Body
The idea of finding a job after college graduation can be stressful. Luckily for Simpson students, it’s often not a problem. In fact, many have post-graduation jobs secured before their senior year.
When Lisbon’s Brittany Frey ’17 came to Simpson College, she never expected to be one of those students. She just knew Simpson was near Des Moines and had valuable connections when it came time for her to look for internships.
And what better place for her to study accounting and business management. Des Moines is home to some of the biggest names in accounting, one of which is PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Professor Shane Cox told Brittany about an opportunity for an internship with the firm during her junior year. So she sent her resume, had a phone interview the next day and visited their office for another interview two days later.
“I know that my interview skills played a big part in why I got the internship. Knowing how to read people and situations is very helpful in finding a job,” Brittany said.
When she finished the internship, she was offered a full-time position following graduation. Knowing she’d have a job while still in her junior year was a huge relief.
But reading people wasn’t a skill Brittany had learned in the classroom. Instead, she picked it up from working in the admissions office for four years, giving tours, hosting students overnight and talking with students on visit days.
“This experience has made me a better public speaker and gave me more confidence with meeting new people,” she said. “I am so thankful of the skills I have learned in the office.”
In addition to full-time classes and a work-study position, Brittany was a member of the softball team for three and a half years. Time management became crucial.
“Being on the team has helped me become the person I am today,” she said. “Learning how to work together and balance your time between school and athletics are skills I will take with me for the rest of my life.”
Juggling commitments during college can be stressful, even for the strongest of us. Thankfully, Simpson professors are there for more than just classes. In Brittany’s case, it was professors Mark Juffernbruch, Shane Cox and Kedron Bardwell who supported her when the going got tough.
“They were always willing to help stop the tears of my frustrations and help me through some tough decisions,” Brittany said. “They seemed to always know the right thing to say at the perfect time.”
With such a tight-knit community, support and relationships can be found around every corner. And sometimes, they make all the difference.
“The thing about Simpson that surprised me the most would be the community feeling that grew over the years,” Brittany said. “I have met so many people and made genuine relationships with so many people that I know will last for a lifetime.”