H O LY C R O S S C A R E E R D E V E LO P M E N T
Adam DeBeck
Preparing Scholars for the Future by Madelyn McBride, Gateway 7.0
As I walk into Adam DeBeck’s office, I expect the normal interview process – ask the questions, type some answers, and then get writing; however, this time, the process differed. Before I had the chance to begin, DeBeck interjected and asked if we could move to a new location for the interview, away from his desk that was piled high with a looming workload. We took a moment to discuss our favorite places on Holy Cross campus and decided to venture to the second floor Vincent Atrium, one of his peaceful places on campus with 360-degree windows that displayed the falling snow outside. Once we were situated, he naturally started inquiring about myself and my background. Through this, a feeling of comfort and familiarity engulfed our interview. For a moment, I forgot that I was there for a Connections interview; instead, we were just there to talk.
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HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | WINTER 2020
Later in the interview DeBeck mentioned, “I don’t want the Career Center to be transactional; I want it to be conversational.” At that moment, I realized the importance of our initial conversation and the power that Adam DeBeck and the Holy Cross Career Center offers students: personal connections that lead to tailored internship opportunities and careers. DeBeck has always had a gift when it comes to interacting with new people and sharing relatable stories. During his time in college as a firstgeneration student, he studied Human Resources; however, after graduation, he was unsure of the direction that this would take him. Upon graduation, DeBeck had compiled a thorough resume with rich experiences and academics, yet he struggled to grasp the skills that he could offer companies. Taking
time to reflect on his passions during college, he realized how much he enjoyed being a tour guide and ambassador for his own small, private, Catholic college. Translating this passion of sharing stories to his career, DeBeck obtained a job at Holy Cross as an admissions representative for students coming to Holy Cross from across the country; traveling to different schools and events, DeBeck endeavored to attract highperforming students to South Bend. As time continued and his own family grew, DeBeck let go of the constant travel to assume a role in the Office of College Relations that involved communicating with alumni and bringing them back to campus. This opportunity allowed him to start meeting alumni, creating meaningful connections, and learning about the different paths of Holy Cross graduates.
