|
|
Managing Partner, Invizio LLC
I am a native of Antigua & Barbuda currently living in Miami. I am Managing Partner
and co-founder of Invizio LLC. We are an IT services company and provide IT outsourcing
and support services to small business clients throughout Miami-Dade. In my role
as Managing Partner, I am responsible for our overall business development and marketing
strategy, as well as client and partner relationship management.
I was an Information Technology major in the College of Engineering, completed a
second major in Computer Science and a minor in Computer Information Systems. I
am currently halfway through a dual MBA/MS in Information Technology at the University
of Dallas.
I first got involved with career development at UM through the National Society
of Black Engineers chapter in the College of Engineering. After attending a national
convention in Dallas, TX I landed my first internship at the end of my sophomore
year. Besides NSBE, I extensively utilized Toppel’s resume critique services and
also attended workshops on topics such as networking, etiquette and interviewing
techniques.
I love all of the services at the Toppel Career Center. One program in particular
that I found very helpful was the mock interview sessions hosted prior to the Career
Fairs. Those interviews allowed me to have first contact with many of the interviewers
and establish familiarity with the companies I was interested in, before
walking through the Career Fair door.
As students plan their career particularly in this economy, I would encourage them
to find ways to differentiate themselves from their competition. They should seek
out opportunities in student leadership in clubs that relate to their fields and
get started interning early in their college careers. Don’t wait until senior year!!
|
|
|
Le Boss / Voler La Rue Clothing
After Graduating from UM in 2004 I began to develop a streetwear brand that I officially
launched in the beginning of 2005. My brand is called Voler La Rue. It's French
and literally translated it means "to steal the street". My middle name is Rue,
which was given to me by my brother when I was still in my mother's womb because
he said I looked like a Kangaroo when she was pregnant. Later on I came to find
out the way it was spelled meant "street" in French. I've always been into streetwear
fashion and music so I decided to start my own streetwear brand. My story is pretty
typical of most young entrepreneurs; I started selling my shirts out of the trunk
of my car to friends. I eventually got my brand into a local skate shop after trying
for weeks and from there I've grown to selling in 8 stores in Miami and 1 in ATL.
My brand consists of men's t-shirts currently and pillows but I have plans to expand
it to a full blown lifestyle brand. I've provided several shirts to major hip hop
recording artist and producers like, Bun B, The Pack, Pitbull and Cool & Dre for
photo shoots and performances. I've also attended several trade shows and video
shoots where my brand has been featured. Currently I'm working closely with the
University organization The Launch Pad on securing financing to expand my line and
get into major retail chains.
My Major in School was Business Management and my Minor was Business Law I thought
of going to law school but didn't do well on my LSAT.
I didn't take full advantage of all the resources available at the University when
I was attending. I was just focused on graduating and starting a business but it
didn't hit me until right before graduation what I wanted to do. During my senior
year I asked a lot of professors for advice and also help with trademarks that I
was filing at the time.
I've always maintained a job while running my business to lighten the burden of
start up costs and all the expenses one takes on when starting a business. So I
used the Toppel Career center to find my first job upon graduating.
Start early! If you can. If you already know what you really want to do, research
it as much as possible and go for it. Don't talk about starting something. Do it.
Do something you enjoy and are willing to try your hardest to accomplish.
Find a Mentor in the field that you want to be in. I've met a few individuals who
I've tried to approach as being mentors but they didn't work out for one reason
or another but I have learned a lot from meeting with leaders in the industry.
Finally I'd say, if you're deciding to start your own business It's not going to
be easy. Someone has to tell you the truth so I'll say it. It's hard to start a
business from scratch but if you don't stop you can't fail.
|
|
|
Human Resource Coordinator, Burger
King Corporation
I was born in Trinidad and moved to Florida at the age of 9. Being the first from
my family to graduate from college has been both a fulfilling and challenging experience.
Now I look forward to developing my career and assisting others in achieving their
dreams of a college education.
I work for Burger King Corporation as a Talent Acquisition Coordinator, with the
Human Resource department. In my role, I support the corporate and field recruiting
teams with onboarding new employees as well as maintaining our Applicant Tracking
System. Additionally I manage all newspaper and job board ad placements for the
U.S. and Canada. And last but certainly not least…I get to work with the KING.
I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and minor in Business Administration.
First I would like to say that I am a true product of Toppel's services.
I began by working on my resume and attending Toppel's workshops during my Freshman
year. Then as a Sophomore I started going to Toppel's Career Expos to gain confidence
in speaking about myself and networking. Following the '06 Spring Career Expo I
interviewed for and obtained my first internship with Lennar Corporation, which
was my first venture into Human Resources. After my first internship experience
I was back at Toppel to spruce up my resume and prepare for the next Career Expo.
At my second Career Expo I spoke with representatives from Enterprise Rent-A-Car
and attained my second internship at their Regional offices.
After meeting Burger King recruiters at the '07 Spring Career Expo, I knew that
BK was the right company for me. I interviewed for their HR summer internship and
fortunately was given the opportunity to intern with the Talent Acquisition team.
I enjoyed my experience so much that I remained an intern while completing my senior
year and started at Burger King full time after graduation.
All of Toppel’s services were extremely helpful in preparing me for my career. I
would encourage every student to take advantage of Toppel’s Library as well as the
numerous workshops offered throughout the year.
Start early and don’t be afraid to ask questions or step outside of your comfort
zone!
|
|