Career Tips from HBCU Grads
Spring is when most college seniors start thinking about their transition to “the real world.” This can be a nerve-wracking time, but it can also be very exciting—especially if you’re prepared. Two HBCU grads reflect on their experiences and share their tips below.
What are some important things to consider when transitioning from being a student to being a professional?
“It’s important to keep in mind that it’s not necessarily a linear transition. But learning and self-improvement will help you continue to evolve and make meaningful contributions.”—Christine
How did your experience at an HBCU helped prepare you for your career?
“The HBCU experience has been an important one for me since the colleges I attended were nurturing, yet served to stretch me in my thinking and technical expression. I feel it helped me to start with a familiar group and then to expand my thinking. Such cross-pollination of thought is an important ingredient in innovation of processes and products.”—Christine
“Going to an HBCU was vitally important to my personal development. When I step to the table, I proudly wear the banner of an HBCU grad— a storied institution. Treading through the halls of history during those formative years of my life proved to be a steady reminder about my obligation to carry the torch and is a source of motivation when the challenges of my career and life come knocking.”—Devon
What made you choose to enter a career in a STEM field?
“I chose STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) because I naturally had an affinity for computers. I remember being as excited about Internet service as I was about my track scholarship when I was accepted into college.”—Devon
“My early involvement in STEM programs gave me insight and interest in pursuing a technical career.”—Christine
What do you like most about your job?
“I enjoy the challenges that go into developing innovative solutions for our government customers. It helps to know that my work has a real impact on the security of the Internet.”—Devon
Why did you choose to work for a not-for-profit organization?
“I simply wanted to make a difference, to be a part of something bigger than myself, and MITRE seemed like a perfect fit for my ambitions and skill set.”—Devon
What is the coolest project that you’ve worked on so far?
“There was one instance where I found out that 24 hours later I would be travelling with a team to the West Coast to aid in doing computer intrusion analysis work. Walking through the airport with a pelican case full of hard drives and write blockers is about as close to the movies as you can get. Once there, we plugged in and worked multiple 15-hour days, making significant progress toward attribution. It was exciting to be a part of something like that.”—Devon
What has been the most surprising thing that has proved valuable?
“Friendships are important in business. Your Greek affiliations, academic associations and societal engagements can prove to be a strong part of your social entrepreneurship. Learn to manage and nurture those relationships to support your ability to become wellknown and respected in your field.”—Christine
Christine and Devon both work for The MITRE Corporation, a not-forprofit organization that provides systems engineering, research and development, and information technology support to the government.