NAME: Jennie Phuong
CAMPUS: California State University, Fullerton
GRADUATION YEAR:
- Bachelor of Arts: 2013
- Master of Science: 2017
DEGREE PROGRAM:
- 2013: BA in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and Information Systems
- 2017: MS in Information Technology
LINKEDIN HANDLE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jphuong82/
When did you join NSCS & why?
I received the invitation to join NSCS Spring of 2010. I was not sure in the beginning, so I reached out to a Chapter President at my campus to inquire about the organization. She gave me an overview of the organization. I also did some research on my own to find the many benefits that NSCS offers to students and alumni. With the one-time fee that I had to pay upfront and the many benefits I received as a member, I was convinced to accept my invitation.
Were you previously an NSCS chapter officer?
I was not an NSCS chapter officer. But, if anyone who is planning to join the organization and has an interest in becoming a chapter officer, go for it.
How did your time with NSCS help prepare you for life after college?
My time with NSCS helped prepare me for life after college through the workshops and volunteering events that were offered throughout the semesters. I gain more knowledge on topics such as time management, organization skills, networking, etc. The volunteering opportunities allowed me to connect and network with others outside my business college.
What was the most important thing you’ve gotten from your time as an undergraduate NSCS member?
The most important thing that I got from my time as an undergraduate NSCS member is the skills and knowledge I gain through the organization. In addition, the connections that I made at the workshops and volunteering opportunities.
What is the most important thing you are getting out of your time as an Alumni NSCS member?
The most important thing I am getting out of my time as an Alumni NSCS member is networking because I get the opportunity to meet people locally and nationally. I also enjoy the benefits that are offered to alumni.
Where are you now since graduating?
I am currently working for the local government doing accounting and side of IT. I just completed my three terms as a Board Directors of the CSUF Alumni Association. During my three terms, I served as the Vice President of Programs and the Vice President for Community and Campus Outreach. I am now involved as an alumnus on the Leadership Alumni Board for the CSUF College of Business and Economic Center for Leadership. I am still connected with the CSUF Alumni Association and will volunteer from time to time when my schedule permits me to.
I am also still involved with NSCS. I continue to help review scholarships when the opportunity arises. In addition, I am involved in the Mentoring Program. I was briefly involved with the development of the alumni board for NSCS. But the planning for that stopped during the pandemic.
If you could give a newly inducted undergraduate NSCS member advice on their path through their collegiate journey, what would it be?
Start networking at the beginning of their collegiate journey. Networking will definitely not be easy or comfortable. But, sometimes, it is the connections made at the networking events that will get students their first job or their dream jobs. Reflect on each networking event to improve for future networking events.
Get involved on campus or in the community, if the schedule permits. Employers are usually looking for individuals who are well-rounded as potential candidates, so adding volunteering experiences or internships on top of being a student will definitely help an individual stand out from the crowd.
If you could give an undergraduate student who is considering joining NSCS, what would it be?
NSCS has many benefits for students and alumni, from scholarships to discounts for car rentals, theme parks, etc. The membership is lifetime, and there are no requirements needed to maintain the membership status.
The connections made when a student becomes a member last a lifetime. I met my best friend in college through another organization. But, when we found out that we both are also part of NSCS, that make our friendship bond even stronger.
