How this career coach supports Liberal Arts and Sciences students through continued learning

Name: Liz Herrera
Title: Director
Department: LAS Career Development

What is the role of an LAS Career Coach?

The LAS Career Development and Internships team supports liberal arts and sciences students with career and major exploration through individual career coaching appointments, online resources, and programming to help students explore their interests, strengths, skills, motivations, and values while also gaining experience in various industries through internships and experiential activities. We offer a welcoming space for students to fully engage in the career development process, brainstorm ideas and ask questions.

What inspired you to be a career coach?

Ever since I could remember, I always enjoyed the field of education and working directly with students. One of my first roles after graduating from UIC, was serving as a career counselor at an alternative high school. I loved supporting students with their academic and career goals and organizing college and career fairs.  Many of my students didn’t recognize their potential and their endless possibilities.  It was rewarding to serve as a mentor and help students navigate the higher education process and see many of them pursue a college education and beyond. Fast forward after graduate school, I discovered career services, and this is where I learned that I loved working with college students in preparing them to be career ready and taking part in their journey. Now, I get to lead a career office with an incredible team who is passionate about supporting our LAS students succeed.

How do you prepare students for their future careers?

As a career coach, we meet students where they are. We work with many students who are very exploratory and still trying to figure out their career path. We use tools, assessments, and exercises to help students uncover their skills, strengths, motivations, and values and help them recognize that this is the foundation to identifying roles and industries that may be a good fit for them. We discuss ways that students can apply their skills and interests through experiential activities, including internships, volunteer work and research. Our office provides opportunities for students to connect with professionals and alumni to help them learn about different occupations and to support them in building their network while at UIC. Once our students are ready to enter the job market, we support that journey through resume preparation, building a LinkedIn profile, making connections, interview prep and job search strategies.

What role does furthering your own education play in your career?

Furthering my own education plays a crucial role in my career. As someone whose CliftonStrengths include ‘Learner,’ I believe that lifelong learning is not only essential to stay current in my field but also to effectively serve our evolving student population. I’m always seeking opportunities to grow and learn best practices in career development, and I’ve received training in CliftonStrengths, Career Coaching certifications, Designing Your Life, and more. Each year, I set a goal to complete a certification or participate in training that will enhance my ability to serve students and innovate with my team. This continuous learning approach ensures that I remain at the forefront of my field and can provide the best possible guidance and support to those I work with.

What do you hope your students will get out of an LAS degree?

I hope that students pursuing an LAS degree will gain the confidence to recognize that their personal aspirations and interests are important in their career decision making. In a world where there’s pressure to follow certain career paths or chase high-paying jobs, it’s important forstudents to understand that their interests and goals truly matter. An LAS education equips them with the versatility needed to pursue a career that aligns with their unique skills, interests, values, and sense of purpose. I want to encourage students to stay curious and continue learning throughout their lives. An LAS degree can pave the way for a fulfilling and meaningful career journey in any industry. As a proud UIC LAS alum, I can attest that my degree opened many doors for me and can genuinely say that I have paved a meaningful and fulfilling career.

Advice for new students?

It’s okay not to have life figured out! College is all about self-discovery and exploration. My main advice for first-year students is to get acquainted with the LAS Career Development and Internships Office. Start with a coaching session or attend one of our workshops or events. Use your time at UIC to take classes that interest you, consider internships, volunteer work, join a student organization, or engage in any activity that helps you build skills and gain exposure to various opportunities. Take advantage of all the wonderful resources and experiences UIC has to offer.

If you could give your freshman year self-one piece of advice, what would it be?

Trust the process and recognize that you do belong here! This is your unique journey.