Cierra Secrest

Cierra Secrest is used to adapting to situations in order to make the most of her experiences. As an actuarial intern, Cierra has been able to learn exactly what it takes to make yourself stand out and thrive in any position.

Having started her actuarial internship right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, BHC Scholar Cierra Secrest had to adjust quickly to the ever-changing circumstances around her. This taught her a valuable lesson: always be adaptable. Whether it was training remotely for a new job or simply adjusting to a new work environment, Cierra quickly learned that she had to be flexible to get the most out of whatever internship she found herself in.

When it comes to securing an internship, Cierra’s main tip is simple. She says, “Put yourself out there.” She explains that placing yourself in situations that may be uncomfortable, like practice interviews and networking events, will only serve to help as you navigate your professional career and gain more confidence. Using Handshake (an online job board) and a social network like LinkedIn, forming relationships with professors, and reaching out to BHC Deans and advisors are among other suggestions that she has for students. Says Cierra, “BHC in particular offers so much guidance for students who are seeking internships.” In addition, Cierra emphasizes that a student’s path to score an internship can begin before they even start applying. “The first and second years [of college] are a great time to join clubs, seek out opportunities to learn more about the major, and establish relationships with others on the same career path.”

But, making oneself the best job candidate possible is only the part of the battle. Cierra has also learned about “the importance of selecting the opportunity that you feel could provide the most growth and learning.” An internship is a chance for a student to learn more about their desired career and find the right fit. Thus, Cierra is “thankful to work for a company that wanted [her] to learn and experience as much as possible.”

The final piece of wisdom Cierra shares is the importance of effective communication. Communication goes both ways—one must relay their ideas clearly while still remembering to listen closely to others. It’s also essential to keep in mind the audience to which one is speaking. Cierra gives the example, “When working in a technical position, it is important to be able to clearly share data in a way that is most understandable to those with non-technical backgrounds.” Overall, Cierra has been able to use her past experiences—both positive and negative—to learn what it takes to network, stand out in the hiring process, and thrive in any position.