Julian Garcia, an Illinois State political science alumnus in his second year of law school at the University of Southern California, returned to campus October 24 to present on networking and leadership skills to students in Professor Nancy Lind’s POL 296: Professional Development class.
Julian Garcia ’18
Garcia began by highlighting his active involvement in law school at USC and as an undergraduate at Illinois State University but also explained to students how that was a conscious choice he made as he did absolutely nothing while in high school.
“ISU is your laboratory. Experience. Explore. Try new things,” he said.
Garcia told students that collegiate life is a prime testing ground for their professional life. “It’s OK to make mistakes as long as you get back up and keep trying.” He gave examples from his own personal failures such running for president of his fraternity twice as an Illinois State student, losing both elections, but then getting elected as president of the Interfraternity Council, which includes all fraternities on campus, including the one that did not elect him.
“The best time to start is 20 years ago. The second best time to start is today.” Garcia explained to students that it is still not too late to get involved on campus. He gave examples of how leaders are needed for every organization and how followers, 9-to-5ers, are replaceable. He encouraged students to make themselves invaluable to whomever they are working because it will get you noticed and it will get you increasingly more responsibilities and more networking opportunities.
Very good advice that makes me more involved and focused on the career choice that works with my major which is “political science”.