Rookie Students – A Proposal to Improve Campus Advising

This team project challenged me to step into a more professional mindset and helped me grow in ways that go far beyond the classroom. Working with my group under the name Rookie Students, we created a formal report addressed to our campus Career and Advising Services. Our goal was to express real concerns many students face—like confusion around choosing classes, selecting a major, and understanding how advising works—and to offer thoughtful, research-based recommendations for improvement.
Throughout this project, I experienced significant personal and professional growth.
Here’s how this project helped me grow:
* Stronger Communication Skills: Writing a formal proposal and coordinating with teammates taught me how to express ideas more clearly and professionally. It also helped me become more comfortable giving and receiving feedback.

* Increased Confidence in Professional Settings: Crafting a real-world report to a campus department made me feel like my voice mattered. It gave me confidence to speak up, share ideas, and contribute to meaningful change.

* Leadership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for my role in the group—and making sure my work aligned with our shared vision—helped me grow as a dependable team member. It also taught me how to manage deadlines and stay organized under pressure.

* Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Diving into research, analyzing surveys, and thinking about practical solutions for real student challenges helped me develop sharper problem-solving skills. I learned how to look beyond the obvious and think creatively.

* Greater Awareness of Student Needs: This project gave me a better understanding of how advising impacts the student journey—and how much potential there is for improvement when students are heard.

In the end, this experience taught me how to carry myself more professionally, collaborate more effectively, and use my voice to advocate for something bigger than myself. It was more than a report—it was a step toward becoming the kind of professional I want to be.