As part of the College’s annual business week, the panel brought together Flagler alumni and professionals from a variety of industries to share honest insights on what it truly takes to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market. As a senior thinking about my own career path, I found the discussion motivating, practical, and full of wisdom that extends far beyond the classroom.
Nicole Boone ‘10, indirect tax manager at The Haskell Company, emphasized the importance of authenticity and gaining meaningful experience. She explained that being genuine in professional environments, especially within large and established companies, allows individuals to build trust and build long-term relationships.
Boone encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones and pursue opportunities that may not seem perfectly aligned at first. What resonated most with me was her emphasis on experience as a critical component of growth. She made it clear that hands-on learning shapes both confidence and capability, preparing students for challenges beyond graduation.
Erianna Campbell ‘20 , finance transformation consultant at Deloitte, shared how initiative played a major role in her success. She spoke about playing basketball during her first year of college, explaining how the sport helped her develop discipline and time management skills.
More importantly, Campbell advised students to pursue internships early and take initiative by reaching out to firms directly, rather than waiting for opportunities to appear. She also stressed the value of certifications and advanced coursework, noting that possessing knowledge beyond expectations can immediately set students apart. Additionally, her involvement in mock trial and Model U.N. clubs while a student strengthened her public speaking skills, which she credits as essential to her professional development.
Javier Cappas 16’, sales operations manager at Microsoft, offered a reminder that success is not determined by grades alone. While he acknowledged the importance of academic performance, Cappas emphasized that personality, emotional intelligence, and networking are instrumental in shaping a career.
He spoke about the value of genuinely caring about people and building meaningful relationships with peers and colleagues. His involvement in Enactus at Flagler helped him grow as a leader and develop practical teamwork skills. One of his most impactful points was that true learning continues in the workplace; growth does not end at graduation but evolves through real-world experience and collaboration.
Marwan Shatila 18’, product manager at Rulon International, focused on long-term thinking and personal investment. He explained that early career professionals often earn the least amount of money they will make in their lifetime, particularly in their first job. Because of this, he encouraged students to invest in themselves by developing skills, seeking valuable experiences, and surrounding themselves with people who contribute to their growth.
He also stressed the importance of being intentional with one’s environment, advising students to distance themselves from influences that do not serve their future goals. Unlike some other panelists, Shatila strongly emphasized the importance of GPA, explaining that being at the top of his class helped him stand out and connect with his employer. His perspective demonstrated how academic excellence can open significant doors.
Diego Rivera 25’, a recent graduate, highlighted the importance of being involved in clubs and activities outside of the classroom. “Employees notice your effort,” Rivera said, “and doing things that challenge you encourages you to grow and do better.”
Reflecting on his own college experience, he admitted he wished he had focused more on how enterprise opportunities and networking at Flagler College could have helped him earlier. His message resonated deeply with students, emphasizing that career growth begins long before graduation.
Finally, Dominique Corde 25’, also a recent graduate, offered a candid and relatable perspective on navigating the transition from college to the workforce. She spoke about the uncertainty that accompanies applying for positions and waiting for responses.
Her transparency about the challenges of the job search process made the discussion feel realistic and grounded. She highlighted the importance of persistence, resilience, and maintaining confidence during this transitional phase, reassuring students that setbacks are a natural part of building a career.
As a senior sitting in the audience, I felt inspired and equipped with practical guidance. The generosity of these Flagler alumni, who returned not only to share advice but also to illuminate the path ahead, reminded me that success is built on authenticity, initiative, adaptability, and meaningful connections. Their stories reinforced that the effort we invest in our college experience, from clubs to networking, helps lay the foundation for life after graduation.
