PRAIRIE VIEW, TX – Starting February 17, students in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) will receive the often-rare opportunity to meet one-on-one with a mentor.

The meeting will help them prepare for the various aspects of their upcoming professional life, giving them enhanced marketability against others for highly competitive jobs in their respective field.

TeKedra Pierre, M.Ed, Director of Experiential Learning at The Village School, and a graduate of Prairie View A&M University Class of 2018, will spearhead the college’s new Alumni in Residence Program (AIR). Pierre will assist students with their resumes, interview skills, professional attire, networking, and more.

Many students do not have a mentor to discuss both the large and minute details of applying for jobs and jump-starting their careers. The new AIR Program is a personalized option for CAHS students to bring all their concerns to one person. According to Pierre, she’ll help them tackle situations, like “how to make a hard decision, how to have a difficult discussion with your boss, how to spruce up your resume,” and much more.

“I love working with students,” Pierre said. “They are in a unique position, especially now, to impact whatever industry they go into.” Pierre hopes that the one-on-one sessions will be easier than large group settings “so we can tailor that session to individual students.”

The idea for the program came from brainstorming ideas with CAHS faculty for, in addition to the great opportunities CAHS offers, providing external support to students as they begin the transition from scholar to professional. Pierre felt this was a natural step after hearing comments from graduates about needing guidance with their resumes post-graduation.

“I am seeing what’s happening in the industry; I am seeing students who are not as prepared as they could be,” Pierre said.

Pierre hopes that the program will become popular quickly. Ideally, she would like to have a full schedule on the days she is in residence and wants to begin making strides in the students’ preparation for the real world. She also hopes the program’s potential success will encourage other PVAMU alums to lend their time helping younger generations shine.

Though she is not a graduate of CAHS, Pierre’s daughter is soon to be and therefore knows firsthand the uniqueness of CAHS students.

“Ag students are just different,” Pierre said. “Their work ethic is different. The things that are important to them are different. I’ve always found it fascinating how Ag students can be academically successful and handle raising multiple animals, working on farms while they’re getting their education. There’s truly no other degree program that is as hands-on.”

Pierre will be here twice a month. Stay tuned for more information on how to sign up.

Pascale Mondesir
Communication Specialist II
pamondesir@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5155