Sage Advice
Image Above, from left to right: Mike Shaheen ’17, Caitlin Marksteiner ’17, Sara Hickey ’17, Bob Ambrose ’17
Mike Shaheen ’17, member of the UMAAA Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Council, offers some guidance for newly minted grads.
At UMass Amherst, Mike Shaheen ’17 majored in communications disorders in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. Today, he works as a program specialist at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in Washington, D.C. In honor of Commencement 2024, we asked him to give his best advice to UMass Amherst’s newest grads.
What do you remember most about your own graduation?
Mike: What I remember most about my graduation is how bittersweet the whole last week leading up to it was. Hanging out with friends who I grew close to over the last four years; we were all so proud of each other. The day of graduation was beautiful and sunny. The best part was the pre-graduation breakfast/brunch we had with our families.
What do you know now, professionally, that you wished you knew when you graduated?
Mike: I wish I’d known how important patience is and how helpful it is to reach out to people that you know. Not everything goes smoothly once you graduate, and it takes time to find what best fits you. I took a few months off from school and applied to several internships post-grad before I found a fit for me.
What is the biggest skill that you think new grads should possess when they enter the workforce?
Mike: I think new grads are positioned well to enter the workforce with the skills they’ve learned at UMass Amherst. In my career, I find that writing, technological savviness, positivity, and the willingness to step in and work hard go a long way.
What resources do you recommend taking advantage of when relocating to a new area?
Mike: When I moved to Washington, D.C., I reached out to all the UMass connections I had in the area. On my first night in D.C., I went out to dinner with them, and it felt like we were back at UMass Amherst. Through those connections, I was able to develop a great network of friends and step outside my comfort zone.
How have you benefited from UMass connections specifically in your career?
Mike: Nothing is better than meeting individuals at work who either went to UMass or have their own kids there. It allows for an instant connection and gives you plenty to talk about.
What UMass Amherst alumni activities are you involved in, and what inspired you to stay connected as an alumnus?
Mike: I am a member of the UMass Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Council as a representative from Washington, D.C. I attend as many UMass events as I can here in D.C. Additionally, I love going back to campus for Homecoming Weekend.
Stay involved with university post-graduation through volunteer and networking opportunities sponsored by the UMass Amherst Alumni Association.
