The MSU RCPD recently welcomed Tanya Adams to the MSU/MRS Careers Collaborative! Tanya will be filling the position of Michigan Rehabilitative Services (MRS) counselor on the MSU campus. Before entering this position, Tanya worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional for 4 years at Grand Rapids Christian Schools. In 2018, she obtained her master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from MSU and started her professional journey with MRS. In her introduction email, Tanya detailed more about herself, saying “when I’m not chasing down paperwork or enjoying conversations with colleagues and students, I’m most likely cuddling my cat, Sprinkles, taking in different nature settings, or scrolling my phone for adventures. My definition of adventure ranges from purchasing new school supplies, to trying a new kind of art workshop or even leaving the house for a new place to check out. I can’t wait to get to know everyone!”
The Careers Collaborative was launched in 2014 through a generous donation from Michael and Kathy Bosco. Their gift, combined with funding received by Michigan Rehabilitation Services, allowed the hire of a full-time employee who could help make the Bosco Family’s vision of improved accessibility come to life. Their program assists students with disabilities who seek to develop leadership skills as well as effectively prepare for career transitions. With the help of Tanya as an on-campus vocational rehabilitation counselor, MSU students can enhance their career readiness by combining practical experience with academics. The vision of Careers Collaborative is that “students gain valuable experiences and knowledge empowering them to take control of their careers and successfully compete for and secure high-quality employment.”
The Careers Collaborative program also extends into benefitting the employer, as “employers gain confidence in workforce diversity knowing that a collaborate network is ready with consultation and effective strategies.” The Careers Collaborative ensures that students secure high-quality employment, explore potential careers in depth, refine their professional work etiquette, maximize the use of technology for independence, facilitate the transition from academic life to work life, and much more. Through connecting students with potential employers, the Careers Collaborative contributes to developing successful careers for students with disabilities.
One student that the Careers Collaborative program assisted was Dane. Dane felt like he needed support with networking as he neared graduation. Through this program, Dane improved crucial employment skills, such as public speaking, networking, and addressing interview questions. At a Careers Collaborative event, Dane was made aware of a job with the Federal Government and secured a position working full-time with the U.S. Army. Looking back, Dane states, “It was because of this impact [from the Careers Collaborative program] that I continued forward in my networking and worked on my ability to answer confidently during interviews.”