Career & Professional Development Center

By Anna Renzetti, CPDC Assistant Director of Marketing

This year the Career & Professional Development Center (CPDC) has dedicated its annual Career Impact Awards to the faculty, staff, alumni and employers who lifted students up during the past year. These professionals ensured U students could still persist into meaningful professional opportunities. Even during a pandemic.

“The tremendous encouragement and support by the collective campus has allowed our students to persevere in moving forward toward their career and academic aspirations,” said Stan Inman, Director of the CPDC. “On behalf of myself and my team, we acknowledge and sincerely thank you for the efforts and commitment to the campus and our students. You have all pivoted to support students in new ways, using new and unfamiliar approaches and continue to be there for students in challenging times. Thank you.”

The CPDC is excited to announce the 2020 Career Impact Award Winners! We honor these individuals as members of our campus community who have committed themselves to prioritizing career and internship success for all students.

CAREER CHAMPIONS OF THE YEAR

In addition to stand-out employers, 7 faculty/advisors have been named for going above and beyond to support U students through the challenges of the pandemic. These individuals ensured that students could still learn effectively, even when they themselves were taking on new challenges of teaching and advising virtually. View all 12 Career Champions here.

ALUMNI CAREER MENTOR OF THE YEAR

Alumni like Ethan Ray (Urban Ecology, ’16), also played an important part in supporting students through 2020 and was praised by his intern. “Ethan helped me learn and understand more about transit planning through the projects we collaborated on. I also learned about professionalism through his example of good time management, organization and clear communication,” said Erik Fronberg, master’s student, College of Architecture & Planning.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

In the College of Education (COE), students concerned with their ability to safely pursue teaching opportunities were met with encouragement and support from Ms. Donnette Mcneill-Waters and the Human Resources Team for Granite School District.

“Granite School District’s support during the pandemic highlighted a commitment to ensure our students were safe, provided with alternative options for classrooms visits and guaranteed learning opportunities in response to students’ individual needs,” said Faculty member and nominator Mary Burbank of the Urban Institute for Teacher Education (UITE).

INTERNSHIPS OF THE YEAR

For many students an internship is a steppingstone to full-time employment opportunities with their dream companies, important sources of income while in school and even a requirement to graduate. This year several U students adapted to a virtual world and used their skills in new ways to make an impact on various industries.

“I was fortunate enough to find an internship where I could safely work from home. This experience has been exceptionally helpful to me in learning how to effectively communicate and adapt to different environments, as well as navigate new software and data on my own,” said Cassie White, bachelor’s student, Communication.

To view a full list of the Career Impact Award winners, click here.

Kody Powell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering, is a winner of multiple Career Champions of the Year Awards. Dr. Powell is sharing his journey to becoming a Career Champion and promoting student career development in a classroom.  

When I started teaching my first class, I was nervous and sometimes (gulp) under-prepared. I had never taught a course before, and it took me some time to get comfortable as I iterated on my pedagogical style. I worked hard my first semester, but I’ll admit that I was flying by the seat of my pants at times, sometimes even scrambling to finish off my lecture preparation just minutes before class started.

That first semester I was fortunate enough to have had a cast of characters in the class that weren’t afraid to speak up, ask questions, tell me when I hadn’t explained something well, and sometimes joke around with me. I was so grateful for their patience as well as their feedback as I learned how to be a good teacher. I was grateful for their tough love.

I had just come from an industry job, so I occasionally filled class time with discussion of my experiences, coupled with advice to students on how to prepare for the real world. I didn’t think much of this until, a couple of months after class ended, I was nominated for a Career Champion Award by a student in my class. This student mentioned that these casual discussions had a big impact on her as she not only sought a degree, but also a meaningful job afterwards.

Noting the impact that this had on one of my students, I have since taken it upon myself to pay extra attention to all my students and their general career preparedness. I love my students, but I often find that they may be under-prepared for the real world in ways that we don’t formally teach about in class. Their resumes may be rough. They may have little idea how to go about searching for jobs or how to network. They may not have polished their interviewing skills.

As a professor, I have found myself to be in a position of influence and often with a captive audience who may need help and not even know it. It is highly motivating for me to be able to make an impact on someone else’s life, and I have found ways to try to help these students. These include:

• Offering to review students’ resumes for them, usually via coordinated resume workshops
• Organizing career-related events on topics like networking, interviewing, LinkedIn, etc.
• Having career conversations with students including advising them on where to apply, what factors to consider, and how to talk to employers
• Regularly announcing job opportunities that I hear about from employers
• Getting to know the folks at the Career Center and regularly coordinating with them

No, none of these things are in my formal job description. I don’t get compensated for doing them. However, it is always immensely rewarding to hear back from former students about how fifteen minutes spent with them changed their career paths and, ultimately, their lives.

Like me during my first teaching experience, students may not know exactly what to do. But, with a little bit of caring, patience, and apt feedback, faculty can change the lives of their students. It may just take some tough love.

By Dani Baum, Recruitment Manager, University of Utah 

Congratulations! After working hard updating Resumes, agonizing over Cover Letters and applying for multiple positions, you have finally been invited to interview for a job! Whether it is your first big interview or you have done this a hundred times before, an interview may seem like a minefield where you can easily make mistakes.

These are 3 most common interview mistakes I have seen in my 10+ years as a recruiter and some strategies for avoiding them.

Not doing your homework

You may have applied to a quite a few jobs in your job search, maybe even multiple jobs at the same organization. Your goal may be to find any job, but when it comes to an interview, you need to be able to articulate why you want THAT job. You will be expected to be familiar with the job duties and the basics of the organization you are interviewing with.

How to avoid this: As you apply for positions, save PDF’s of every job you have applied for so you can reference the job posting. Have it in front of you during the interview so you can be familiar with what they are looking for.

Google the organization you are interviewing with and pay particular attention to the organization mission or vision statement and their values which are often listed online.

“Blanking” during the interview

It is easy to get nervous or lose your train of thought when answering interview questions. Often, we only come up with the perfect answer AFTER the interview is over and regret not thinking of that response in the moment.

How to avoid this: Have your resume in front of you during the interview, compare it to the job description you’ve saved and make notes of where your experience lines up with what the organization is looking for.

Whenever possible, answer every question by telling a story using the situation/action/resolution model. For example, rather than saying “I have good customer service skills” you should share a story about a real situation that you have encountered.

Not asking questions during the process

This can be interpreted as not having interest in the position.

How to avoid this: Take notes as you go! It is fine to have silence in the interview to pause and reflect on a question or take notes. Notate any areas you want to ask about. Prepare 3 questions beforehand. A couple of my favorites to have on deck are: “What questions/concerns do you have lingering about my experience that I can speak to now?” and “What do you like about working here and what do you find challenging about working here?”

Preparing for a job interview is a lot of work. By investing some time into organizing your thoughts BEFORE the meeting, you can feel more confident that the best version of yourself will show through to the hiring manager.

We often think of interviews as an opportunity to prove we can be what the organization needs. But you have to remember: you are also interviewing them as a prospective employer. If you get this job, you will be spending a lot of time with this group of people. It is important to find a place where YOU want to be.

To prepare for an upcoming internship or a job interview, schedule an appointment with a Career Coach here.

Daniel Moseson from the Career & Professional Development Center had a conversation about salary negotiations with Ella Butler, Director of Career Services at Salt Lake Community College.  

Daniel: Why is negotiation important? 

Ella: It’s important to negotiate because small pay differences add up over the course of a career. A 1-time salary increase of $5000, invested and compounded over 40 years, equals to over a million dollars. Not negotiating means leaving money on the table.  

Daniel: What is negotiable? 

Ella: A typical compensation package for full-time positions includes a salary and other benefits and perks. The salary for one job might look lower in comparison with another, but there are other important factors that need to be evaluated and, potentially, negotiated.  

Does the employer provide medical, dental, vision or life insurance? Does the company offer a tuition reimbursement program or equity? You will often get the best picture once an offer is made, but it is a good idea to come to negotiations prepared by reviewing the organization Human Resources page.  

Aside from benefits, think through what is important to you. You might negotiate for parking passes, office equipment, gym membership, daycare, working from home, flexible schedules, education, and professional development.    

Daniel: How can students and professionals prepare for negotiations?    

Ella:There are five steps students and professionals can take to prepare for the upcoming negotiations.  

1. Do your research 

You can evaluate whether you received a fair offer by doing research online. If the position does not have a salary range or a public salary, research similar positions on sites such as Glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary.com . Also, check out NerdWallet’s Cost-of-Living Calculator to compare the cost of living in different areas.  Show the employer that you’ve done your research and ground your ask in the average salary range for the role and your qualifications.  

2. Know your worth  

It is important to come to negotiations knowing what you offer – education, experience, hard and soft skills. Ask yourself “What makes me a strong candidate for this role?” and note these points down providing detailed evidence for each of your strengths.  

3. Practice, practice, practice  

Negotiating may be very anxiety producing. If you don’t feel comfortable asking for more, you can prepare for the upcoming conversation by:  

• Practicing in front of a mirror 
• Practicing with a friend, family member, or career coach 

• Writing out a script and having someone look it over beforehand 

4. Do not say yes immediately 

Now that you have thought about how to align your needs with the company’s, you will start the negotiation once you have an offer.  When an offer is made, open the conversation by thanking the employer for their offer. Don’t say yes immediately. Ask for time to reflect on their proposal.   

5. Be prepared for the logistics  

Depending on the organization size, you can expect to speak to several people.  You can count on your prospective supervisor being involved and, possibly, an HR representative. You will likely negotiate over the phone, but you should receive your final offer in writing. Remember to have your list of what you want to negotiate for handy.   

Daniel: What are some ways identities come into play in salary negotiations?  

Ella: Women-identified job seekers negotiate less often than those who identify as men, and this may contribute to the gender pay gap.  We also know that women of color are paid less than white women.   

Daniel: How can we overcome this?  

Ella:  Speaking with someone who shares your identity and who negotiated before can be helpful. You can also meet with a Career Coach who is ready to help you develop and practice negotiation skills. Your Career Coach can read HR policies with you, help you evaluate offers, think through what to negotiate, and how to articulate your unique strengths to the employer.  

To prepare for salary negotiations, schedule an appointment with a Career Coach (Undergraduate or Graduate). We are all invested in your success and are here to listen, learn, coach, and empower you to help you move forward in your career journey. 

By Amanda Beardall, CPDC Undergraduate Career Coach

University of Utah Pride Week

From March 29th to April 2nd, the University of Utah will be hosting Pride Week, a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic, and more) community. The theme of Pride Week this year is “Queer at the Intersections”, so each event will explore how our identities and experiences impact how we navigate the world.

What is Out at Work?

Out at Work is an upcoming event that focuses on the experiences of being LGBTQIA+ in the workplace. The event will be held on Tuesday, March 30th from 12:00 – 2:00 PM over Zoom. The first hour will consist of a panel of LGBTQIA+ professionals who will share their experiences and answer questions. The second hour will allow you to choose a breakout session where you can discuss one of the following topics:

• Understanding Benefits in the Workplace
• Healing from Workplace Trauma
• Preparing for Success After Graduation
• Building an Inclusive Work Environment

Why Does it Matter?

While more legislation is being passed protecting LGBTQIA+ rights in the workplace, many LGBTQIA+ employees still do not feel comfortable being their authentic selves at work due to hostile work environments. All of the following statistics come from the Human Rights Campaign’s “A Workplace Divided: Understanding the Climate for LGBTQ Workers Nationwide”:

• Only 46% of LGBTQIA+ employees are out at their workplaces
  • 38% of those who were closeted reported that they have not come out due to a fear of being stereotyped
• 1 in 5 LGBTQIA+ employees were told to dress more masculine or feminine compared to 1 in 24 for non-LGBTQIA+ employees
• Nearly 1/3 of all LGBTQIA+ employees feel depressed or unhappy at work
• Over half of all LGBTQIA+ employees have reported hearing homophobic jokes in the workplace

Events like Out at Work help bring these issues to light, while creating space to brainstorm action steps to move forward in creating more inclusive environments.

Benefits of Attending If You’re Part of the LGBTQIA+ Community

Being LGBTQIA+ is often an invisible identity, which makes it more challenging to find community and mentors who share your identities. Events like Out at Work give you the opportunity to network with those with similar experiences.

Benefits of Attending if You’re an Ally

You’ll gain a better understanding of the challenges and barriers that your LGBTQIA+ colleagues and peers face with regards to employment, as well as how to better support and advocate for them.

By Kayla Turbyfill, CPDC Career Ambassador  

As we approach the anniversary of a year-long pandemic, I’ve been reflecting on what lessons I learned during this ever-challenging year. It felt like every week came with a new batch of trials, change, and forced adaptation in a world of COVID.

I, for one, grew in ways I never imagined I could. I came to understand myself, my career journey, and the young professional inside me on a whole new level.

These are 5 lessons I learned this year:

1- Boundaries are key

I learned setting healthy boundaries is a crucial form of self-care that is not always easy. I still have to work at it, but now I am trying to set boundaries about how I spend my time and what commitments are achievable for me. I prioritize people and activities that fill my cup.

2- It’s okay to take a step (or four) back

The stress of the pandemic took a toll on our mental health and ability to accomplish our goals. Taking a beat and some distance to evaluate what I can and cannot handle is a big part of finding balance in school, in work, and in my personal life.

3- Asking for support is a strength

I had to learn it was okay to ask for support when I needed it, and I learned how to ask for it. You can get support from your family, friends, coworkers, supervisor, faculty, advisors, and career coaches. They are your support system in times of crisis.

4- Celebrate the little things

Day to day, everything seemed the same for me during this pandemic, so I learned to celebrate the little victories I rarely enjoyed before. Sending an email, letting someone know where I was (emotionally or otherwise), reaching out to a friend, making coffee – all became celebratory moments for me.

5- We are always learning new skills

The pandemic put me in positions where I had to develop skills I rarely used before, such as adaptability. I learned to make the best of the challenges presented and found new ways to connect and collaborate with people.

People say hindsight is in 20/20 vision (pun-intended), and that is true of the last year. It gave me greater perspective on my career path as I evaluated my coping strategies and worked through what was and wasn’t working for me. It gave me a new trajectory, kickstarting Turby Talks and teaching me how to share my voice.

Through it all, I learned more about myself getting closer to the person I want to be. I learned to be a friend, a professional, a student amidst so many new trials, and I believe I am better for it.

What did you learn this year?

By Vlada Yaremenko, Business Development Analyst, Economic Development Corporation of Utah /UofU Alumna’19 International/Global Studies  

Vlada is answering 3 questions from CPDC about her college experiences 

Q: What college experiences led you to your current career? 

A: It was a combination of experiences that led me to where I am today. I was fortunate to participate in three Hinckley Internships, a study abroad, a Career Trek, and a Capitol Encounter class during college. I also worked as a career ambassador at the Career and Professional Development Center which gave me a meaningful work experience during college. Like a snowball, all of these experiences have helped me develop important skills leading to the next opportunity and, finally, to my career. 

My first two internships were with non-profits: with the United States National Committee for UN Women Utah Chapter in Salt Lake City; and Maitri India, in New Delhi, India. Both of these internships focused on women’s issues. My third internship was with Young Professional in Foreign Policy in Washington, DC and focused on foreign relations. The Career Trek exposed me to the business world, and Capitol Encounter class taught me how to write a policy and present it on the Hill in DC. 

Following these experiences, I got involved with the planning of the 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference. There I met people from all over the world and from different backgrounds and industries. This is where I found out about the opportunity at the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) – I was sitting next to EDCUtah’s president and CEO Theresa A. Foxley at an event dinner. It’s true that any conversation might be a job interview whether you know it or not. Now at EDCUtah I get to work with different businesses helping them expand or make Utah their new home. 

Q: How did you find opportunities on and off-campus? 

A: The key to finding opportunities is being resourceful. When I first started college, I was not aware of the opportunities that were available to students. Nevertheless, with the help of advisors and mentors, I discovered the Hinckley Institute, Office for Learning Abroad, and the Career and Professional Development Center.  

From talking to different coordinators at each office, I was able to learn about what opportunities were available and how to apply for them. It took some patience with preparing applications and writing cover letters. In the end, every bit of it was worth it! Lastly, by participating in a local internship with UN Women Utah, I was able to get to know the community better, and understand what other organizations are in the area. This helped me get involved with other organizations and activities off-campus. 

Q: If you could go back, what would you do differently as a college student? 

A: I am satisfied with the way my college experience turned out. Nevertheless, one thing that I wish I did is take more business classes and other skill-based courses such as conflict resolution, negotiation, etc. Business classes would be useful for students in any major as they can provide a better understanding of the world we live in. I interact with businesses on a daily basis. It is valuable to know how this part of the world operates and how we fit into it.  Additionally, other classes such as personal finance or conflict resolution can help manage your own life and wellbeing. It is great to learn more about stocks and investing as well as how to resolve conflicts in a productive manner. 

To discuss available career opportunities, schedule an appointment with a Career Coach (Undergraduate or Graduate) or use our Virtual Career Studio’s live chat to speak with a Career Ambassador, no appointment needed.  

We are all invested in your success and are here to listen, learn, coach, and empower you to help you move forward in your career journey.   

By Francine Mahak, Ph.D., CPDC Graduate Career Coach

So, you’re thinking about graduate school: advanced degree, higher salary, more skills and knowledge in a field you love. A graduate program is an intensive academic and interpersonal experience: it pays to do your research, so the one you choose is a fulfilling and successful fit.

5 ways to evaluate each graduate program you’re considering:

1- Look up syllabi and publications by their faculty to determine if their interests align with yours, so they can guide your research. For example, if you want to study “ball lightning” (physics), and your favorite school doesn’t have faculty in that specialized area, they cannot support you (and will wonder why you applied.)

2- Assess the fit with your values and learning style: go beyond the website and talk to people! Ask the grad program advisor to connect you with alumni, so you can hear how they assess the program and the value of the degree. Request to talk to several of the graduate students, and ask candid questions about the mentoring and the learning atmosphere. One program that marketed cooperative teamwork, for example, turned out in reality to have a culture of unwholesome competitiveness. (You may enjoy competition, but probing can clarify if it is healthy or toxic.) See if you can join a class or two to get a feel for the interaction.

3- Determine whether the grad program aligns with your prospective career goals: Research careers that flow from this degree, through LinkedIn alumni, Onet Online, Occupational Outlook Handbook, and your Undergraduate Career Coach. Look at the career paths of professionals with this degree, and seek conversations with them. Also, some programs are more theory and thesis oriented, while others focus on practical applications and internships. Which approach suits you best? While many good career outcomes aren’t tied to particular degrees, the more informed you are and the broader your network, the better your choice of graduate program will be, and the more options you will have afterwards.

4- Check which programs have Graduate Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships, or Research Assistantships to help finance your studies: These opportunities can make a big difference vs. work/study options or self-financing, and they also build valuable career skills and experience. Research scholarship opportunities as well.

5- If you can, visit each campus to gain a sense of the program environment: For one applicant, that was decisive: at the first school, program representatives welcomed her and helped her gain an experiential feel for the program, while the second school did not engage her with students in the program, and simply had her wait for her interview. Look for the small indicators that can make a big difference.

Your careful research now is an investment in a graduate experience that will best serve you, both during the program as you develop your skills and expertise, and over your lifetime as you apply them.

By Megan Randall, CPDC Undergraduate Career Coach

Black lives not only matter, they are worthy, loved, and needed. All of us in the Career & Professional Development Center stand in solidarity with the Black and African American community and the Black Lives Matter movement. We are committed to supporting Black and African American students and recent alumni pursue your next steps in your career journey, both during and after your time at the University of Utah, so you can achieve your career goals.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of career and community resources to support Black and African American students, alumni, and professionals in your career journey. While this list is not exhaustive, we hope it will help you get started in taking your next steps in your career development by gaining experience and finding community.

Online Job, Internship, and Career Resources 

• African American Careers – Online job board for job seekers and employers   
• African American Career World – Online job board for job seekers and employers 
• Black Career Network – Live job board that connects diverse talent with great opportunities 
• Black Jobs – African American jobs and careers resource that lists job openings with companies that support diversity and inclusion 
• Blackworld Career Center – Employment resources for African Americans and members of additional ethnic groups 
• Black Enterprise – Top list of Black-owned enterprises, including career and business advice 
• Black EOE Journal – Business and Career Magazine for African Americans 
• HBCU Career Center – The Historically Black College and University Career Center 
• National Urban League Job Network – Connecting African Americans and additional underserved urban residents to high quality jobs 
• The Black Perspective – Promotes diversity and inclusion in America’s employment and education 
• United Negro College Fund – Largest national private scholarship provider to minority group members that manages various scholarship, fellowship, and internship programs 

Connect with Alumni and Employers 

• Diversity in the Workplace Employer Panel Series – Join our Career and Professional Development Center for a panel series in which professionals of various backgrounds and identities share their workplace experiences, how to build networks, and much more. View & register for our upcoming panels on February 24 and April 14, and look out for future panels in Handshake 
• University of Utah Black Alumni Community – Seeks to be a network to enrich, empower, and engage Black graduates of the University that provides members with professional development opportunities, alumni engagement events, and opportunities to connect with current Black faculty, staff, and students in addition to the U Alumni network at large 
• Utah Business Directory Search – List of Utah companies that have a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion, compiled by the Utah Black Chamber 
• Utah Black–Owned Businesses – List of Black-owned companies in Utah, compiled by Black Lives Matter Utah 

University of Utah Groups and Associations  

• The African Student Association (TASA) – TASA’s mission is to serve the community, the minorities within the society, and create awareness of the unique and beautiful African cultures within the different countries in the continent of Africa  
• Black Student Union (BSU) – The BSU’s mission to the foster a sense of community among all students of the African Diaspora at the University of Utah 
• Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) – Founded in 2009 to support the Black graduate and professional students of the University of Utah 
• Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) – Dedicated to promoting the full inclusion of Black faculty, staff, and students at the University of Utah 
• Muslim Students Association (MSA) – A group of Muslim Students working for the sake of God, to achieve unity, justice and God’s pleasure  

Professional Groups and Associations 

• Black Career Women’s Network (BCWN) – National career development network dedicated to fostering professional development of African American women 
• African American Organizations to Know – List of key organizations serving the African American community 
• Top Black Organizations and Non-Profits – List of national African American organizations serving the Black community 
• Top 21 African American Networking Groups – List of professional groups and associations that provide Black and African American individuals with networking support and career advice  

University of Utah Resources 

• Black History Month Events – Engage in a variety of events for Black History Month this February 
• Black Cultural Center – Using a Pan-African lens, the Black Cultural Center seeks to holistically enrich, support, and advocate for faculty, staff, and students through Black centered research, culturally affirming educational initiatives, and service  
• Center for Ethnic Student Affairs (CESA) – CESA provides support to Students of Color and promotes an environment of acceptance that honors all forms of diversity 
• Student Success Advocates – Supporting students of all backgrounds and identities in creating your success here at the University of Utah by working closely with you to learn about your particular needs, aspirations, and goals 

Local Community Resources  

• Black Lives Matter Utah – An independent Utah Chapter of Black Lives Matter that aims to be a strong voice for the black population and additional marginalized communities in Utah  
• Utah Black Chamber – The premier organization serving the economic needs of Utah’s minority population, specifically the Black community 
• NAACP Salt Lake Branch – The local Salt Lake City branch of the NAACP civil rights organization working to ensure political, educational, social, and economic equality for all persons

For further career-related support, please feel free to schedule an appointment with a Career Coach (Undergraduate or Graduate) or use our Virtual Career Studio’s live chat to speak with a Career Ambassador, no appointment needed. We are all invested in your success and are here to listen, learn, coach, and empower you to help you move forward in your career journey.  

By Kayla Turbyfill, CPDC Career Ambassador  

Getting started on the path to career-readiness and professional development can be daunting. It can seem like you have no idea where to start or what end is in sight, but that is kind of the beauty of it, isn’t it? Everyone’s path is unique, sprinkled with their own abilities, experiences, and strengths. Even so, there are a few tips that can help anyone get started.

Here is a short list of tips to help get you career-ready:

1- Get Started with our Career Guide!

Our Career Guide is full of helpful tips to better understand your values, establish your support system, prepare for an interview, think about grad school, and other tricks! It is also great for helping you create professional documents such as resumes, cover letters, and CV’s for applications. This interactive document can elevate your professional side and prepare you for your career journey in no time. I use this guide every time I update my resume!

View our Career Guide

2- Which Career Coach is right for you?

All of our Career Coaches are friendly, knowledgeable, eager to support you, and happy to answer your career- and internship-related questions! They have industry-specific knowledge and are trained in best practices for career development. Coaches have unique insights and can help you problem solve when you’re feeling stuck, give you advice, and talk you through your skills and/or options. Trust me, I’ve had my share of Coaching appointments and each one has brought me closer to my desired career path!

Find your Undergraduate Career Coach

Find your Graduate Career Coach

3- Learn More About Yourself with Focus 2.

Focus 2 is an online assessment, free for University of Utah students, that can help strengthen your understanding about yourself including gaining insights into your professional preferences, interests, skills, and values. When you combine your results, Focus 2 creates a comprehensive list of career fields that may interest you. I learned about career options I never even dreamed of!

Take Focus 2

4- Ask a Career Ambassador to Review Your Professional Documents.

Writing a resume, CV, or cover letter for an application can be tricky. It’s easy to reach a point where you feel stuck or frustrated. Career Ambassadors, like myself, are happy to put your mind at ease and help you stand out by giving you tips to elevate your professional documents.

Live Chat with us for quick tips

Please email us your documents in Word Document format along with the description of the opportunity for which you are applying to.

5- Update your LinkedIn and Handshake Profiles.

Creating a professional presence online is a key component to successfully finding a job, internship, or career. Update your LinkedIn to let employers know who you are, what experiences you have, and if you are actively looking for a job. Update your Handshake profile to browse available internships and jobs that match your skills, major(s), and experiences while standing out to employers that recruit at the University of Utah. Both are great ways to find opportunities!

Log into Handshake

LinkedIn

As a Career Ambassador, I have taken all of these steps in my own professional journey at the U. Each of them have helped me find new ways to market myself, find confidence in my path, learn more about my strengths, and move forward confidently toward my future career. I hope they help you as much as they have helped me, and good luck on your career and professional development journey.