Don Bell, an attorney and UConn CLAS ‘10 and UConn Law ‘13 graduate, currently works as Policy Counsel for the Project on Government Oversight. Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills intern Mya Davis interviewed Don in 2023, at which time he was working at the UConn Law Center for Career Development. Bell entered law school with a desire to work in public service but was unsure what that path would look like, so he embraced a wide range of opportunities, including positions with Senator Murphy and Senator Blumenthal after passing his bar exam. Reflecting on his journey, he notes that a career path is “long and winding” and will naturally evolve over time, and this is completely normal.
Bell’s transition from working on Capitol Hill to an educational setting grew naturally out of his admiration for his time at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. During this time, he managed national policy initiatives related to diversity in government and supported individuals aspiring to work on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. His work included reviewing resumes and cover letters, offering career counseling, and conducting mock interviews to help those who had opportunities arise. Through this experience, Bell found fulfillment in helping people grow professionally and achieve their goals, and when he returned home to Connecticut, he sought to continue his passion. Ultimately, this led him to join the UConn Law Center for Career Development as an Assistant Director.
In his interview with Mya Davis, Don Bell encourages undergraduate and graduate students, as well as future bar exam takers, not to put too much pressure on themselves. He emphasizes that it is important to remind yourself that early-career jobs are rarely permanent, and that flexibility opens doors. He advises stepping outside of one’s comfort zone in both college and law school environments to explore different opportunities, discover personal strengths, and to identify what paths to rule out. Bell notes that pursuing experiences that bring fulfillment and build confidence are extremely valuable, highlighting that many people are rooting for students and graduates because they recognize the value that they can bring to the table.
Don Bell acknowledges that, like most people, he does experience imposter syndrome from time to time. He remarks that in the age of social media, it is quite easy to feel inadequate when constantly exposed to the success of others. Seeing peers working in high-profile government roles sometimes prompts him to question whether he is doing enough, but he reminds himself that he finds daily fulfillment in his work and actively contributes value by continuing to learn and grow. Bell explains that everyone’s path is unique, and focusing on the best version of yourself is key. He also shares that being the only person of color in predominantly white professional spaces caused him to second-guess himself, but he reassures himself remembering that he is present for a reason, and that others invest in him because of his authentic self. Bell says, if you do not believe you belong in the room, you risk losing your place there, and that is why confidence in your worth is vital.
Bell shares that if he could change the current work environment, he would start with the top, meaning he would want to see an increase of diversity at the highest levels of leadership. He recalls how the 2016 killings of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling deeply affected staffers of color, while for many white staffers, it seemed to just be another day for them. Bell believes that having diverse voices in decision making roles, whether that be on Capitol Hill or Fortune 500 companies, shapes the direction of organizations, and ultimately, the country. Due to the circumstances that leadership influences from the top down, increasing representation at those top levels is necessary.
Drawing from his own experiences, Don Bell offers advice and encourages students to be their authentic selves, and to take up space confidently, reminding them that they belong in the rooms they enter. Bell explains that by doing so, students will naturally discover where they belong and will find who their community is, which is something that took him time to understand along his career and professional journey. In terms of the future, Bell advises all students and professionals to remember to seek out relationships and mentors and to stay open to new opportunities. Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is essential for both physical, mental, and professional growth. Above all else, Bell reminds everyone, no matter where they are in life, to believe in themselves.
