October 23, 2025 by

If you’re a high school senior wondering how to jumpstart your career in college, here’s something I wish I had known on day one: networking with professors and mentors can change everything.

Cedarville is all about being bold and taking initiative. As a student in the Robert W. Plaster School of Business, my professors consistently remind us that they are here to help us succeed not only academically, but professionally as well. I witnessed it first hand when connecting with a professor over coffee at Rinnova led to my summer internship. Here is a story of how I landed my position and tips for how you can as well!

 

Enjoying a spontaneous coffee run with my coworkers.

 

Use the Cedarville Network — Your Professors are Here for You

Last October, I found myself scrolling through LinkedIn and noticed the profile for the CEO of The River Radio Ministries, Bill Montgomery.  To my surprise, his profile showed that he was also an adjunct professor at Cedarville University. Wanting to make a wise career move, I followed his account and asked him if he would like to meet over coffee.

Mr. Montgomery’s profile showed up on my recommended list, because we already had mutual connections from Cedarville. I always found it easy to build my connection count, because Cedarville students, alumni, faculty, and staff are always willing to get to know you and help you succeed. We are all a part of the Yellow Jacket family and represent that mentor and mentee relationship even after you walk across the graduation stage. Professor Wingerter encouraged me in my Portfolio 1 course to grow my network by having the boldness to reach out to others. That same boldness is what led me to reach out to Mr. Montgomery. 

If you are looking to grow professionally, be bold and reach out to other members of the Cedarville family. You never know what that connection may lead to. For me, it lead to a coffee conversation and interview with Mr. Montgomery. 

Take Advantage of Cedarville’s Coffee Shop to Connect

Just a few weeks later, Mr. Montgomery agreed to meet at Rinnova — Cedarville’s on-campus coffee shop. Once Mr. Montgomery spotted me, we drank our coffee as he shared the mission of his ministry. He explained to me how they are about making Jesus known and potential ways that I could use my current academic and professional knowledge to best serve his company. Every nerve left me as I comfortably sat in a study chair and sipped an iced vanilla chai tea latte, my favorite drink at Rinnova. 

This was a wonderful opportunity to learn about a ministry, and it isn’t an experience that is unique to me. You will regularly find students talking with mentors and business professionals over coffee as one of Cedarville’s many initiatives to provide us with a space to connect and grow. 

 

Say Yes to New Opportunities, Even if They Challenge You

After my interview, Mr. Montgomery invited me to visit his company over fall break. I knew this was a great opportunity to grow the connection even deeper and better familiarize myself with the company. I had a great time meeting with their employees and witnessing the studio where their mission comes to life.

A few months later, COO Dave Stephens reached out to me and explained that Montgomery had informed him of my meeting and tour. He asked if I’d be interested in designing my own dream internship. We decided to meet at Rinnova.  It was a blessing to interview again in a place where I already felt comfortable meeting and connecting with others. Mr. Stephens is an alumnus of Cedarville and shared with me how he has grown connections on this campus. After an hour of talking, we discussed an internship that allowed me to mix my academic skills with evangelism and connecting with others throughout Columbus. 

College is a prime time to say “yes” to connecting with others, shadowing organizations and professionals, and creating new paths. View your 1,000 Days as a chance to build long lasting and meaningful connections. 

Use Your Cedarville Education in Real World Ministry

Making those connections through LinkedIn and Rinnova led to a summer of spiritual and professional growth. I spent the following summer documenting the core process across the company at large, generating sales leads, designing technical documents, and evangelizing. 

 

I even had the opportunity to work concerts such as Tauren Wells, Josiah Queen, Blessing Offor, Rend Collective, We the Kingdom, and more! I will never forget praying over and speaking with  the artists Bay Turner, Natalie Layne, and Brook Abella before they performed. We all stood in a circle as I led us in prayer and thanked the Lord for the blessing it was to humbly come together and exalt Him.

I utilized everything that my former work experiences and education taught me to serve faithfully in ministry. As you study, remember that everything you learn matters and will practically serve your future organization.

 

Meeting and praying over Christian music artists, Bay Turner and Natalie Layne, before their concert.

Reflect on Your Growth and Mentor Others

Now as a senior, I strive to reflect on everything I learned professionally, spiritually, and academically to invest in the lives of others. The Lord blessed me with great experiences to grow and I want to share the same wisdom and love that He has given me with others.

As you grow as a student, take the time to mentor younger students and share how you have been transformed through your time as a student. Whether you’re just beginning your Cedarville journey or preparing to graduate, don’t underestimate the power of one bold connection. Your next career position might be just one cup of coffee away.

Working on DJ informative sheets at my favorite coffee shop, The Morning Ritual.

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