Wrap-up

Today was the wrap up event of Project Protégé. It feels bittersweet. After being with the program the school year it is sad to see it formally end. It is sweet because I am walking away with many new relationships and a better understanding of my field.

When I think about Project Protégé the word opportunity best fits what I have experienced. I have gone from not having a clue how to transition from school to work , to feeling prepared. This has involved talking about things like salaries, job postings, job banks, first impressions, networking, hidden jobs and much more with my mentor. In my first post I wrote that going from school to work is daunting. I don’t feel that way today, I am looking forward to graduation. Seeing the choices I have and meeting people (including my mentor) who are passionate about their jobs fires me up.

What makes Project Protégé stand out is the relational aspect. Honestly, I am not the person to go down to my local career counselor and learn 10 tips to a better career. Relationships are the foundation of social work and the foundation of how I learn. I excelled in the program because along the way I got to talk about life, make jokes and form connections. There is something invaluable about having someone who has walked the walk be available to guide you.

And because Project Protégé is based on relationships it doesn’t end at a wrap up event but continues in a beautiful informal way.

Kim Miller

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