Volunteer of the Month: Madison Miranda

As a Business Management major with a minor in Human Resources Management, Madison Miranda '24 had so many opportunities at Bloomsburg, that she always said she would go back "in a heartbeat".

Not long after graduation, she did - not for another degree, but as a volunteer.

Now a Corporate HR Associate for B. Braun Medical, INC, Miranda signed up to be a volunteer at a senior night event just before graduation. She has since volunteered twice as an alumni panelist at the Career Intensive Boot Camp, citing her experience with the ZIPD program as a student and the nerves she experienced as a new grad in her decision.

"I know how scary it is to be on the cusp of graduating and feeling like you have nothing figured out," recalled Miranda. "I was actively applying what I learned at school in my current job, and I knew I could shed some light on students going through the same thing and connect on shared experiences."

During the panel, Miranda had the opportunity to reassure students that it is okay not to know everything and that asking thoughtful questions is a sign of strength rather than a weakness. She also encouraged students to utilize their alumni network not only as a wealth of shared experience, but also as a professional safety net.

"Transitioning to the professional world taught me that growth happens in the moments where you step outside of your comfort zone, which is why I now encourage students to embrace the unknown," explained Miranda. "Understanding that my degree gave me the foundation, but my willingness to keep learning was what made all the difference in my first-year post-grad."

Miranda's favorite part was building connections with students as someone with fresh and relatable experiences that helped them focus less on the scary, and more on the exciting part of graduation. She said the students were engaged, asked questions, and showed appreciation for her time and expertise.

"Sharing my own recent 'success stories' and even my early professional hurdles helped demystify the workforce for them," Miranda explained. "Seeing that 'aha' moment in a student's eyes when they realize they are more prepared than they think is a feeling I won't forget."

At first, Miranda said she felt nervous about being the youngest on the panel, but continued to draw from her own experiences. She is adamant that no matter one's major or class year, fellow Huskies have something to offer current students.

"I know that when I was in their shoes, I would have benefited from someone like me," she said. "My perspective was incredibly valuable because I could speak directly to the current job market and the specific anxieties students are feeling right now."

If you'd like to help, let us know!

Being able to help students and get in a visit to the campus she loves? Miranda is all in.

"Your presence provides a level of clarity and encouragement that students simply cannot get from a textbook. By showing up, you are proving to these students that their goals are attainable. It is a small time commitment that makes a massive, tangible impact on a student's confidence and career trajectory. I love giving back to my university and plan to do so again in the near future."