College is a time of uncertainty, and for many, that uncertainty is scary.
High school senior Addie Collins had similar doubts, as many students experience at some point. Collins hails from Portland, Oregon, and after high school, she was uncertain about college as a whole. Still, she gave the University of Utah a trial run. Collins decided to major in nursing, and ended up staying in Utah. Unsure what she wanted to do, or even what to do next, Collins knew she was in the right place to figure it out.
“If you don’t know what you’re doing,” Collins said, “it doesn’t matter.”
Embracing the uncertainty is exactly what Collins said led her in the right direction.
Collins continued to pursue nursing for two years, but eventually, realized that she didn’t feel a passion for nursing in the way that she believed she should. In light of that, Collins decided to go to Barcelona for an International Business study abroad trip. That trip helped to change her perspective on business. Soon after that trip, she reached out to the Goff Strategic Leadership Center about participating in a summer course.
“Go in with an open mind,” Collins said, “because anything can happen.”
Collins knew that she would learn things she couldn’t learn simply sitting in a classroom whether she had a good or bad experience with a company that she was paired with.
“The learning experience is also about finding out what you don’t like,” Collins said, “The application to my actual life, the resources, the professors, and the genuine care for each student separates Goff from other organizations at the U.”
Though Collins was prepared for any outcome, she was able to have a life changing experience working with a consulting firm based in Utah.
Goff Explorers is a credited course focused on students in their first two years of college searching for their first experience in a professional work setting.
“Goff knows what it’s like in the professional world,” Collins said, “Even if you have zero clue what you want to do and might not even know your major, Goff can help.”
Collins was paired with the Shari Levitin Group, a sales consulting firm in Salt Lake City. The Shari Levitin Group is a sales consulting firm that helps to train business sales staff, teach master classes, and so much more. Levitin is the company herself. In their first meeting, Levitin asked Collins what her goals were. Collins replied saying that she wanted to know every basic sales concept, and whatever other pieces of knowledge that Levitin could provide. The two ended up having a four-hour conversation before Levitin decided that she wanted Collins to work at her home office every day so Collins could experience a very detailed job shadowing.
“I was sitting in on every sales call,” Collins said, “and she was introducing me as her assistant.”
Two weeks into the job, Collins was invited to go with Levitin to a sales conference in Atlanta. Collins said it was an eye-opening trip, and truly an incredible experience.
“[Levitin] really believes in women, and all of her employees are women,” Collins said.
Levitin fosters a working environment that Addie Collins was more than happy to be a part of. As an intern, Collins did whatever she needed: responding to LinkedIn messages, helping with marketing, capturing leads, managing Levitin’s social media, and being her travel buddy. As Collins switched between the many roles included in her summer internship, she was able to learn every aspect of the company – an experience she was extremely grateful for.
Goff Explorers helps build confidence.
“I feel the least smart around these professionals, which is so good because then I know I am learning,” Collins said.
This was the first time, though, that Collins truly realized that her opinion was valued even as she was just starting working with Levitin. She didn’t have to be the smartest in the room to create value. Rather, she learned to create value at every level. Levitin would ask Collins’ opinion often, and Collins has grown to offer her opinion confidently.
Through her extraordinary internship experience, Collins had the opportunity to meet CEOs, potential clients, and other industry professionals. With her newfound confidence, encouraged by Levitin, Collins emphasized that they were all just normal people, and the professional world is all about making and sustaining connections.
“Don’t judge people,” Collins said, “you can meet the coolest people when you don’t just see what’s on the outside.”
Every person that Collins met turned out to be a real person underneath an accomplished title, and she emphasized that the â€Ëœhuman’ side of people is something we all can relate to.
Collins is currently studying international business at the U and will be graduating soon.
Levitin officially hired Collins after the internship ended as an independent contractor while she completes her degree. Her future is not one set direction, it’s whatever she wishes to do, whenever that may be.
“I don’t want to be too set on one thing,” Collins said, “I’m willing to take any opportunity I’m interested in as it comes to me.”
Collins is a driven and talented student, however, what she has accomplished is not too far out of reach for any other student. She stressed that feeling lost is not necessarily a bad thing, but rather the catalyst for starting the chase of your life. That confusion turns into opportunity with the Goff Strategic Leadership Center.
“If you don’t know where to start,” Collins said, “starting with Goff is a great place.”
It’s true that college is a time of great uncertainty, but it’s what you do with that uncertainty that leads you to discover your passions.
About the Author
This blog was written by Chloe Carr, Lead Goff Ambassador