Beyond Barnard: Forging my Path

Coming to Barnard as a first-generation student, I deeply value mentorship, guidance, and support. As an Urban Studies (Public Health) and Human Rights major, at first, I felt pulled in multiple directions and could not envision a career path for myself. Unsure of the long pages of internship applications, I was lost between the worlds of resumes and cover letters. Then, during my first year, an email popped up from Beyond Barnard about a resume workshop. When I attended the workshop, I learned from experts about crafting a resume that reflected my diverse experiences and interests. 

Beyond Barnard is the college career center that provides lifelong support to students and graduates as they pursue their careers. 85% of graduates in the Class of 2025 used Beyond Barnard from 2021–25. From finding STEM research opportunities to nonprofit jobs and everything in between, Beyond Barnard provides professional support to current students and alums. 

Soon after, in my sophomore year, I met Dana, the fellowship advisor at Beyond Barnard. Throughout multiple one-on-one meetings, we discussed possible fellowships and strategies for crafting effective applications. During my application process to the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship, a nationally competitive Obama Foundation scholarship for undergraduate students interested in public service, Dana stepped in to support me every step of the way. After months of edits and individualized support, I was able to create a cohesive application. As a Barnard student with varying interests, Beyond Barnard was instrumental in ensuring all of my passions were reflected in this process. In March 2024, I had finally submitted that application. Later in the summer of 2024, I received news of my acceptance—the only Barnard student and one of the few students from New York to be selected for the scholarship that year. 

Because of Beyond Barnard’s support, I went on to utilize the scholarship to explore my academic passions in public health and human rights more directly. Throughout the summer, I traveled across Switzerland and France, learning about global health frameworks and forging connections with people working in the healthcare system in Europe. 

Following my time abroad, I continued using Beyond Barnard services to foster my professional growth and nurture my passions. As a senior, Beyond Barnard provided me with internship funding so I could pursue an internship at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest as a health policy intern. Beyond Barnard provides financial support for internships in academic years and summer for students with low or unpaid internships. As a low-income student, Beyond Barnard removed financial barriers so I could pursue my passion for health policy work—investing in students with financial need. During my time at the internship, I gained new knowledge about immigrant health. I translated my knowledge into local impact, testifying in front of the Committee on Immigration in support of NYC laws that would strengthen existing sanctuary laws. One of the bills, Intro 1412, passed the NYC Council in December 2025. 

Beyond Barnard’s support throughout my college years has allowed me to grow my academic passions into hands-on work experience through scholarships and internships. As I prepare to graduate in the next three months, I remain committed to being a part of the Beyond Barnard community. 

To prospective students thinking of career opportunities at Barnard, Beyond Barnard has something for everyone—from STEM to arts and humanities and beyond, of course! From the first resume workshop to receiving fellowship advice and receiving funding to lead local work, Beyond Barnard has encouraged me to pursue all of my passions. 

Here, you don’t have to fit in a box; you create your own.