by Brandon Stone
As a microbiology major, I consider myself a man of many cultures. My time is mostly spent in clubs and looking at the little things in life. When I’m not making horrible puns in my first two sentences, I enjoy boxing and participating in student organizations. I am mostly involved in Best Buddies, child advocacy, and UF’s International Genetically Engineered Machine team (iGEM). Most of my involvement stems from an innate desire to give every individual the chance at a happy and normal life. This drive guided me toward conducting genetic engineering research so that I may help treat genetic diseases in the future.
I was able to participate in two of Beyond120’s excursions to Tallahassee and London. Both trips were extremely valuable for networking with UF alumni and providing future career opportunities. Students in our group had various majors and career plans, with some still searching for a path to follow. Even with such a multifaceted audience, the alumni were able to offer advice that resonated with each undergraduate. Such outreach was possible because of Beyond120’s diverse selection of alumni.
While visiting an alumnus at TransPerfect, an international translation company, we were also introduced to his co-workers. Each employee had a different background and skill set, but the one that I connected to the most was the hiring manager. He listed useful tips ranging from how to give a proper handshake to resume etiquette and how to ace an interview. His advice was of great importance to me as it enhanced my CV and demeanor during interviews.
Overall, my favorite experience was participating in Beyond120’s London Excursion during Spring break as it also coincided with my birthday. Despite only having known me for a few days, the other students surprised me with a signed card and sang happy birthday to me. This, of course, was promptly followed by a night out in London. I left Florida hardly knowing anyone on this trip, but when I returned, I had a whole new group of friends. To me, that alone was worth the trip.
