Photo by Emilio Suarez
Through workshops, networking and national opportunities the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) connects students to the professional world early in their academic careers.
ALPFA President, Isaac Escalon, said the association prepares workshops, general meetings, and speakers to help students expand their horizons.
One of the association’s biggest opportunities comes during the summer.
“Almost every summer, there’s the alpha convention,” Escalon said. “A big place where there’s a lot of careers, employers, recruiters that are there to help students get jobs.”
Escalon said ALPFA hosts workshops on interviews, networking, resumes and LinkedIN so students can take those skills to careers fairs.
He added success doesn’t always follow a straight path.
“Career doesn’t have to be linear, maybe sometimes you have to take a step back, it’s part of the journey to grow,” Escalon said.
ALPFA Vice President Elisami Salinas said the association also focuses on building essential soft skills such as public speaking.
“In the beginning I was like, there’s no way that I can go and talk and so, eventually I put myself out there,” Salinas said.
Salinas said the support from the college of business administration plays a big role in expanding opportunities.
She added students should feel comfortable being uncomfortable and take hard decisions that could make them grow
Salinas said students should go above and beyond as it opens more doors and opportunities.
“This club will help them grow as a person,” Salinas said. “In the beginning, you think, no, I couldn’t do it and then boom.”
For more information about ALPFA visit their V Link.
This is Emilio Suarez for Vaquero Radio.
