Adam Hakes didn't come to the University of South Carolina expecting to earn two interdisciplinary certificates. 

After transferring to USC from his hometown of Jamestown, New York, the Army veteran and first-generation college student earned a  Bachelor of Science in Information Science  through USC's College of Information and Communications. Determined to make the most of his education, Hakes embraced opportunities to learn, grow and get involved whenever he found them. 

He left with far more than a degree. 

"I have always had a burning desire to push my potential as far as I can," Hakes says. "When I become aware of something that I am not capitalizing on, it becomes a goal." 

That mindset quickly extended beyond academics. 

Looking beyond the classroom

Hakes became a Carolina Experience Peer Leader, helping fellow students navigate campus resources while developing his own leadership skills. He also served as vice president of Tau Sigma Honor Society and stayed active in the USC Barbell Club, finding community while challenging himself both inside and outside the classroom. 

While looking for ways to strengthen his academic experience, Hakes also paid attention to opportunities connected to his coursework. 

An email from the Graduation and Retention Network (GARNET) introduced Hakes to USC’s interdisciplinary certificates. After reviewing the requirements, he realized he had already completed the coursework for the Digital Studies Certificate and was only a few classes away from earning the Data Analytics and Visualization Certificate. 

"Going the extra mile is what it's all about," Hakes says. "I wanted to stand out in the job search. Certifications help show employers you've specialized in a field and done more than the bare minimum." 

Kimberly Dressler, assistant director of the Carolina Experience, which supports transfer students and students throughout their undergraduate journey, says Hakes left a lasting impression on the team. 

"Adam really made an impact on our team," Dressler says. "As a transfer student and veteran, he brought a unique perspective that challenged us to think about how we support students from all backgrounds." 

Whether organizing events, meeting with students or analyzing assessment data, Hakes approached every opportunity with the same curiosity and willingness to contribute. 

Discovering a career path 

While completing the  Data Analytics & Visualization Certificate, Hakes learned to analyze data, build visualizations using Tableau and communicate insights through presentations that mirrored the day-to-day work of data analysts. 

"My Data Visualization course gave me a great snapshot of what a professional might do during their days," Hakes says. "Now, when someone asks about my Data Analytics & Visualization Certificate, I can talk about how I learned to tell stories with data using Tableau and had practice presenting them myself. It was very close to the actual expectations of the field — more than the general concepts and theory you get from traditional major paths." 

The experience strengthened Hakes' confidence as he prepared to pursue a career in data analytics. 

Making the most of every opportunity

Looking back, Hakes believes one of the biggest lessons he learned at USC had little to do with checking boxes on a degree plan. 

"It is so tempting to take the easy road — to focus on the college life fun, the friends and just working to survive college," he says. "Instead, learn what courses you can take that satisfy additional requirements at the same time as your typical requirements. Use your time efficiently. Get the most out of your time while in college. There are ways to do so without investing any extra time at all." 

He encourages students to ask questions, look beyond the minimum requirements, and take advantage of the opportunities available to them. 

"You have amazing support channels at the university ready to assist you," Hakes says. "Save socializing for clubs and organizations. When it comes to your courses, it's time to get to work." 

Students interested in learning how an interdisciplinary certificate could complement their course of study can explore USC's interdisciplinary certificate options or contact the Graduation and Retention Network (GARNET) for more information.