How Camilla Patterson ’22 Secured a Summer Internship 

Camilla Patterson ’22 made good use of her quarantine time by taking advantage of Saint Mary’s Career and Professional Development Services (CPDS). According to its mission statement, CPDS’ goal is to "Provide resources for every student to plan for and create a meaningful professional life.” Patterson believes CPDS has certainly fulfilled its mission. 

Last summer, Patterson attended a CPDS workshop that inspired her to take control of her future. After the workshop, she set up a meeting with Beverly McLean, the director of CPDS. “We discussed my passions, goals, and ways for me to explore possible fields of interest,” Patterson said. “We worked together to create a résumé, personal statement, and an updated LinkedIn profile that fully reflect my unique skills to help me stand out to potential employers.” 

Patterson, a Liberal Studies major, considers her discovery of CPDS to be one of the silver linings of a summer spent quarantining. “With the help of CPDS, I have revamped my résumé, honed my interview skills, and even landed an internship—all in the last few months!”

Patterson’s work with CPDS helped her get an internship with Dublin Mayor David Haubert, who won an election to become the Alameda County supervisor in 2020. “CPDS also gave me a sense of confidence in my skills that allowed me to excel in my role as campaign coordinator,” she said.

CPDS collaborates with student success coaches, deans, Alumni Relations, and the Catholic Institute for Lasallian Social Action to provide an array of assistance opportunities to students. The staff at CPDS and the people they collaborate with make the service personal and productive. 

“Among the countless opportunities and resources provided by CPDS,” Patterson said, “I was most impressed by my experience with the staff themselves. At first, I was hesitant to meet with them because I had no idea what career I wanted to pursue and never made the time to walk down to the Career Center to explore my options. Despite this initial reluctance, my lack of productivity from an idle summer, combined with my desire to be proactive in defining my future career, motivated me to attend the summer workshop.”

Patterson still attends the CPDS events. “The most helpful thing is just knowing that they are always a resource when I do need help or want to discuss future plans.”

“I finally have the tools, resources, guidance, and most importantly, the confidence, to begin exploring different employment opportunities,” Patterson added. “Navigating my career no longer seems scary knowing that I have Bev and all the staff at CPDS supporting me every step of the way. My only regret is not taking advantage of the CPDS sooner!”