Top 5 Tips From Alumni
Maricopa Community Colleges alumni recently shared advice to current students and the community. Here are some of their tips:
- Always stay curious and open to new opportunities.
- William Abbott, Arizona State University graduate and attended Scottsdale Community College
- Take action instead of waiting for the perfect plan.
- Tommie Ho, Estrella Mountain Community College and Grand Canyon University graduate
- Never stop trying, take failure and grow from it.
- Tommie Ho, Estrella Mountain Community College and Grand Canyon University graduate
- Build connections and network early on.
- William Abbott, Arizona State University graduate and attended Scottsdale Community College
- Never stop trying to learn new things.
- Mikaela Romo, Rio Salado Community College,South Mountain Community College, and ASU graduate
Students enrolled in Rio Salado’s Summer Bridge program were introduced to these ideas and others during a recent event held at the college: Boss Moves
Rio Salado’s Summer Bridge program was designed to give high school students the opportunity to take college-level business and technology courses while also introducing them to higher education. This in-turn provided students conversations around professional growth, career readiness, and long-term goals. Boss Moves was also open to the college community at large.
Participants met virtually with three Maricopa Community Colleges alumni, all accomplished in their respective fields, to discuss their educational journeys, career experiences, and offer insight as business professionals. They were Tommie Ho, Mikaela Romo, and William Abbott.
The Wonky Road to Success
Throughout the event, one common theme resurfaced: education isn’t one straight path. All three panelists shared personal stories of changing majors, leaving and returning to school, and failing classes. Ho, a former Estrella Mountain Community College student and Grand Canyon University graduate from 2016, shared how he left community college, then returned while balancing full-time work and school. Although several panelists faced similar challenges along the way, they said those experiences pushed them toward the success they have now.
“Enjoy the journey, enjoy the process, and learn from it,” said Ho.
Ho now works as director of business intelligence at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
Curiosity Creates Opportunities
One of the most important skills agreed upon by all panelists was curiosity. Students were encouraged to explore career possibilities, step out of their comfort zones, and develop interests they may not have considered before. For Abbott, experiencing something and finding out you do not like it is better than never trying it.
“The things that do not work out are just as valuable, if not more valuable, than the things that do work out,” said Abbott. “If one door closes, another one opens.”
Abbott graduated from Arizona State University in 2012 and had previously attended Scottsdale Community College. Abbott now serves as chief development officer at The Priority Center, a non-profit focused on ending the cycle of generational trauma.
Ho emphasized the importance of taking action. Oftentimes, people learn more through their own mistakes than by watching others make them. By taking chances, they discover their capabilities and build skills later used in their careers.
Romo added another perspective by reminding students that learning does not stop after graduation.
“You’re constantly a student until the day you retire.”
Romo, a former student at Rio Salado College and South Mountain Community College, graduated from Arizona State University in 2022 and currently works at A-Rent Test Equipment.
The Everchanging Workforce Thanks to AI
The appearance of AI in the workforce and how it affects the workplace was a topic of interest during the event. As AI becomes more prominent, the panelists agreed human connection remains important in professional settings. They encouraged students to continue building communication, empathy, and teamwork skills. This is especially important in today’s workforce, the panelists said, because academics are no longer the sole hiring factor. Employers look for adaptability, problem solving, relationship building, and collaboration regardless of changing industry technology.
Reflection as a Student
The audience asked the panelists what they would tell their younger selves during their schooling. In Romo’s experience, she would remind herself that it is okay to not have everything figured out. After graduating at the peak of Covid-19, she struggled with deciding her next steps. She later spent time traveling before returning to ASU to earn her MBA with a concentration in international business.
A similar sentiment was shared by Ho and Abbott, who believed setbacks often lead people to try new things and view failure as redirection.
All panelists agreed networking is valuable in career success. Putting yourself out there in the workplace or community can later open opportunities. Abbott shared examples including EXCEL, the Chamber of Commerce, and credit unions.
Stories from the Community
Audience members were given an opportunity to ask questions and share stories from their educational experiences.
One student expressed concern with returning to education at an older age and feeling behind compared to younger peers. The panelists pushed back, saying educational and career growth have no age limits and curiosity matters more than age.
Another student shared her story of trying to find work after moving to the U.S. and the difficulty of rebuilding in a field where she already had experience. The conversation shifted to perseverance and resilience, emphasizing the importance of applying yourself, seeking support, and staying open to opportunities.
Panelists continued to highlight that curiosity, networking, and openness often matter more than credentials. With each story, the common theme remained clear: although career journeys are rarely straight paths, being adaptable, curious, and building connections can make a difference.
Join us for Boss Moves Part II: Leaders on Career, Business & Success
🗓 Tuesday, July 14, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
💻 Virtual Event
🔗 Registration Link: https://maricopa.webex.com/weblink/register/r1770cbc3e33fc3e7a448e55760…
Story by: Allyson Hurtado Fernandez, student intern