Student Success Stories

Elaine Jenkins, Class of 2008
Interdisciplinary Studies Professional Program

I am Elaine Jenkins, a May 2008 graduate from the Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST) Professional Program. This is my story.

I returned to college after going through the home buying process. Prior to my purchase, I used the excuse that I could not afford college. It came to me that despite all the money I was paying for my house I could possibly lose it, but my education could never be taken from me. Early in the year 2000, I decided that I would complete the journey to obtain my degree. I returned to college part-time, as a non-traditional student.

In 2007, I went to the Dean to discuss my program line-up because I felt uncomfortable with my track and progress. After reviewing my records, I was directed to the IDST office. Much to my surprise, I discovered that I only needed 25 credits to graduate with a concentration in English and Management Science.

The capstone class changed my life. We were required to create a resume, confer with Career Services, and attend a job fair that was going to be held on campus. As a non-traditional student, established with a career as the Diversity Development Specialist with the United States Postal Service, I was just going through the motions to get a good grade for the project. I didn't have a desire to change my employer. I just wanted to get my degree.

After meeting with Mrs. Bowie, for Career Services, my whole perspective was changed. I made the suggested changes to my resume and attended the job fair. I gave my resume to three vendors. Through this process, I was contacted and have since been hired by the Department of Defense (DoD).

I am very happy to have participated in the Interdisciplinary Studies Professional Program. I was able to have a major that allowed me two concentrations. It worked well for me because I was able to pick classes that afforded me the opportunity to contribute to the workplace immediately. I not only contributed ideas, but wrote proposals, remarks, letters, and responses for congressional inquiries. I assisted my colleagues with completing applications for promotions and was consulted on various occasions to edit the writings of others.

The insight I offer to students which can be used in the workplace is:

1. Get to know your employer - Surf your company's website to learn their mission, goals, and financial situation. Learn what they are best at doing and what direction they are going. Be proud of your employment - one of the most impressive things I encountered was being able to apply my learning in real world situations. Coppin's professors are right on target with what is happening in the world.
2. Apply yourself - My "going through the motions" attitude could have been counter - productive but, Mrs. Bowie ignited an excitement in me which moved me out of my comfortable stage and produced a different set of actions and results. Go into the workforce with a mission in mind. Stay focused until your mission is accomplished.
3. Take advantage of your resources - The Career Services Center is a resource I feel is not used by a lot of students. I never used it, or knew about it until I was enrolled in the Capstone class. There will be programs in your organization that will be useful to you as well. Seek them out!
4. Read your emails - My people perish for a lack of knowledge. Emails keep you informed about activities and changes.

Thank you Coppin! What a change you made in my life...

Elaine Jenkins, Class of 2008
Interdisciplinary Studies

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