Building a Career Foundation:
AACO Fireside chat with Andy Yu
Overview
On the evening of December 1, 2024, about 50 people, including AACO Youth Chapter members, AACO public service interns, high school students, college students and parents from around Ohio, joined an online career session featuring Andy Yu, founding president of the Columbus Youth Chapter. The fireside chat, which focused on offering career guidance to high school and college students, was insightful and engaging. Andy shared his experiences and strategies for building a strong foundation for one's career, offering valuable advice on career paths, internships, and strategies for excelling in the job market. The session also served as a platform for the AACO team to discuss upcoming events, and it concluded with a call to action for attendees to stay connected with the organization.
Questions
During the session, attendees asked Andy Yu about his career journey and personal experiences. Questions mostly focused on the transition between education and the workforce, the most important lessons learned during high school, and advice for high schoolers uncertain about their career paths. Attendees also inquired about the extracurricular activities that benefited him the most in high school and college, how he manages his time as a college student, strategies to stand out in the job market, and his approach to motivation both for himself and his team.
Guidance for Young Professionals
Andy’s advice focused on several key themes that are crucial for young professionals just starting out in their careers. Drawing from his high school, college, and professional experiences, Andy emphasized the importance of building good habits early on. He encouraged high school students not to worry too much about career paths but instead to focus on cultivating discipline, time management, and a strong academic foundation. He advised against overloading oneself with extracurricular activities, suggesting that involvement in one significant activity is often more impactful than spreading oneself too thin. Andy conveyed his gratitude to AACO for its profound, positive, unique experiences, and lasting impact on his growth and development.
When discussing his college experience, Andy highlighted his involvement in civic engagement experience through AACO, debate, and hackathons as key factors in securing a merit-based scholarship at Ohio State University. He stressed that finding a balance between academics and extracurriculars is essential, especially as students prepare for the next stage in their education.
Navigating the Job Market
As a professional in the competitive field of computer science, Andy provided practical advice on navigating the job market. He emphasized the importance of networking and securing referrals, noting that these can often make the difference in landing an internship or job. Andy also shared his personal experiences with internships at the Ohio State House of Representatives and JPMorgan Chase, as well as his current role managing a development team.
For students looking to stand out in the tech industry, Andy encouraged them to focus on building projects that showcase their skills, particularly in emerging fields like generative AI. He reassured the group that while the job market may seem challenging, there are still ample opportunities for those with the right skills and experience.
Motivating Yourself and Your Team
In addition to career advice, Andy shared strategies for both personal and team motivation. He recommended breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks and celebrating each step along the way. He also stressed the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between work and personal life, a piece of advice he shared from his own experience of balancing a rigorous career with personal well-being. For students about to enter college, Andy emphasized the importance of creating a structured schedule that includes time for both academic pursuits and personal growth.
Career Aspirations and Conflict Resolution
As the session progressed, Andy discussed his long-term career goals, which include moving into an executive-level position. He shared his strategies for building relationships with colleagues, managing workplace tensions, and staying current with industry trends. Andy also shared his approach to conflict resolution, which centers on understanding the perspectives of all parties involved and setting clear boundaries when necessary. His insights into mediating workplace conflicts, particularly when dealing with difficult personalities, provided attendees with practical skills they can apply in their future careers.
Insights on Ohio State and Tech Careers
One of the highlights of the session was Andy’s discussion on choosing Ohio State University over other institutions, despite having the opportunity to attend different schools. He explained that the merit-based scholarship allowed him to manage his finances while still gaining a world-class education. Andy advised students that the name of the university they attend matters less than the connections they make and the experiences they gain through internships and networking. Andy also shared his insights into the difference between software engineering roles in large tech companies and the consulting field. He emphasized that relationship management plays a significant role in consulting, while technical expertise is often the primary focus in large tech companies.
The Importance of Networking and Mentorship
Throughout the session, Andy highlighted the importance of networking and mentorship in building a successful career. He explained that career fairs, personal connections, and internships are invaluable tools for securing job opportunities. He also emphasized the significance of finding a mentor—someone who can provide guidance, advice, and career insights as students navigate the early stages of their professional journey.
Conclusion & Next Steps
As the session came to a close, the organizers encouraged attendees to sign up for the AACO Youth Chapter and stay connected through the AACO newsletter and Facebook page @aacoalitionohio.
The AACO team plans to host similar events in the future, potentially featuring other past interns and professionals, to provide students and professionals with ongoing opportunities to learn from experienced mentors and uplift the community.
The event was a resounding success, with attendees gaining practical insights into building a strong career foundation. Attendees left the session feeling inspired and better equipped to embark on their own career paths.