Student Professional Development Center support helps Zillion Moe ’23 find N.C. State position aligned with career goals

The professional journey of Zil Moe ’23 began with a commitment to finding genuine happiness in his career. Transitioning from his focus on engineering to a major in the Love School of Business, he strategically pursued internships and leadership roles to build a well-rounded foundation. His vision extended beyond academic success, aiming to become a significant figure in the business world.

A determined and resilient native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Moe began his journey at Elon in 2019, initially pursuing an engineering degree. Upon discovering that academic success in this field did not directly translate to happiness, Moe decided to major in finance and entrepreneurship. He faced unique challenges as a first-generation student, like commuting to classes early in the morning and late in the evening due to limited resources. Despite these hurdles, he demonstrated a capacity to thrive, significantly contributing to campus life, holding leadership positions, and securing three internships.

Moe actively engaged with Student Professional Development Center advisors Paul Hazdovic, Robin Porter, Mackenzie Hahn, Rene Jackson, Lauren Bosselait, Danielle Golinski and Nancy Carpenter to refine his resume, practice interviews, and receive valuable referrals. Personal connections with staff, including regular catch-up meetings, were crucial in shaping his career trajectory. He emphasized the importance of getting to know the career services staff and acknowledged Brooke Buffington’s unwavering support during challenging times.

Key advisors like Corinne Townley and Cindy Sweeney played essential roles in Moe’s preparation. They instilled him with confidence and helped ensure his resume stood out. The support extended beyond the classroom, including guidance on work-life balance and management challenges. Throughout his journey, he consciously embraced constructive criticism and welcomed feedback from advisers, allowing him to grow professionally and enhance his strengths.

Moe actively participated in job fairs and leveraged these events to assess company cultures and connect with recruiters. His strategic approach to obtaining contact information and following up demonstrated great interest and positioned him as a strong candidate. His achievements included securing a summer internship through Campus Alamance and Milestone Wealth Management. It was a transformative experience that included the publication of an article that captured his high achievements.

Moe’s engagement with career services shaped him into a young professional, emphasizing the importance of insightful questions, key interview strategies, and thoughtful follow-ups in all encounters. His relationship with career services has not only defined his job search but also provided ongoing guidance for future endeavors, including potential pursuits of an MBA.

Guided by wisdom from mentors, Moe encourages others to “bloom where you are planted,” advice given to him by Raghu Tadepalli, the dean of the Love School of Business that emphasizes resilience in pursuing goals. He reflects on the lessons learned from esteemed mentors like Assistant Professor of Finance Thibaut Morillon, urging others to cast away doubts, embrace the potential that employers see in them, and be confident in their character.

In his senior year, Moe utilized the Elon Job Network to find and apply for positions aligning with his career goals. The Elon Job Network provided job opportunities and streamlined the application process. Facing a challenging job market, Moe navigated uncertainties. Despite initial setbacks, his dedication and the support of Assistant Vice President for Student Professional Development Center Brooke Buffington led to a breakthrough interview and the acquisition of a pivotal role at the Center for Geospatial Analytics at N.C. State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Moe was delighted to share the exciting news with Buffington and other advisers and he recalls the added layer of fulfillment that came from making the SPDC staff proud.

His fascination with the company culture deepened through impactful research, contributing directly to groundbreaking work. The commitment to a distinct work environment at the Center for Geospatial Analytics with a focus on achieving important deliverables and maintaining work-life balance has made an impression on Moe.

Moe anticipates his role as a significant milestone, contributing meaningfully and eventually stepping into leadership roles. The experience has sparked considerations about pursuing an MBA and defining his professional legacy.