Horizons

ALUMNI Q&A

By Max M. Jackson

Every year, countless prospective students travel to the SALT Center to learn more about our comprehensive services, and over 200 Wildcats enroll in our Every year, countless prospective students travel to the SALT Center to program each fall. These students not only receive excellent academic support, but also have the opportunity to engage in professional development and learn more about our comprehensive services, and over 200 Wildcats peer leadership through the SALT Center Ambassador Program and tech coaching internships.These opportunities are offered in alignment with Principle enroll in our program each fall. These students not only receive 7 of the SALT Center Principles & Promise: “The learning process is an interactive partnership that is driven by the individual. We partner with you to excellent academic support, but also have the opportunity to engage in accomplish your goals.” By engaging our students in these roles, they become more equipped for life after graduation. This year, Max Jackson, Coordinator professional development and peer leadership through the SALT Center for Admissions & New Student Enrollment, caught up with recent UA graduates who were once SALT Center Ambassadors to learn more about life after Ambassador Program and tech coaching internships. These opportunities graduation, as well as their transition into the workplace. are offered in alignment with Principle 7 of the SALT Center Principles & Promise: “The learning process is an interactive partnership that is driven by the individual. We partner with you to accomplish your goals.” By engaging our students in these roles, they become more equipped for life after graduation. This year, we caught up with recent UA graduates who were once SALT Center Ambassadors to learn more about life after graduation, as well as their transition into the workplace.

HANNAH NAGIN

Scottsdale, AZ – Class of 2014 Public Health Major Current Job: Lead Technician, Foothills Sports Medicine COREY SCHNEID

Manhattan, NY – Class of 2013 Interdisciplinary Studies Major Current Job: Media Buyer in the advertising industry ONDRÉ SELTZER

Los Angeles, CA – Class of 2013 Media Arts Major Current Job: Business Development Associate, British Consulate-General

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE SINCE GRADUATION?

“I graduated college in 3.5 years … I’m Lead Technician assisting a Physical Therapist and I love my job. I was also accepted to Physical Therapy Assisting School. This 18-month program will prepare me to work with my own patients. This is the dream career I’ve had since junior year at UA; I can’t believe it is finally becoming a reality!” “I job hunted while living with my parents in New Jersey. My first job was at a public relations firm representing a restaurant. I am now in the advertising industry as a Media Buyer, responsible for airing advertisements on national TV stations for clients.” “For two summers, while enrolled at UA, I interned at the British Consulate for an organization called UK Trade and Investment. I helped British and American companies export internationally. After graduation, I became a temporary Business Development Associate, which has turned into a permanent position.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT OCCUPATION?

“I work with people ages 8 to 95. In a given day, I see 18-20 patients. Succinct communication between the patient, Physical Therapist, and me is essential. I must remain organized and adhere to a strict schedule. That important skill set, learned at the SALT Center, has carried over into the workforce.” “My day consists of confirming that client ad schedules on national TV are set for each network I’m assigned to. Our team consists of 20 buyers in communication with Media Planners, Traffic Coordinators, Billing Personnel, and Sales Teams at TV networks… this job is very rewarding, and I get to meet celebrities!” “I work at the Century City Plaza Towers in L.A. for the British government … I’m involved with many things: energy and environment infrastructure, investment strategies, networking with Ministers, and coordinating VIP visit opportunities.”

HOW DID THE SALT CENTER PREPARE YOU FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE?

“Learning to stay on task one step at a time… I learned to make weekly and monthly schedules … this has helped me balance working over 40 hours a week. I feel very organized around the office … I’m able to multitask, an important skill in my job. SALT Center staff taught me any goal is possible as long as you set your mind to it!” “My learning specialist showed me how to be successful … I have managers, who are similar to Learning Specialists, which have helped me grow professionally. Early on, everything in this industry was new to me … I learned to adapt to my environment and excelled, just like my first months at the SALT Center.” “I have dyslexia; my experience gave me confidence to do what I want to do. I am a former SALT Center Ambassador; this helped me practice public speaking. Now, I can certainly deliver on what I am doing. Without UA and the SALT Center, I would not have necessarily had the confidence needed to go excel in a business career.”