A Top Handshake Executive's Best Advice for Young Professionals

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When Handshake executive Christine Cruzvergara was graduating college, she knew she was interested in education—and perhaps working in a student affairs office at a university.?

At the time, she never knew this passion for students and education would lead her to become the VP of Higher Education and Student Success at Handshake, a popular digital career services platform used by thousands of college students around the country.

I caught up with Christine to hear her best advice for young professionals looking to craft their own career journeys

Andy Molinsky:?If you had to identify one or two key things that ultimately influenced your career path, what would they be?

Christine Cruzvergara:?I was fortunate to have mentors in my life that saw potential in me and encouraged me to consider stepping into roles that felt like a stretch. Their questions, their advice, and their understanding of who I was and what I could do helped to not only open doors, but to give me the nudge needed to walk through them.

Andy Molinsky:?What misconceptions do you think college students have about entering the professional world?

Christine Cruzvergara:?College students think they have to have it all figured out before they graduate. They think they have to have a plan. Little do they know that life will throw plenty of curveballs and the most important thing they can do is be agile and adaptable.

Andy Molinsky:?Do you think there is a perfect major for today’s student?

Christine Cruzvergara:?College students think they have to choose the right major to lead to a job. The reality is that most jobs can be filled by students of all academic majors. And employers look for a diverse workforce, even in academic background. It’s more important for students to understand and clearly articulate the hard and soft skills they’ve gained and make connections to how they can use those skills to add value for an employer.

Andy Molinsky:?What advice would you give to a young professional who experiences the “imposter syndrome”—the fear that they are not worthy and couldn’t possibly be qualified to do the job or task they’re attempting to do.

Christine Cruzvergara:?If you’re feeling like an imposter, learn to recognize that feeling and turn it into motivation. Channel that energy into something productive. The first step is to acknowledge and accept that you might be feeling nervous or unworthy of the opportunity in front of you. And If you’re not yet able to do that, find a mentor or someone you trust in your life that will give you real feedback and challenge your thinking about whether you are actually lacking skills or if you’re just feeling uncertain. Once you can do this, use the discomfort as motivation to take action. Focus on what you need to do to accomplish the task at hand and break it down into manageable pieces. Small wins will give you the confidence and momentum you need to keep going and will serve as a reminder that you can do this next time you feel like an imposter. Remember that this is a process and will take time. Lean on your inner circle of people around you who believe in you and in time, you’ll be able to do this for yourself.

Andy Molinsky:?What’s your very best advice for helping a student or young professional craft a career with a strong sense of meaning and purpose??

Christine Cruzvergara:?Start with yourself. I actually mean this on a couple different levels. To craft meaning and purpose, you have to understand what gives you energy, what your strengths are, and what the world needs. At that intersection, you’ll find your purpose. Once you do though, the first person to change should be yourself. Too often, students and young professionals are told that the way to make a difference is to focus outward. While not wholly untrue, the path to get there starts with you. Humble yourself, ask questions, approach the world and others from a place of curiosity and you will be amazed at what you learn and what you will be able to contribute.