This has been my second year serving as the President of the Illinois State University Association for Women in Communications Student Chapter and my first term as a member of the Bloomington-Normal chapter, serving as a fall workshop chair and membership committee member.
As president, I was given the opportunity to shape the organization to be a resource for professional development, friendship, and valuable knowledge to students. I would say the most valuable skills I have gained through AWC have been volunteer experiences. There is no time like college to learn how to get involved with your community and give back, plus these experiences can help students learn what kind of careers are out there. AWC has put on a Red Cross blood drive, participated in Trick or Treat for Change with Habitat for Humanity, fundraised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and painted windows around town to celebrate ISU’s Homecoming. All of these involvements have helped me to become connected with Bloomington-Normal, meet new people, and feel a sense of pride in my community.
The opportunity to be mentored and inspired has shaped me into a professional, confident woman ready to take on any challenge. Being involved with the professional chapter as a student has allowed me to network with people in differing careers.
Everyone is open to answering questions, anywhere from starting your first job to what to wear to your interview next week. In addition to this, being involved with AWC has influenced my passion for supporting women in developing their skills to become outstanding professionals. AWC has allowed me to discover myself, my capabilities, and my voice. I would highly suggest this organization to anyone looking to improve their professional development and connect with amazing people.
About the Author
Julia Gramont is the the Fall workshop and Membership chair for the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois professional chapter and President of the AWC student chapter at Illinois State University. Before holding the student chapter’s president position, Julia served as Secretary, Treasurer, and Website Development chair. Julia is also a Graduate Assistant for Alumni Engagement and the Social chair for the Graduate Student Association at ISU.
