Throughout this entire blog we have discussed “things not learned in the classroom” through college. However, what does “things not learned in the classroom ” equate to in the world of academia? According to the Association of Experiential Education, “Experiential learning is referred to as learning through action, learning by doing, learning through experience, and learning through discovery and exploration. “Experiential learning is a type of learning that allows the individual hands-on experience so that it can actually be applied in the future.”

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark Melkumyan who is a Senior at Drexel University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Game Programming and a minor in Animation and Visual Effects. Melkumyan is anticipated to graduate this upcoming June. I was fortunate enough to gain this interview with Melkumyan being that Computer Science Majors are likely to have a different perspective than the communication majors I am familiar with.

I was lucky enough to interview Karli Akin, who is graduating this upcoming June with a degree in Materials Science and Engineering. Since meeting Akin, I have known her to be an absolute girl boss in the predominantly male world of engineering. Akin serves as the president of the Drexel Society of Women Engineers. Being that myself and Karli come from incredibly different worlds academically, I was intrigued to hear her opinion on the topics of my blog.

Soft skills are what make us unique as individuals in several areas of life. However, soft skills are not something that cannot be taught or studied, soft skills must be obtained through experiences overtime. Soft skills can be defined as “non-technical skills that describe how you work and interact with others” (Kaplan).

Adrienne Baratz is an incredibly successful young woman who I had the pleasure of interviewing. Baratz and I met through our mutual major of Communications and minor of Marketing here at Drexel University. In June, Baratz will be graduating with her Bachelors as well as her master’s degree in Public Communication. It is extremely impressive and valuable to obtain both a bachelors and masters degree at the same time from Drexel. During Barartz’s time here she was able to co-op at notable companies which included Comcast twice and Cashman and Associates.  

 I had the true pleasure of interviewing Pam Temcharoen. Temchareon has an interesting perspective to bring to the table being that she is an international student from Thailand. Since meeting Pam through our mutual major of Communications, I have known her to be extremely intelligent and outgoing. In addition, Temchareon is a go-getter and knows exactly what she wants.  Temchareon is graduating in June 2023 with a degree in Communications with a concentration in public relations and a minor in marketing as well as global studies.

 I had the true pleasure of interviewing Morgan Murphy, who is graduating this upcoming winter from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in marketing. Since meeting Murphy through our mutual major of Communications, I have always known her as someone who goes above and beyond with academics and extracurriculars. Murphy is involved in a multitude of activities including the Delta Gamma sorority, she helped start the Changing Health, Attitudes, and Actions to Recreate organization at Drexel while continuing to still be an active member, she also works at Orangetheory Fitness, and is currently working on completing a yoga instructor certification.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Alyssa Serra who recently graduated from Millersville University in May of 2022. Serra graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education which means she is eligible to teach Pre-Kindergarten to grade four. Currently, Serra is working as a second grade teacher at Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School. Like everyone else, Serra was over the moon to graduate college and move on with her life. However, being out in the real world is not all that it is cracked up to be.

Readers: the advice that is about to be given is from my personal experience and perspective completely. That being said take the advice or not, the choice is yours.

Conflict resolution is applicable in every aspect of life. Whether it be with friends, family, co-workers, or internally, conflict is inevitable in life. It’s how we face the conflict and resolve it that truly matters. As with all our soft skills, there is no formula on how to be an expert on them. In my personal experience, I truly have learned the bulk of my conflict resolution skills by working in the restaurant industry during my college career. Although, that’s not the desired standard way given an incredible education from Drexel University, it’s the truth. 

I had the true pleasure of interviewing and conversing with Jenny Ni, a recent graduate from Drexel University. Ni successfully graduated this past spring with a Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as a minor in Psychology. Professor Shiffert graciously connected me with Ni being that he had taught her during her pre-junior year in Communications 310.