Student Voices: New graduate offers incoming students a guide to getting involved

By Japleen Kaur

Starting classes at Rutgers Business School filled me with excitement, nervousness, and a feeling of being completely lost. As a first-generation student, I had no idea about the countless opportunities Rutgers had to offer or where to start.

Some good news: you don't need everything figured out on your first day. Opportunities do not come to you because you had this perfect plan. Stay curious, show up, and say yes to whatever comes your way.

Looking back on college, I can see that every experience was built on the one that came before it. Here are some things I learned along the way.

Knowing Where to Start 

In my first year, a common phrase I heard was, "You have so much time." It is okay not to know the career you want to pursue. I remember feeling pressure to know exactly what I wanted to do and sticking to it. Instead of letting this pressure consume you, focus on exploring. I attended numerous club meetings that I found interesting, introduced myself to professors, stayed after lectures to talk with my peers, and met with my advisor whenever I felt unsure about my course schedule or career path. Every conversation I had opened doors that I hadn’t known existed.

One of these opportunities was joining the Rutgers Accounting Society. I started as a general member in my first year, looking to meet like-minded students who were pursuing the same career path. Over time, I was able to network, hold meaningful conversations, and earn a spot on the organization's executive board as the director of fundraising by my sophomore year. Being a leader on a team helps you sharpen your skill set, which reinforces your confidence in taking on other opportunities. Through the accounting society, I was able to form a circle of friends who supported each other through every class and career opportunity.        

Another opportunity I obtained through networking was becoming a teaching assistant with the Accounting Information Systems Department in my sophomore year. Staying back after the lecture, attending office hours, and asking questions helped me learn more about what I am passionate about. The experience of being the intermediary between students and the professor helped me become a better student and strengthened my leadership skills.

Neither of those opportunities happened because I planned them. It happened because of the meaningful conversations I had with my peers and building my core support circle. Getting involved starts with something as simple as showing up and not isolating yourself when you feel lost.

Put Yourself Out There 

An important lesson I learned during college is that confidence comes by putting yourself out there. Feeling nervous or feeling of not belonging in a room, is a hurdle many of us struggle to overcome and it stops us from pursuing new, exciting opportunities. I didn't feel fully qualified when I applied. New experiences pushed me outside my comfort zone.

A quote that has stuck with me is, "Do it scared." I remember feeling the excitement of landing my very first internship, but as the internship approached, I felt anxiety take over the excitement. Don't let that feeling stop you from doing something. After securing my first internship, I was able to land more, including one at the Center for Women in Business in my junior year. I kept applying to new opportunities that excited me because I knew that these four years were my time to explore. It’s important to note that not every application resulted in an offer, but every application and interview made me more prepared for the next one.

Saying Yes to Growth

One thing I never expected was the amount of growth that results from balancing multiple responsibilities. In my senior year, I was taking classes, working on campus in the Student Affairs Business Office, serving as a teaching assistant, and interning at the Center for Women in Business. Some weeks felt overwhelming, but those experiences taught me about time management, adaptability, and how to prioritize.            

A highlight of my journey was my experience in Women BUILD. Through this program, I met many amazing professional women. My three years in the organization culminated in my senior year when I spearheaded a panel discussion as my capstone project for BUILD. During the event, women leaders in accounting discussed pivotal moments in their careers and answered questions from aspiring women accountants in the room. It was truly beautiful to hear how these women professionals flourished and the inspiration the student audience received from them.         

Your Journey is Your Own

If there’s one thing that I can leave you with, I hope it’s this: Your college experience is your own. There is no perfect club to join. There isn’t one internship to land, and there isn’t one path to success. 

Go to that club meeting! Introduce yourself to new people. Say yes to the opportunity you are excited about, and don't let the nerves stop you. Do it scared. Your first step doesn't have to be perfect; it just has to get you started.

Japleen Kaur graduated in the Class of 2026 at Rutgers Business School. She will begin working on the assurance staff at Ernst & Young in September as first year students begin discovering organizations and opportunities at her alma mater.