NAME: Michael Cardona
CAMPUS: Full Sail University
GRADUATION YEAR: 2018
DEGREE PROGRAM: Media Communications Bachelor of Science
LINKEDIN HANDLE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcardona
When did you join NSCS & why?
In November 2017, I made the decision to join NSCS because I was seeking a community of like-minded professionals who were dedicated to promoting academic excellence and fostering leadership skills. I was drawn to the honor society’s focus on professional development and its opportunities to connect with alumni and other members. I believed that being a part of the NSCS would provide me with the tools and resources I needed to achieve my academic and professional goals.
How did your time with NSCS help prepare you for life after college?
During my time with NSCS, I had the privilege of participating in various activities that helped me prepare for life after college. One of the most valuable experiences was the opportunity to engage in networking activities with other members and NSCS alumni on my campus.
What was the most important thing you’ve gotten from your time as an undergraduate NSCS member?
One of the key benefits of my membership with NSCS was the exposure to various workshops and seminars aimed at building critical career skills. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including resume writing, interview techniques, and professional development. Through these workshops, I learned how to tailor my resume to specific job requirements, communicate effectively in job interviews, and enhance my overall professional brand.
What is the most important thing you are getting out of your time as an Alumni NSCS member?
I have the incredible opportunity to give back to the honor society and help other members achieve their full potential. As a mentor, I can share my experiences, insights, and knowledge with fellow NSCS members and provide them with guidance and support to navigate the challenges of college life and beyond.
What doors have opened for you since you became an NSCS member?
Thanks to my membership in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, I have had the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of individuals who share my academic interests and career aspirations. Through this community, I have been able to meet other NSCS members who have pursued careers in my field of interest, and these connections have been invaluable in helping me to build my professional network and advance my career.
Where are you now since graduating?
I have had the privilege of working in the dynamic and challenging field of politics, and my experience in this field has been both rewarding and fulfilling. As an active member of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida, Seminole County chapter, I have been able to make a positive impact on my community and advance my political career.
One of my proudest achievements has been my election to the board of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida, Seminole County chapter, where I currently serve as President. In this role, I have had the opportunity to lead and support the efforts of a dedicated group of individuals who share my passion for advancing Democratic principles and advocating for the needs of Hispanic communities in Florida.
In addition to my work with the Democratic Hispanic Caucus, I have also had the opportunity to manage political campaigns for candidates seeking public office during election years. This has been a challenging and rewarding experience that has allowed me to gain firsthand experience in the intricacies of campaign management, from fundraising and outreach to media relations and voter engagement.
Through my work in the political field, I have developed a deep understanding of the issues facing our communities and the importance of effective advocacy and leadership. I am committed to making a positive impact on my community and advancing the values that I believe in. My experience in the political field has been a formative part of my professional journey, and I am excited to see where my career in politics will take me in the future.
If you could give a newly inducted undergraduate NSCS member advice on their path through their collegiate journey, what would it be?
If I had the opportunity to give advice to newly inducted undergraduate NSCS members on their collegiate journey, I would emphasize the importance of seeking out mentorship and guidance from NSCS alumni.
As a member of this prestigious honor society, you are part of a supportive community that is dedicated to academic excellence and professional development. This network of like-minded individuals can provide invaluable insights and support as they navigate the challenges of their collegiate journey and prepare for their future careers.
One of the most important steps you can take as an NSCS member is to leverage the resources available through the NSCS member portal to find a mentor. There are many alumni who are eager to provide guidance and support to current members, and the portal provides a convenient and effective way to connect with them. They should take the time to explore the list of alumni available and identify individuals who work in a similar field or have skills that could be helpful in their future careers.
If you could give an undergraduate student who is considering joining NSCS, what would it be?
If you are an undergraduate student considering joining NSCS, I would highly encourage you to do so. As a member of this prestigious honor society, you will have access to a wealth of resources and opportunities to help you achieve academic excellence and advance your professional goals.
From my own experience as a member of NSCS, I can tell you that this honor society has been instrumental in my own academic and professional success. Through NSCS, I could network with other members and alumni and work on professional skills such as resume writing, interview skills, and professional development. This helped me to build a strong foundation for my future career and opened up numerous opportunities that I would not have had otherwise.
If you are considering joining NSCS, my advice to you would be to take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available through the honor society. Seek out mentorship from NSCS alumni, engage with the NSCS community, and participate in events and projects that align with your academic and professional goals. Doing so can build a strong foundation for your collegiate journey and set you up for success in your future career.