Peer Mentors - Career Services - Oakland University

Who are the Career Services Peer Mentors?

Sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin with a job search, and that is where the Career Services Peer Mentors can help. The Peer Mentors serve as a career resource for students from all different majors and classes. By talking with students, they spread the word about the resume, interview, and job search help that Career Services provides.

The Peer Mentors are available in room 143 North Foundation Hall during Career Services office hours, which is Monday thru Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. They can talk with you about your career goals and the resources that can help you achieve those goals.

If you would to meet with a Career Services Peer Mentor, just stop in room 143 North Foundation Hall. If you want to request a workshop to be delivered to a class or a student organization, please click here to fill out the "Request a Workshop" form.

Peer Mentor Blog

Jordan Belanger
Sophomore
Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a Peer Mentor for Career Services! I am from Shelby Township, Michigan; but currently reside in the residence halls here on campus. I am the president of Oakland’s Circle K, a member of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship here, and I love attending the events here on campus. I am also an Academic Peer Mentor in housing; helping students in residence life succeed academically. I also volunteer through my church and local recreational soccer league.

Through all of my involvement and volunteer work I have grown a passion for service and helping others. I also have a passion for children. My dream career is working as a physical therapist in a pediatric setting.

As a student who has visited Career Services, I can promise you it is well worth the trip and the opportunities presented to you are endless! The very open and benevolent staff is here to ensure you have a bright future. Pablo Picasso once said, “Action is the foundational key to all success.” Feel free to ask me or any Peer Mentor any questions you may have- as we are all here to help you succeed!

Bani Bordoloi
Senior
Human Resources
Management

Welcome to the Career Services Peer Mentor page!

I am the Student Programs Intern at Career Services. The Peer Mentors and I have one goal and that is to connect you to the Career Services department and inform you of our resources that target ALL students. As students, we understand that it can be tough to figure out what a stand-out resume looks like, how to navigate OUCareerLink and how we can perfect our interviewing skills. Career Services can help you address those tough issues with our resources such as resume reviews, mock interviews, job search strategies, and personal advice on where and how to seek your first part-time job, full-time job or internship!

Peer Mentors are in the Career Technology Center weekdays and are available to assist you with your questions in regard to OUCareerLink, Career Services events, basic resume suggestions, and referrals to Career Consultants. We encourage you to stop by the front desk and ask to meet with us so we can help you jump start your career goals and ensure you are on the right path to job search success!

Rebecca Braga
Senior
Accounting

Hi Everyone! I am a Peer Mentor for Career Services. This is my first on campus job and I am very excited to be a member of this team. I am involved in numerous student organizations on campus. Currently I am the Co-President of the Oakland University Business Global Brigades and I am also the Fundraising/Recruiting chair for Beta Alpha Psi. I am a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the School of Business Scholars Program, and the Oakland Accounting Students Information Society. I love anything related to the accounting profession and the business world.

Throughout my college career, I obtained two internships to gain more business expertise. I was a Payroll Co-op at the automotive supplier American Axle and Manufacturing, Inc. Last summer, I interned at the accounting firm Plante Moran PLLC, and obtained a full time offer from the firm. I will be completing another internship with Plante Moran this summer to gain more experience in the audit field. I am also a student ambassador for Plante Moran at Oakland University.

I enjoy helping others learn more about their future careers and the steps that need to be taken to obtain those positions. Throughout my years at OU, I had many mentors that guided me along my career search. As a peer mentor, Career Services and I can assist you in building your resume, polishing you interviewing skills, and provide you with any additional support you may need. I have experienced the accounting/business recruiting process, and I am more than willing to help you with any questions you may have. Please stop by and ask for me during my office hours MWF 12pm-4pm. I look forward to meeting you!

Stacey Brode
Senior
French Language, Literature and International Relations

I am a Career Services Peer Mentor & Training Specialist here at OU! Along with being a Peer Mentor, I am currently the Logistics Intern for a French automotive company called A Raymond Tinnerman Inc. My internship experience has given me a great view of the professional world especially in terms of international commerce and business affairs, along with the professionalism that I can take with me in my future career. When I graduate in April 2013, I plan on working as a translator/interpreter or continuing to work in the area of international business. Within the next year or so I would like to travel to France either for work opportunities or just to gain a stronger appreciation for the French culture. Down the line, I see myself potentially getting involved with international government affairs, either through the Department of State or the United Nations.

* As a note, if you are looking for careers or internships in the fields of foreign language or international affairs, I may be able to lend some first-hand advice since I certainly know how difficult opportunities are to find and how competitive these fields are.

But right now, as a Peer Mentor I am here to help you! As a commuter, I know the difficulty of finding opportunities to get involved on campus. However, working for Career Services has given me that opportunity. I am able to interact with a diverse group of students and give beneficial advice that can certainly help them in their career development. In my opinion, the Peer Mentor program is not only expanding in size, but we are all gaining valuable knowledge of career resources in order to better help you!

Ashley Dillingham
Junior
History with a minor in
English

Hi! I am a new member of the Peer Mentor team at Career Services. This is my first on-campus job and I am very excited to be able to work with OU students and faculty. As a commuter, from Clinton Township, I’m looking forward to spending more time on campus and getting more involved! After graduation I plan to attend law school and become a lawyer with a focus on media and communications.

Prior to working at Career Services I have experience in tutoring. I have worked as a writing tutor as well as a general tutor for all subjects and grade levels. I enjoy working with and helping students, so I’m extremely happy that being a Peer Mentor will give me that opportunity.

Career Services is a great place for students to visit during their time at OU to become more familiar with the process of finding a job after graduation. I will be working in the office every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:00-2:30pm. Feel free to stop by with any questions!

Alyssa Fedewa
Senior
Nursing with a minor in
Psychology

Hi! I am from Pewamo, which is a very small town that is two hours North West of OU. Here at Oakland University I live on campus and I’m involved with Student Nurses Association of Oakland University, Oakland University School of Nursing Deans Circle, and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. The 2012 – 2013 school year will be my second year as a Peer Mentor for Career Services, and my third year working for Oakland University Housing. With the Housing department on campus I have held four positions: Desk Receptionist, Desk Supervisor, Office Assistant, and Conference Assistant. In addition to my jobs on campus I am also a youth mentor for kids in Oakland County, and I’m a nanny. I also have experience in retail, as a waiter, and as a nurse aide.

After I earn my Bachelors of Science in Nursing, I want to continue my education and earn an advanced nursing degree to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. My ultimate career goal is to have my own practice and open my own clinic.

I have learned many valuable skills from my time working in career services and I want to share what I have learned with all of you. I am now confident that my resume will always look great, and I feel more prepared for interviews because of the resume critiques and mock interviews offered in our office by our career consultants.

I am here as a Peer Mentor to help you, my fellow students. I can give you tips on resumes and interviewing, I can also help you navigate OUCareerLink.

Erin Feeney
Sophomore
Pre-Med (Biology
Major)

I am from Lake Orion, Michigan but reside on campus. Prior to working for Career Services, I have also worked in the Center for Student Activities, Orientation, Housing, and The Tutoring Center. This is my first semester as a Career Services Peer Mentor and am very excited for the opportunity!

Learning is one of my greatest passions! I love my biology and chemistry courses and have begun to do research as well! I would love to be a pediatrician and am very focused on my studies.

In addition to academics, volunteering is something that I value highly. I volunteer through a hospice program, at a local hospital, and at a summer camp. I am also the site leader for an Alternative Spring Break trip during which we will be working at the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington DC! Becoming involved at Oakland University and in my field of study has really shaped my goals and interests! The Career Consultants helped me in identifying steps to success after graduation and, through OUCareerLink, I was able to find on-campus employment, which, in turn, has led to great networking opportunities. Career Services can help you make the most of your college experience as well as find success after graduation; hope to see you this semester!

Elisa Fusco

Senior
Elementary Education

I am a new Peer Mentor for Career Services and am very excited to be a part of this team. I am a commuter student from Shelby Township, Michigan. I am a member of the OU Honors College, Student Michigan Education Association (SMEA) and Alternative Spring Break group. I love volunteering and helping the community! I currently volunteer as a college mentor for the high school youth group at my church. I have participated in five “Relay for Life” walks, two mission trips to Harlan, Kentucky, and I spent last Spring Break in Jonesville, Virginia with OU Alternative Spring Break. I have also spent the last two summers working as a residential camp counselor for fourth through sixth grade girls.

My goal is to graduate with my Bachelors in Elementary Education with a focus in Language Arts and Mathematics. I would love to teach in a third or fourth grade classroom in a Michigan public school. Eventually I want to return to Oakland for my Masters in either Educational Leadership or Early Childhood Education.

Through my past experiences, I have learned that volunteering and relevant work experience is very important when preparing for your future career. I have personally used OUCareerLink as a tool for finding my past jobs (including my job as a peer mentor). If you have any questions about getting involved on campus, using OUCareerLink, preparing for a job or internship, or resume building, come visit me during my office hours! I would love to chat with you and help you get on the right track towards your future career goals.

Bianca Marrogy

Sophomore
Human Resource
Development

[Beeancuh Marowgee]

Noun

1. A sophomore with junior status; was able to complete 37 college credits while dual enrolled in high school

2. A Human Resource Development major and an Employment Systems and Standards minor

3. From Port Huron, Michigan but lives on campus during the school year

4. Currently holds the positions of President Elect for Society for Human Resource Management and Secretary for Student to Professional

5. Along with working in Career Services as a Peer Mentor also currently works in the International Students and Scholars Office as a Student Assistant

6. Greatest passion is learning

7. Enjoys putting the extra into ordinary day to day life

8. Felt more confident for her first corporate interview because the questions her consultant asked in her mock interview placed her in the interview setting

Drew Voight

Senior
Mechanical Engineering

Troy, but have lived on campus the last two years. Last year I worked for Housing as a Nightwatch desk worker, diligently staying awake into the wee hours of the morning. In addition to this I am involved with Tau Beta Pi on campus and am very excited to be a Career Services peer mentor.

I have been filling my time during the summers as an intern at Chrysler, working both at the Technical Center here in Auburn Hills and at Sterling Stamping Plant in Sterling Heights, MI. These internships were a part of a unique partnership between Oakland University and Chrysler called CLIC-Form to develop interest in manufacturing and metal stamping. After I graduate in April, I plan on starting a job and my Master’s degree right away. I really have begun to develop a love for cars, so my eventual goal is to become an executive at an automotive company.

My experiences so far have given me an understanding of the challenges and difficulties of trying to find jobs and internships, in addition to knowing how to build a great resume, interview well and ultimately get hired! So if you are looking for a job or internship, or have any other questions, come see me, any of my fellow peer mentors in the Career Technology Center, or the Career Services Staff. We are always more than happy to help you!

J.D. Wagner

Junior
Finance and Economics

Residing in Beacon Hills Apartments, I am right next door to campus. I am fraternity man, a leader, and an intern. Sigma Alpha Epsilon is the name of my fraternity, which I joined my freshman year of college. Currently, I am president of 2 reputable business organizations on campus, Society for Applied Investing and Financial Education (SAIFE) and the Economics Student Association (ESA). When I am not in office at OU, I work in the Bloomfield Hills, Wealth Management Office with a $200 million team. Although my current activities are concentrated on Finance, my scope of interest is as wide as music and theater.

I am an inventor, creative thinker, and entrepreneur. I enjoy creating products and services that people need. I work hard so that I may have a business of my own one day.

Career services is truly a useful tool. Even if you are an entrepreneur like me, credibility is very important. Solid resumes, networking with the community, and having internships in your field of interest all gain the confidence of those around you. Most importantly, those experiences gave me confidence in myself.

Please, stop by and ask for me or send me a quick email at jdwagner@oakland.edu

Steve Wynne

Senior
English Secondary, German
K-12 Education with
Concentration in
American Studies

I am a third-semester Peer Mentor for Career Services, and am thrilled for the opportunity to help you. After studying and researching in Germany and having already held several positions in the education field, my two greatest passions in life have developed: internationalism and lifelong education.

Including my duties as a Peer Mentor, my activities on-campus that exemplify my skills and passions include: President of International Allies Organization, an instructional assistant for the introductory freshman Honors College colloquium, and German tutor and translator for the Modern Languages Department. Outside of Oakland, I just recently attained a position at my former high school, the International Academy, as an English and German graduate assistant. I am also currently composing my undergraduate thesis concerning the differences between American and German foreign language instruction; I observed and conducted dictation exercises for fifth and sixth grade English classes this summer at a private Catholic school in Oldenburg, Germany.

After graduation, my immediate goal is to be an English Teaching Assistant in Germany through the year-long Fulbright program, as this would combine my love, skill, and passion for German, teaching, and multiculturalism. If you study foreign language, English, or education, I can assure you that I can be a major benefit to you; I can offer you more insight into foreign language and education fields than most undergraduate students. I look forward to helping you.

Chelsea Young

Junior
Nursing

Hey there! I am from Sterling Heights, but I love living here on campus during the school year. Besides working at Career Services, I have experience as a cashier through working at Panera and Vandenburg Cafeteria. I also stay busy by being involved in SNAOU (Student Nurses Association at Oakland University), YoungLife (a Christian group on campus), Dean’s Circle, Alpha Lambda Delta (an honor society), the Care Studio Experience (caring research in nursing), and I am a class representative for SNAOU.

In the future, I can see myself as a nurse working in a hospital setting. After spending some time as a nurse, I would like to earn my Master of Science in Nursing to become a nurse educator. I believe that no matter what direction you are heading, it is important to remember where you came from. In the future when I look back on my time as a student I know I will have learned so much, and I would like to be a part of that experience for upcoming nursing students. Giving back to the nursing community through teaching would be very rewarding.

Being very involved at Oakland has opened my eyes to how much our school has to offer. Career Services is a great resource! Before I became a peer mentor I have utilized Career Services for resume building skills and resume critiques. I gained much knowledge during these appointments. The advisers have so many good tips and advice through their years of experience. Presenting yourself properly and professionally in resume form is critical in obtaining the job you want. By utilizing OUCareerLink and visiting the advisers, I obtained two on campus jobs. And you can do it too! Please come see me during walk-in advising if you have any questions. Myself and the other peer mentors would be happy to help guide you in the right direction!