Kimberly D. Clark from Virginia Tech shares Advisor Advice for Fall 2024.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of my role within the university is working with student organizations as they plan major events. The excitement of helping students plan and make arrangements to secure artists who will make their events memorable is truly rewarding. On the day of the show, seeing the students’ faces light up as they meet some of their favorite artists is priceless. Watching their confidence and leadership skills grow as the campus community looks to them as experts in entertainment is inspiring. It’s a joy to lead in this process and witness their journey in bringing something special to our campus!
What is one event that takes place on your campus that is either really unique or really memorable?
One of the most unique and memorable events on Virginia Tech’s campus is the annual spring concert; it brings in thousands of students in attendance. This special large-scale event brings together out two main programming boards: the Virginia Tech Student Union (VTU) and the Black Student Alliance (BSA). Seeing these groups, with their diverse backgrounds, collaborate throughout the year to plan and organize the concert is truly inspiring. Sharing the logistics and responsibilities of concert planning creates a bonding experience that fosters connections and has established some lifelong friendships. Unity in this way is a beautiful expression of the college experience, making it a highlight of our campus community.
What advice do you have for new advisors and professionals as they step into their busy fall semester?
Plan early, plan often, plan continually–and even with all your planning, be ready and open to pivot with a great attitude and a kind disposition.
What advice do you have for our experienced student leaders that are coming back for the fall in more senior leadership roles and have experience programming events/ leading their peers?
Enjoy the process! You will work hard as student leaders–the details and logistics are extremely important so learn everything you can and do you very best. Also, remember to have fun, especially if it is your senior year, make this experience memorable. You will look back years later and will want to remember how great the event made you feel, and not how much stress you felt.
After months of planning, it’s finally event and show day! What’s your one absolute most important Babco show tip to share with our readers?
Babco is an amazing and awesome organization with experience and integrity, so trust them, and lean on their expertise.