Graduating Student Employee Recognized for Excellence in Career Readiness
Universitywide
Sarah Ramos, who graduates from the School of Arts and Sciences this weekend with a bachelor of science in computer science, was recently recognized for her exceptional accomplishments as a student employee at Rutgers University Libraries.
Ramos received the Excellence in Career Readiness Award administered by the Rutgers University–New Brunswick Office of Career Exploration and Success. This highly competitive award honors students who exemplify the eight career readiness competencies defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)—in essence, the skills and attributes employers seek in today’s college graduates. These competencies are career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and technology.
Of nearly 100 students nominated by their supervisors, a total of eight students (one in each competency category) were selected for the award. Ramos received the award in the technology category. Her supervisor, Ed Smith, is a computing manager within Rutgers University Libraries’ central Administration and Technology unit.
“The work Sarah has done this year for the Libraries has been remarkable,” Smith said. “From developing automation scripts and training resources to rapidly deploying new devices to end users and improving user experiences, she has demonstrated a level of professionalism, initiative, and technical expertise well beyond her years.”
Following graduation, Ramos plans to pursue a career in software engineering and potentially computer security. She said she will take some time to save up for graduate school, where she aims to pursue a master’s degree in computer science, “hopefully at Rutgers!”
Ramos said that her work at Rutgers University Libraries allowed her to practice her programming capabilities, install laptops, provide information technology support, and produce staff training resources on software and newly implemented technologies. “I’ve been able to practice my interpersonal skills and build relationships with Rutgers University Libraries staff,” she said. “My job has taught me so much about technology and helping others, which are necessary skills for my future career.”
Ramos received the Excellence in Career Readiness Award during a Student Employee Appreciation Luncheon held on April 18 during National Student Employment Week. Highlights from the campus-wide event, which recognized the outstanding contributions of students working in on-campus roles, can be found on the Office of Career Exploration and Success website.