The motto, “Do Something Extraordinary,” is a constantly enforced message by the staff at Cabrini College. Samantha Gil, one of Cabrini’s newest employees, is learning every day how to help students do just that; be extraordinary past college.
A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Gil has a degree in advertising and public relations. She earned her master’s degree in higher education administration this past May from the University of Miami.
Gil said she applied for the position of Assistant Director for Co-op and Career services in late August, and completed the interview process in mid-September. Just days later, she was informed that she had been hired for the position.
Career Services is something Gil admits she didn’t take advantage of during her education and career search. However, she has full understanding of what the job entails, and how she intends to help students at Cabrini.
“I did not take nearly enough advantage of the Career Services office as I should have,” Gil said. “I visited the center a handful of times, when I was trying to determine my major and attempt to answer the dreaded question: ‘What do I want to do with my life?’ I didn’t realize that the career center could actually help me figure out the answer to that.”
During graduate school she began working in the career services field.
“At the University of Miami, I worked at the Career Center, and saw how amazing the services were and how much students really utilized them,” Gil said. “I had such a strong relationship with that Career Services office, and had an amazing experience learning to help students with their career-related issues.”
After getting her education in Florida, Gil is adjusting to life in the Northeast. Having moved to Philadelphia just a few months ago, she is excited to experience as much of the city as possible.
“I have a relatively outgoing personality and like to have fun,” Gil said. “So I am always up for trying something new as in new restaurants, new activities and exploring new places. Since I moved to Philadelphia, I have tried to soak in the Northeastern life by spending a lot of time outdoors and participating in ‘fall activities.’”
Gil also said that she does find time to enjoy such activities even with a full-time job.
“I don’t find it too hard to enjoy activities outside of work, as my position with Co-op & Career Services is a relatively standard full-time role,” Gil said. “I work in the office Mondays until 7 p.m., but Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., leaving most nights and weekends free to relax and enjoy time with my friends and family. As long as I am spending time with friends and family, I’m a happy person.”
In her new position, Gil hopes that Cabrini students will take advantage of the career services offered on campus and use them in preparation of getting their own careers.
“The best advice I can give to students is to come visit the Co-op & Career Center as soon as possible,” Gil said. “It doesn’t matter if you are a first year student, graduating this December, or anywhere in between, we have very specific services catered to all students.”
The Career and Co-op Services offices are located in Grace Hall, and Gil requests that students just walk in the office for assistance and guidance.
She adds that being able to have a plan, something the Career Services office assists students with, can be the greatest benefit to students.
“The key to eliminating stress and worry when it comes to deciding on a major or a future career is to plan ahead,” Gil said. “Take action and utilize all of the available resources to the fullest; and as a friendly, welcoming office, we are happy to show students how to do that and help them in any way possible.”
