What Great Minds Can Do: Kira Williams
Kira Williams credits her time at Seton Hall with putting her on the path to success. Working with the Career Center, she found an internship working two semesters at the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation that led to a full-time job after graduation. "Before my internship at the foundation, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my career. But that experience helped me realize I could combine my interest in accounting and numbers with service and helping others. I'm so excited to be working there after graduation."
Kira completed five internships during her four years as a student. "Seton Hall provides such a high-quality education. I love how it helps us put concepts into practice by giving us real-world experiences." But helping Kira build her resume was just one of the ways Seton Hall helped her find success. She also was paired with four corporate mentors who were great influences. "My first mentor, a senior vice president at Assurance insurance company, helped me get my first internships. But what I learned most from the Stillman School of Business — and from my mentors — was how to network, how to interact with high-level people and how to take advantage of every opportunity. I was inspired to become my best self."
Through Seton Hall, Kira got to explore new places, and she took her first overseas trip during a faculty-led study abroad expedition to Lisbon, Portugal. "It was one of the best, most exciting experiences of my life. Not only did I get to see a new culture, we also visited many companies. I learned about turn-around management and was able to appreciate the differences and similarities in business practices between Portugal and the United States."
Kira found opportunities to give back to the community. She served as an executive board member of the Food Recovery Network, which provides food to people in need. She also joined a service-oriented sorority where she was able to support nonprofits such as the American Heart Association, Relay for Life and Dress for Success through fundraisers and events. "I never thought sorority life was for me. But when I joined Alpha Sigma Tau, I found a sisterhood with students who shared my values and became my best friends."
Kira's success began with a solid support system that she did not take for granted. Through the Freshman Studies Program, Kira found core friendships and a mentor who became her lifeline for educational and career support. "My Freshman Studies mentor gave me so much guidance. I am so grateful she helped me find my way. Even as a senior, I still keep in touch with her and the group I met at Pirate Adventure the summer before coming to Seton Hall. I found a home here and made so many friends. This is a place I was able to grow in and learn to be myself."
Seton Hall Career Highlights
- Five internships
- Study Abroad; Lisbon, Portugal
- Food Recovery Network; Executive Board Member
- Business Leadership Program; Member
- Alpha Sigma Tau; Member