It’s been just over a month since Cane Kickoff welcomed first-year students to the University of Miami. From academic support to mental health resources, here are some vital offerings all Canes should take advantage of during their college careers.
So you think you know how to apply for jobs?
Congratulations! You applied to university and got in! Now for the next set of applications that you will be sending out: job applications. The art of applying for jobs isn’t an easy one, but thankfully, we’re not expected to be experts—that’s what the Toppel Career Center is here for.
Carly Smith, the director of career education at Toppel, wants first-year students to realize that, even though thinking about careers can be stressful, Toppel is available to help.
“This is really the perfect time to explore,” said Smith. “You may feel very certain about your interests and paths, but I believe it is good to test your thoughts and ideas by learning more about yourself and trying new things.”
If you have no clue what your future will look like, you’re not alone. The best trick: talk to people. Here at the University, we’re lucky to have an extensive alumni network with professionals actively working across different fields.
“I think one of the most beneficial things a first-year student can do is to reach out to an alum requesting just a 15-minute Zoom call or an invite for coffee at the campus coffee shop and ask questions about what they do and how they got there,” said Smith. “Hearing from others about what they do and how they got there can really expand how you think about occupations, because there are so many options out there that exist.’
Cane2Cane is an easy-to-use platform for connecting with alumni who have experience in your desired field of work. The platform also offers templates to use when messaging new connections for career advice.
As exam season looms, head to the library.
The library isn’t just the place students hole up during finals week—it’s a hub of resources that are often unknown and underused.
Located on the first floor, the Learning Commons at the Otto G. Richter Library offers academic support, including one-on-one assistance for any writing concerns at the Writing Center; mathematics tutoring at the Math Lab; digital media technology support at the Creative Studio; and much more. The University Libraries also offers free access to newspaper subscriptions, eJournals, and equipment rentals on their website.
Adriana Alvarado is a senior on a premed track who also works as a teaching assistant for First-Year Directions, a class meant to give first-year students the tools they need to succeed at university.
“I wish I would have known sooner that the library provides all of these resources, like the meditation rooms [on the second floor] or specialized librarians to help with research projects,” Alvarado said.
For when times get tough—because they will—visit the Counseling Center.
Whether you feel on top of the world or at the bottom of the barrel, it’s important to keep tabs on your mental health. The University's Counseling Center is open to all students and provides help for a variety of difficulties, including anxiety, adjusting to college, relationship issues, and depression.
Seniors Lauren Dziedzic and Maya Griffith are both Counseling Outreach Peer Education (COPE) members, connecting students with the University’s Counseling Center and spreading awareness about mental health.
“I think the peer-to-peer aspect [of COPE] is huge because some students might not feel comfortable going to a counselor or someone much older. Sometimes, you just want to confide in someone your own age,” Dziedzic said.
The first year of college brings with it a lot of change and stress—from rigorous coursework to making new friends, and for many, the first time living on their own.
“There can be a feeling of isolation that a lot of first-year [students] feel, maybe not realizing that other people around them are feeling similarly,” said Griffith. “All it takes is one person to start the conversation … once you open up to people, you’ll realize that you’re not as alone as it may seem.”
A + B = Friends? Make friends through involvement.
The first year of college is arguably the toughest. You must learn to navigate a new environment with new people, often experiencing life on your own for the first time. When you’re juggling all these new experiences, sometimes making friends can take a back seat.
A great strategy for meeting like-minded people is to join student organizations that interest you.
“[Student organizations] are the heartbeat of campus life,” said Adriana Gonzalez, chair of the Committee on Student Organizations—a student group dedicated to advocating for student organizations. “They create belonging for all students, offer opportunities for professional development, and provide a space where students can find meaningful community—something so important at any stage of life.”
The University has more than 300 student organizations you can join, from academic to sports to volunteering. There’s a group for every student’s interest.
“As your time at the U goes on, you’ll start to figure out which organizations you’re most passionate about or which initiatives matter most to you,” said Gonzalez. “And if you can’t find an exact fit, you can always start your own organization.”
Cheat code for passing class: Office hours
Every professor has them, but students seldom use them. Office hours are a great opportunity to ask questions about a tough chapter, discuss a final paper, or build relationships with professors.
Charlotte Steffian, a senior studying creative writing, highly recommends taking advantage of your professors’ office hours.
“It’s kind of like a cheat code because I find that I get more information from the professors than they might’ve said in class,” said Steffian.
Office hours aren’t just for asking questions, they’re for making connections with your professors that could lead to letters of recommendation, job referrals, and research opportunities.
“I’ve found that professors also really appreciate and notice when you go to their office hours, especially if you go at the beginning of the semester instead of just during midterms or exams; they really appreciate the effort,” Steffian said. “It makes the whole professor-student relationship better.”
Check your class syllabuses to see when your professors’ office hours are, or reach out directly to set up a meeting with them.
