(Photo courtesy of Ryan Kahn)
While we’re still in the midst of balmy temperatures, and even snow, Ryan Kahn said it’s not too early to start planning for the summer.
The expert career counselor and star of MTV’s hit show “Hired!,” came to campus Wednesday to talk to students about how to land the perfect summer internship.
“What we want to do is help students plan ahead because when it comes to internships, the early bird catches the good internship,” Kahn said.
Kahn has garnered acclamation and fame as one of the nation’s recognized career coaches.
Kahn is not only the star of an MTV show, but also the author of “Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad,” a national speaker and as a career coach for Dream Careers, Inc.
Students like Samantha Liles are excited to have the career coach and television personality come to campus.
“It’s great to see MTV hosting a show about jobs and career development, and it’s even greater to see Ryan Kahn coming to campus to share advice with students,” Liles said.
“I think the show fits great with SMU’s personality — fun and laid-back, but still very future and career oriented,” Liles said. “It should be great!”
Among the lessons Kahn plans to share with students is the importance of networking and taking chances.
“I have this saying that network is net worth,” he said. “The more people you can be in touch with, the more relationships that you can build now, the better off you will be as far as landing a job when you graduate.”
But Kahn also sees students make mistakes in trying to break into their dream careers.
The biggest error is choosing what is easy over what may be difficult to accomplish.
“I really admire those who are willing to take that type of risk and just go for it,” Kahn said. “A lot of times there will be challenges and a lot of stumbling blocks, but there will also be a great reward.”
Kahn decided to be a career coach after he landed his dream job fresh out of UCLA at top record label Warner Music Group.
At UCLA, Kahn had American Idol judge Randy Jackson as a teacher.
Jackson quickly became a mentor.
“[Jackson] wanted to give back and help people learn,” Kahn said.
Kahn wanted to do the same, so he started speaking at UCL
A on how to break into dream careers.
“I’ve really found a passion for it, and I’ve worked with thousands of students and placed them into some really incredible jobs over the years,” Kahn said.
First-year Liz Dubret is glad SMU students are the next recipients of Kahn’s advice.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to get connected, network, and learn about other job opportunities and internships that we would not have been informed of otherwise,” she said.
Anyone interested in speaking with Kahn for career advice can submit their contact information at the Dream Career website, www.SummerInternships.com/tours.
