Mia Smith ’19

Hi there! My name is Mia (she/her) and I’m an Exploratory Career Advisor in Career Exploration.

My experience at Macalester began in 2015, when I was a first-year moving into Turck Hall. As a student, I worked at an urban farming and youth development organization through the Community Engagement Center’s off-campus student employment program. Over the summers, I worked at a summer camp and a restaurant, and interned with various education-related nonprofits. I graduated from Mac in 2019 with majors in Educational Studies and Geography.

After Mac, I started in an Americorps position at College Possible, a nonprofit in Saint Paul where I advised high school students through the college application process. I enjoyed connecting with students and making a stressful process like college applications slightly less scary. Two years later, I wanted to take it a step further. Once students are admitted into institutions of higher learning, what programs and services exist to help support and retain them? That’s how I found my way back to Macalester.

From 2021-2024, I worked in Career Exploration as the Employer Engagement Specialist. In this role, I managed the logistics for the department’s employer engagement events and programming. My experience working with employers helps guide my interactions with students in my current role as an Exploratory Career Advisor. I feel so lucky to work closely with students as they examine their interests, priorities, and long-term goals.

Outside of work, I enjoy walking around my neighborhood, spending time with loved ones, reading by a cozy window, volunteering at my local thrift store, and starting a knitting project that I may or may not ever finish.