Public servants to advise students at “Changemakers Conference”

By: Savina Koda/Contributing Writer

Public service professionals and politicians will gather to give advice to students seeking careers in the public sector on Friday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in GC 150.

Samuel Santos, senator for the School of International & Public Affairs in the Student Government Council at the Modesto Maidique Campus, is spearheading the “Changemakers Conference” and is working with SIPA, SGC-MMC and the FIU Office of Governmental Relations to stage the conference.

Santos told Student Media that he wants to give students an opportunity to explore different paths after graduation, whether it be higher education or entry into a job.

“One of the biggest challenges with political science and SIPA majors in general is finding a direct path to a career post-grad, so I just wanted to give students a space where they could meet like-minded individuals that are working in the field and have found success,” said Santos.

The event is also in collaboration with FIU’s Career and Talent Development Team, who will be offering free professional headshots for all attendees.

The conference will feature panels discussing important aspects and responsibilities of a career in public service, and giving insight on jobs and internships in the field. Local leaders in the community will also be present to network with students.

Multiple Miami-Dade political figures will be at the event, including the Vice Mayor of Hallandale Beach  and current FIU student Sabrina Javellana and Daniel Horton-Diaz, the district chief of staff for Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.

Senior international relations student Daniel Beltran is working with Santos in outreach and planning for the conference.

“The Changemakers Conference gives students the opportunity to network with local leaders within the community. Students are encouraged to ask questions on their careers… [they] will be able to meet and make new friends with a similar interest in a public service career,” said Beltran.

Students in any major are encouraged to attend, not just those in SIPA. There is a crucial need for engineering and STEM majors who are looking for ways to use their degrees in the public service sector that can be reached at events such as the Changemakers Conference, according to Santos.

“Having people that are specialized in those industries, such as STEM and engineering, is an essential part of creating policies related to those fields,” said Santos. “Public service is something we can all be a part of and make a priority in our lives whether or not it is a career decision.”

Attendees should dress in business professional attire.