Meet Olivia Im, a rising sophomore majoring in Great Books and Ideas on the Pre-Law track. Olivia is a highly involved University of Florida student who serves as a Career Ambassador at the Career Connections Center, where she supports student career readiness and professional development. Recently, Olivia submitted several University Recognized Experiences (UREs), allowing her to highlight the valuable experiential learning opportunities she has pursued outside the classroom. These verified experiences not only contribute to her growth as a student beyond academics, but also showcase the skills and competencies she has developed on her Gator Experience Record. Read more in this article to learn about one of Olivia’s impactful experiences.
What University Recognized Experiences have you participated in, and how did you get involved in them?
During my freshman year, I had the privilege of editing for the Florida Pre-Law Review, competing in Florida Undergraduate Moot Court, helping as a teaching assistant for a 65-student undergraduate law course, working in UF’s Career Connections Center, and serving as Director of Professional Development of the Pre-Legal Honor Society. I also got to coach a 57-student high school debate camp, volunteer with elementary schoolers through MentorGNV, and partner with a food bank through UF’s Brown Center for Leadership and Service. At the start of my first year, I attended several organization fairs and stopped to talk with every table that flagged me down in Turlington Plaza. I also learned about many through people I met in class.
What motivated you to self‑report these experiences through the University Recognized Experiences platform?
Hearing about the GER made me very excited, because it’s an amazing opportunity to collect everything in one place. It consolidates it all and displays it as a unified portfolio, making it easier to share with employers. It’s simple, relatively quick, and worthwhile.
How have these experiences supported your academic growth and career readiness development?
These experiences have supported my personal, professional, and academic growth in three notable ways. First, they’ve taught me invaluable skills outside of the classroom. For starters, I’ve refined my professionalism, increased my self-confidence, and significantly improved my time management. They also allowed me to explore fields and roles, giving me a head start on my career journey. Finally, I’ve gotten to meet inspiring peers and mentors. Building a network is not strictly for your vocational progress, but also for your personal development and simple enjoyment.
What are you most proud of when you reflect on your learning and accomplishments through these experiences?
I’m most proud of the tangible personal growth I’ve seen. In such a short time, these experiences have matured me in many aspects. I can see dramatic improvement in my ability to interview, deescalate situations, network, talk comfortably with professionals, and lead with authority. Looking back just one year ago on my poorly formatted resume, ignorance of LinkedIn, and awkwardness approaching professionals, I’m amused – and grateful – at how much my experiences have helped shape me.
What advice would you share with other students who are exploring or hoping to engage in experiential learning opportunities?
Embrace opportunities. As college students, there is no other time in life quite like this. We have an unparalleled chance to meet people, learn anything we want, explore while the stakes are low, and be exceptionally curious. We get the time and resources to do that. At the same time, know when to say no. Protect your time (and sleep), so you can do what’s truly valuable to you. My main takeaway for other students is always do your best – you never know who’s watching and what doors it may open. Your reputation starts now. I was able to have many of the opportunities I’ve had because my dedication was evident beforehand, when I didn’t know it would lead to something else. And purely for the responsibility of your work and even just for yourself, you’ll grow the most if you always put in your 100%.
