First-year student finds opportunity in D.C. through early career coaching

Declan Miller embarked on his college journey with a clear vision for future. The Milton, Georgia, native wanted to gain experience on Capitol Hill and eventually run for political office.

What he didn't know was how quickly Centre College and the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) could help set him on that dream path.

Within months of arriving on campus, Miller went from an introductory meeting with his career coach to an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where he attended a Cato Institute program, networked with professionals in his field and secured an informational interview at the U.S. Capitol — all before the end of his first year. 

"I think especially going into the politics field, getting started early is one of the most important things you can do," Miller said.

His journey began in October when he, like all incoming Centre students, met with a Career Coach, assigned based on their interests and chosen Career Exploration Community.

Miller first met with Nate Meissner, Senior Assistant Director and Career Coach, to learn about the Washington, D.C. study away semester program and to explore internship opportunities. Meissner welcomed him in for what would become a 45-minute conversation.

“From that first meeting, he was so welcoming,” said Miller. “Instead of saying I was too early in my college career, it was, ‘Please come in — we want to talk to you.’”

Meissner helped Miller establish his professional foundation, setting him up on Handshake and LinkedIn, platforms that would prove essential just months later. He also connected Miller with a Career Peer Mentor, who helped him craft a resume focused on government and political positions.
 

As that resume opened doors, Miller applied to the Cato University WinterTerm program in Washington, D.C. He was accepted with full funding for travel, lodging and meals.

But before he left campus, Miller returned to CCPD with a new question: How does a 19-year-old navigate a formal networking event with graduate students and senior-level professionals?

“Meissner shared a video on formal etiquette and helped me refine my LinkedIn profile,” said Miller. “He also offered some tips and guidance on networking with both leaders and colleagues.”

The support didn't stop there. Miller was connected with Laura Hill, CCPD’s Associate Director of Employer and Alumni Career Networks. Using the career advocate database, Hill identified two Centre alumni in the D.C. area who work in politics: Greg Brooks ’11 and Hunt VanderToll ’16.

She reached out to Brooks soon after to arrange an informational interview and he responded within 30 minutes. Brooks, who serves as director of House Operations for the Speaker of the House, agreed to meet with Miller at the U.S. Capitol on the day he arrived in D.C.

"I'm like, oh my gosh. It all happened so fast," Miller said. “All of these steps happened within an hour after my second meeting with Nate. It was incredible.”

His meeting with Brooks at the Capitol provided practical guidance and established a connection that Miller can now utilize with any questions as he pursues internships on the Hill.

"Being able to meet with him in the House office building and have a 40-minute conversation about Centre, about D.C., about what I should do with the next three years while I'm in college was so valuable," Miller said.

For Miller, that meeting was the result of a system working exactly as it was designed to. Since undergoing significant changes over the last year and a half, CCPD has built an operation where career coaches, peer mentors, an alumni database and employer relations coordinators work in tandem to move fast and make those moments possible for every student.

“One of Centre’s greatest strengths is our alumni network. They don't just respond to our outreach, they actively want to mentor and guide our students," said Jess Metzmeier, Vice President for Engagement and Advancement.

“Our goal is to make sure every student, regardless of their background or connections, can tap into that network and benefit from the guidance our alumni are eager to provide.”

As Miller continues his first year at Centre, he's already looking ahead to the D.C. study away semester program and future internship opportunities.

“CCPD gave me the skills to navigate formal dinners and networking events,” Miller said. “Before this, I had never been to a networking event, but I felt confident because of CCPD’s support. As a first-year, it’s amazing to be able to say that I’m already starting to build my career.”