The 2006 Sophomore Spotlight provided sophomores the opportunity to discuss their strengths and learn about internships Wednesday night at the Kelly Alumni Center.”This is the time to start thinking about what kind of internships they want to do and trying to start their career development process,” said Abby Hick, assistant director of marketing and career development.

Rebecca Murray, assistant director of the TCU leadership center, talked to students about their strengths and about StrengthsQuest, a program University Career Services uses to help students find their strengths.

“I want the students to feel empowered, that they are unique and that there is something out there for them,” Murray said. “It is just going to take some time to find it and develop it.”

One of the slides Murray used during her presentation described strength as the ability to have consistent – near perfect – performance in a given activity.

Isaac Gregory, manager for Ameriprise Financial, said people in the business world today “don’t understand what their strengths are, they just go through life and work their job.”

“But if people could understand what their strengths are and apply them I think is really important,” Gregory said.

Along with discussing strengths with students, the event also featured a panel of professionals who talked about internships and how to get them.

Gregory said it is helpful for students to hear the experiences of professionals before entering the work force.

“I think a lot of students are nervous and realize that its not as scary as it may seem,” Gregory said.

Mike Moro, a sophomore chemistry major, thought this event was helpful and educational.

“I learned how to approach getting volunteer opportunities and internships and how to apply my strengths toward those opportunities,” Moro said.

James Holcomb, president of Holcomb & Associates, had a piece of advice for all students.

“Do as many different things that you possibly can, because it will open whole new worlds,” Holcomb said.