Uruguayan study abroad student Florencia came to Auburn University to study hospitality management so she could turn her passion for baking bread into a successful food business. Thanks to Auburn’s Career Accelerator Program, she will graduate with a recipe for success and the tools to make her dreams a reality.
Ready to Learn
Florencia is building out her career plan with CAP, Auburn Global’s professional development program designed specifically for international students.
“My dream is to open a gourmet shop,” says the Uruguayan international student. “I know I need to educate myself on more than just food, but on the business of food.”
Four Steps to Success
Creating milestones to professional success keeps students such as Florencia focused on not only their studies, but also on the big picture of their post-graduation goals.
Each student in Auburn’s Career Accelerator goes through four semesters of workshops to develop their skills. Here is how it works:
Semester 1: Discovery
The introductory module focuses on self-assessment and major exploration to ensure the right course of study to meet professional goals. Personal branding, the development of an elevator speech, and resume/CV writing sections complete the opening semester.
Semester 2: Direction
The second session involves global occupational research to assess all potential career options. Once students identify viable career choices, they begin learning and building a profile tailored to their industry. Students network, conduct mock interview sessions, practice cover letter writing, and refine their social media skills.
The community here at Auburn is a second home, welcoming and warm. We’re all from different parts of the world, but we eat all together as one family, sharing and experiencing each other’s cultures.” – Florencia, B.S. 2019
Semester 3: Design
The third program session concentrates on mentor matching, creating an e-portfolio profile, attending career fairs, exploring internships, and job shadowing to gain an inside look at the intended career.
Semester 4: Decision
The final portion of the program includes developing a detailed career action plan, cultivating emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills, as well as completing a leadership project and a reflective progress presentation.
Florencia equally praises her Auburn classroom studies and CAP advisors for bringing her future plan into focus. “Now, I’m learning nutrition, food production, and how to manage a business,” the Uruguayan study abroad student says.
With the support of the Career Accelerator Program, she will be well-equipped to bring her good taste to the world after graduation.
Find out more about Auburn’s Career Accelerator Program and how it can help launch your career >
