus roles. CES was one of the campus offices to benefit from her talents, and we were thrilled to see her choose to continue to share those talents on campus after graduation!
Tell us about your current work.
I am working as the Alumni and Parent Relations (APR) Office Manager. I plan events, manage our budget, and supervise student staff!
How did you get in to this line of work?
During my time as a student, I worked in the CES office. The main reason I was so prepared to work a full-time job was due to the CES staff instilling such confidence in my abilities. My supervisors, Maya and Indigo, and the rest of the team, had an unwavering belief that I was capable of doing complicated or “big” tasks.
Even when I was unsure of what to do, by instilling such a strong message of trust in me, I grew into an employee that they could rely on. This taught me to have autonomy over my work, to be someone that gets tasks done, and to understand what it means to be in a professional environment. I can’t thank CES enough for teaching me these skills.
The role in APR felt like the perfect fit, as I have a strong desire to contribute to building our alumni network and campus community, which in many ways was hurt by the pandemic. I care about making Puget Sound a place where Loggers can always find comfort and community.
How did Puget Sound prepare you for your career path?
As a communication studies major, I have found that learning how to analyze data – specifically qualitative data – has been SO important in my job.
I never viewed myself as a data person, but by utilizing the skills that I learned in my comm classes, I have been able to understand and provide my office with analysis of data that we haven’t been able to use in the past. My supervisor called me the “Data Queen,” which was such a compliment! I would not have those skills if it wasn’t for Comm studies!
What advice would you share with students about CES resources?
You don’t have to be perfect!
I think that sometimes students get nervous to come to CES because they don’t yet have the “perfect” resume or cover letter. That is okay! Our career advisors never expect perfection and they are judgment-free! They just want to help you succeed – no matter where you start.
Final advice?
A family friend of mine went to 4 years of art school. Then, one day, she woke up and decided to become a neurosurgeon. She had to completely start her education over at the age of 24. She is now extremely successful – one of the best doctors in New Mexico.
It is not too late. You are not behind. There is no “right” way to do things. Maybe you will wake up one day and change your whole path – and maybe it will be the best decision ever!
*****
It’s true. We don’t expect you to be perfect. Make an appointment with a CES advisor. We’re here to help you muddle through the messy middle parts!
📷 Anya Lipkowitz | Collage by Kris Hay
