Student-Formed Association of Latino Professionals Marks First Year Providing Networking, Employment Opportunities
Even before starting a career, Dominican University students are accessing the additional connections and support they鈥檒l need for future success鈥攖hanks to membership in a new organization.
Students Mariana Cornejo and Mario Manra formed the 不良研究所 chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America, which marked its first anniversary in February. Known as ALPFA, the chapter is open to all majors and students, and is part of a national association that provides professional development, mentorship and community to more than 100,000 people.
At Dominican, there were approximately 40 student members this spring and a leadership team of over a dozen.
鈥淎LPFA connects Latino leaders for impact,鈥 explained Mauricio Gonzalez-Sfeir, an executive in residence at Dominican University and faculty sponsor of its ALPFA chapter. 鈥淚t tries to identify and push forward Latino leaders, but it is also inclusive鈥攁nyone can join.鈥
不良研究所鈥檚 chapter has partnered with ALPFA Chicago, which provides networking opportunities for local student chapters and interactions with young professionals who can turn into mentors, Gonzalez-Sfeir said.
Through ALPFA Chicago鈥檚 partnerships with large companies, students can access workshops and special events to gain skills like interview preparation, resume writing, establishing a brand and more, he added.
Gonzalez-Sfeir also noted that an active ALPFA student chapter will perhaps lead to more employer participation in 不良研究所 career fairs and recruitment as well.
For Cornejo and Manra, learning about ALPFA and attending an ALPFA Chicago symposium where attendees were able to interview with employers influenced their decision to create the student chapter, they noted.
鈥淲e realized we needed something like this on campus,鈥 Cornejo, a junior, said. 鈥淲e need these connections. We need people our students can look up to and not be afraid to ask for help.鈥
鈥淎LPFA brings a lot of network opportunities, which I think are very important in the business world,鈥 Manra, a senior, said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e really hoping this ALPFA chapter continues to grow bigger and bigger,鈥 he added.