Samantha Agtarap was a graduate student assistant at the Asian American Cultural Center (AACC) at Rutgers University from 2022 to 2024. During her time there, she developed strong business skills, gained expertise in project management, and served as an advisor for several student organizations. Samantha helped undergraduate students become community leaders by providing guidance and support. She worked tirelessly to remove barriers and resolve conflicts, ensuring that students could thrive and succeed in their academic and personal pursuits. Her experience in student affairs in higher education provided her with a better understanding of what it's like to work for a Big Ten university, and through her efforts, Samantha promoted the institution's core values by fostering a sense of community and supporting student success.
In April 2024, Samantha collaborated with the Administrative Assistant of AACC, Lauren Irshad, and Career Exploration and Success Advisor, Airelle Smith, to organize an event for career readiness among undergraduate students. They brought together all four Cultural Centers with the Office of Career Exploration and Success to create "Adulting 101", a free event featuring HR and employment experts who discussed topics such as offer negotiations, tips on leveraging must-know resources for the best experience possible during the first few months on the job, and strategies for setting oneself up for successful goal-setting and advancement in one's career. The event committee provided students with a program that would help address their transitions into post-grad life and assist in their personal and professional development.
