Professional Perspectives
TiPS Leader:
Christie Encarnacion
Being a member of the TiPS program has helped my professional brand develop in so many ways. Before I came to UCF, I believed that I had plenty of experience that made me stand out as a professional individual, but after going through our training sessions I realized that was not the case. As if in perfect synchronization, each session brought out skills that I was lacking in my professional sphere and helped me perfect them to make me a more marketable candidate in the professional world. As a result of this, I feel like I am more ready to take on obstacles the employment industry will bring because I know that I have the skills to overcome them.
“I’ve survived a lot of things, and I’ll probably survive this.” - J.D. Salinger
TiPS Leader:
Courtny Robinson
When I joined TiPS I had no idea what to expect, but the results are greater than I ever imagined! The TiPS professional development program has given me confidence in myself and helped me grow into a better business professional.
"And even though we may never reach our goals, hope saves us from who we once were" - Meg Griffin
TiPS Leader:
Eunice Baltodano
My name is Eunice Baltodano. I’m a first generation transfer student majoring in Psychology at the University of Central Florida. Apart from my studies, I also hold a position as a Peer Mentor at Transfer and Transition Services. Our department hosts many events, including transfer orientations, which gives the peers the opportunity to show initiative and develop their presentation skills. Showing initiative is imperative to demonstrate your value at work. It’s the choice between doing nothing and doing something. It is the act of taking personal responsibility for your individual and professional growth. I took the initiative and approached my employer about presenting at Transfer Orientations, even though I did not have any previous experience and was apprehensive about the situation. Developing good presentation skills is vital in growing as a professional. Even though I was hesitant, I am now more confident in presenting in front of an audience, communicating ideas and information and showing support for my team.
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - C.S. Lewis
TiPS Leader:
Itza Beltran
My participation in the Transferring Into Professional Success program (T.I.P.S) has given me the opportunity to see so much more about leadership and professionalism than I am able to learn in the classroom. I have developed many skills and have a much greater concept of what to expect after graduating from college. The program exposed me to professional training workshops and cultural activities. One of the greatest benefits that I have received is developing my professional identity. I feel confident about interviews, presentations and conferences. This program has prepared me to achieve my future professional goals.
“Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny.” - C.S. Lewis
TiPS Leader:
Maida Sanchez
Being a first generation college student in my family I had a lot of pressure with wanting to fulfill the expectations of professional success which the people around me had. I chose to come to UCF and pursue a Business Marketing major because I knew I would gain a large amount of professional skills, considering my major is all about “Brand You” and the image you show to the world. While at UCF, I did not get all my professional skills in just one place. I used different resources available to become a better and more competitive professional. At the beginning of my college education, in a Student Development class, for example, the most memorable lesson was how to work with other people whose personalities where not the same as mine. I have used the Career Services office for workshops, resume critiques, mock interviews, career/practice and actual job fairs. As a hostess at a restaurant, I learned my customer service skills and I also learned to have more patience in general. TiPS reinforced my skills even more, it has given me the opportunity to plan and see projects come true, and learn from them. The probability that someone might use me as a helpful resource or even as a guide sounds great! So, in order to acquire the most professional skills and be able to alter my behavior depending on the occasion, I have had to seek help and opinions from different sources, and never stop doing it.
"But happiness is a mood, and it’s a condition, not a destination.” - Julian, One Tree Hill
TiPS Leader:
Raquel Toro
My name is Raquel Toro and I am a first generation transfer student, majoring in Psychology at University of Central Florida. Right from the start at the UCF, I seeked leadership positions and because of my persistence, I was chosen to be a 2015 Orientation Leader, Transfer Leader and Secretary of Transfer Knights (a Registered Student Organization on campus.) Through being involved on campus, I have gained a lot of experience with professionalism and the importance of it, for example using networking skill, professional attire and being organized. Having all the right leadership qualities is so vital, not only for interpersonal reasons but for future career opportunities because people are more willing to put their trust in you. If you do not take the initiative now to gain all the right qualities, you will not embrace all your potential; just listen to the words of Mikhail Borgachev and repeat them to your self, "If not me, who? And if not now, when?”
