Meet Your Dean event gave students academic and career advice

Alex Blencowe/ Staff Writer

alex.blencowe@fiusm.com

More than 40 students and faculty members attended an academic resource affair allowing students to meet the deans of their colleges.

The Meet Your Dean event on Wednesday, Oct. 22, hosted by the Student Government Association, was an opportunity for students to get advice from the leaders of their schools’ and learn ways to successfully reach graduation.

For Christopher Allen, marketing manager for the College of Business, educating others was extremely gratifying.

Allen started working in higher education after a career in the sports industry.

“That’s the beauty of college,” said Allen, who is also an undergraduate advisor and University alumnus of public affairs.“You are learning and you are finding yourself at the same time.”

Students met with the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Michael Heithaus; dean of the University Graduate School, Lakshmi N. Reddi; and dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Raul Reis.

Students even got to take selfies with the student leaders and council members of SGA.

Carlos Burgos, hospitality graduate and Student Government Council international student services coordinator, encouraged international students to help others struggling with relocating to the states.

“Sometimes after moving from another country they have a tough time finding housing,” said Burgos, whose passion has always been airline hospitality.

Burgos said some international students suffer from depression after moving, on top of the challenges of learning a new language and taking classes.

“Students who are already adjusted should talk to those students and help them out,” he said.

Apart from getting the chance to exchange business cards, attendees were given sheets of paper when they signed in and were to earn four hole punches by visiting four different tables.

Then they exchanged the slip for food and an FIU USB.

“Advising is the most important part,” urged Francisco Marrero, associate director of student services for the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

“Being in good standing in courses and keeping a high GPA are very important in getting on the path to success,” Marrero said.

SGA wanted to provide a networking opportunity and to engage students with professionals from different school programs at the event.

“We live in a world where if you’re fixated on one thing, you may not realize that there are other opportunities in front of you,” said Allen, reminding students to be patient and keep their options open.

“Your dream job isn’t ready for you after you graduate,” he said. “Always have a plan b.”