B-Real Talks are authentic conversations with employers, students, alumni, staff and faculty. We’ll discuss how to navigate various workplace dynamics, and how our guests have overcome challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Get ready to hear genuine career and professional development advice that stems from the real-life experiences of our guests!
In this interview with Brianna (Brisani) Ashley Nuñez, a student and entrepreneur, we explore her experiences in campus organizations and how they have equipped her to obtain an internship with the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Tell me about your experience interning with the United States Postal Service (USPS).
I found out about this internship opportunity through the Spring 2023 Career Fair that was hosted by the Fleishman Center. At first, deciding to take the internship was a difficult choice, because I was offered to work in locations out of state and they were not providing any stipends. However, I was able to win a $5,000 scholarship from Fleishman through their 2023 Career Success Initiative, so it worked out well! I am thankful to have had a mentor during my internship, who I am still in contact with. It was an incredible experience.
How has your experience in campus organizations equipped you for success in your role?
I believe that while in the roles that I held while being a student leader and holding executive board positions, I had to communicate with other student leaders, so this improved my communication professionally, which is unique from just your average communication from peer to peer. It translated very well from the organizational standpoint to the professional world, which I thought was very helpful. In addition, I was the Grammateus (financial bookkeeper) in my chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. In this role, I needed to use Excel spreadsheets, which ended up being the platform I used within my internship.
What advice would you give to yourself as a first-year student?
If I had to go back to my first-year student self, who is a first-generation college student and a Black woman, I would stress to her the importance of self-advocacy and utilizing your resources. Looking back, there were a few resources that I could have used that I simply was not cognizant of. Therefore, I would say to reach out to any organizations that you’re connected to; they probably have people who are older with more experience than you who are aware of resources that I didn’t know about.
To watch our B-Real Talk, check out the video on the Fleishman Center’s Instagram @bingfleishmancareer! Be on the lookout for when it is shared.
