CLAS Alumni Profiles

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COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES ALUMNI PROFILES BY INDUSTRY FINANCE HEALTHCARE HUMAN RESOURCES LAW MARINE BIOLOGY NONPROFIT SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT HIGHER EDUCATION WRITING

CAREERS IN FINANCE 2

Nicholas Field, Senior Proprietary Equity Trader at Trillium Trading

CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE 4

Charlene B. Schultz, Senior IT Project Manager at Aetna

CAREERS IN HUMAN RESOURCES 6

James Kaiser, President/CEO at Kaiser Whitney Staffing

CAREERS IN LAW 8

Cynthia N. Souza, Associate Attorney to General Counsel at Quickcomm, Inc.

CAREERS IN MARINE BIOLOGY 10 Heather Heenehan, PhD student in Marine Science and Conservation at Duke University CAREERS IN NONPROFIT 15 Kate C. Farrar, Director of Leadership Programs at American Association of University Women 17 Karen Santasiere, Director of Annual Giving at The University of Connecticut Foundation 18 Mike Nelson, Annual Giving Data Specialist at The University of Connecticut Foundation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAREERS IN SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT 20 Alyssa T. (Gerlando) Bosley, Lecturer in the School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management at James Madison University CAREERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION 22 Monsour Ndiaye, Assistant Director, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Academic Services Center at the University of Connecticut CAREERS IN WRITING 23 Norm Shriever, Writer, Author, and Speaker

NICHOLAS FIELD Senior Proprietary Equity Trader at Trillium Trading Bachelor of Arts in Economics ’07; Certificate in Portfolio Management and Risk Management at New York University (2010 – 2011); M.B.A. in Strategy and Finance at Duke University (2014, Expected) Career Path: Hedge Funds and Economic Research Intern at the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (2006-2007); Desktop Support Technician at University of Connecticut (2004-2006); LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/nicholas-field/15/b33/b4b What was your favorite class at UConn?

This would have to be a split between Derek Johnson’s Principle of Economics (Intensive) class, which made me switch from a major in Pharmacy to Economics, or Patrick Terrion’s Portfolio Management courses. Derek Johnson was able to present an exciting and humorous, yet still academically rigorous study of economics; and Pat Terrion’s hands on approach to the world of investment management taught me the most out of any classes at UConn. Also, there is an excellent commodities trading class hidden away in the department of Agricultural and Resource Economics that many finance and economics students do not know about!

What student activities were you involved in?

Vice President, UConn West Hartford; Treasurer, International Relations Association

CAREERS IN FINANCE

How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position?

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I entered the University of Connecticut with concrete plans in place ever since I was 14 to become a pharmacist – or so I had thought. Part of the pharmacy program at UConn required students to take an economics course, and this course would drastically shift my career goals in an instant. I had an eccentric, lively professor for my pre-requisite economics course for my pharmacy program and he not only made the material come alive with real world examples, but he was also exciting at the same time.

This teaching style allowed students to grasp the sometimes abstract aspects of economics, and I was instantly hooked. I always had been curious about the stock market growing up – I would flip through the financials section of the newspaper and look at all the numbers and up and down arrows – but had no idea what all of it meant. I figured the best way to pursue this old curiosity of mine would be to pursue it alongside my newfound interest in economics, and I soon changed my major.

I quickly jumped into action with hands on experiences to learn more about my new interests via trading competitions and internship. I was able to go ahead and participate in the Stock Market Game in Fall 2004 which was put on by the Connecticut Council on Economic Education and various other financial market trading simulations. I placed 11th out of 343 statewide and 3rd out of 67 at UConn in the Stock Market Game and drove my team to a first place finish in a commodity trading competition at UConn’s Agriculture School. These successful performances galvanized my drive and showed that I had a knack for understanding the markets and their mechanics which reinforced my desire to learn more.

My first internship to learn about my new career interests was underneath a financial advisor at Webster Investments, the investments arm of a regional bank in Connecticut. The sales and cold calling aspect of the internship was incredibly dull and boring to me, but I found myself captivated by the variety of all the different funds the advisor sold and I was constantly asking questions– how they were constructed, how analysts picked the investments they contained, why this fund over that fund.

I knew from then I was interested in eventually becoming a portfolio manager and began to follow the markets more.

A few years later I would secure a great role on the proprietary equities desk of a family office and see my efforts come to fruition. I was the first UConn hire at my firm—my group was composed of traders from Princeton, Yale, Cornell, and Brown—and I was asked my first day on the trading floor as to which Ivy I went to.

Nonetheless, I excelled alongside my Ivy-league peers and tied for Rookie of the Year in my class of 21 and have ever since been actively involved in recruiting students to my firm each year from UConn.

How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job?

I was able to gain a great deal of experiential learning experience in the financial markets through the Stock Market Game ran by the Department of Economics and the commodities trading class I took under Rigoberto Lopez. When I got to my interviews for trading positions, I was able to take out my top performance sheets and charts and ‘throw’ them at the interviewer to show that I had a true passion for the markets and a strong knack for performing in them.

What do you wish you knew as an undergrad related to preparing for your career?

I think the most important things for anyone as a freshman to do is to network, learn about your chosen career field, and discover opportunities through internships—not only to advance yourself in this competitive economic environment but to find what you like and don’t like to do! The earlier you get involved, the better positioned you will be to take an excellent first job out of school. Also, do not neglect leadership roles on campus—be involved and bring about change to your community with your peers as much as you can, since these will be huge talking points during full time position interviews.

What excites you about your job?

The financial markets are a forever changing and dynamic environment so I never have to worry about the same old routine day after day!

What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn?

I believe having a clear view of the global macroeconomic world and how everything is intertwined alongside the ability to extrapolate information out to come up with critical yet unexpected information are key to my success as a trader. I largely honed these skills by taking a heavy concentration of internationally-focused classes in economics, finance and political science as well as my leadership role for multiple years in the International Relations Association, but also any class that requires you to think independently and give your own perspective on various subject matters—especially those courses which reward contrarian viewpoints.

What are the next steps in your career?

I will be attending Duke for my MBA this coming fall!

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS: 1. Visit Careers in Finance to view internships and jobs in the finance industry, find books and videos related to the finance industry, and explore numerous career paths within the finance field.

2. Visit eFinancial Careers to view internships/jobs in the finance industry organized into over twenty sectors and locations.

3. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor during walk-in hours to discuss your interest in this industry, learn about ways you can gain relevant experience while you are in college, begin your internship or job search, or discuss other career-related topics.

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CHARLENE B. SCHULTZ Senior IT Project Manager at Aetna LinkedIn: Charlene B. Schultz

What was your favorite class at UConn?

BA – Shakespeare; MBA – Managerial Communications What student activities were you involved in?

University of Connecticut

CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE

Bachelor of Arts in English ’90 M.B.A. in Health Systems Management ’94

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Student Representative Alumni Board – School of Business, Health Systems Management; formed a Public Speaking/ Presentation Group to assist International MBA students; worked at a physical therapy clinic near campus as the Practice Manager while attending school full-time.

How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position?

I decided on my current position after working on IT projects and understanding the available career path options which would best match my skills, interests, and background. After receiving my MBA, I worked as a Finance Director in a skilled nursing facility and then moved into a position at a Managed Worker’s Compensation carrier as Director of their Medical Bill Review department. We oversaw the contract for the State of CT, and in this position I began working with the IT staff on the processing of medical claims. Intrigued by technology and business, I took a consulting position at Aetna as a software tester. I continued to work on IT projects at various insurance companies as a tester, business systems analyst, testing lead, and eventually, took a Project Manager role.

How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job?

My coursework in English has been invaluable because I spend 80% of my day responding to people in writing, whether it is through email or instant messages. Learning how to write well and communicate non-verbally has helped me explain complex technical concepts in easily understood terms. In the MBA program, we were required to create many mock presentations and work on teams. The workload was very demanding and required excellent time management skills. All of this training helped me effectively transition to and succeed in a corporate environment. I lead virtual teams of up to one hundred and eighty people. The skills I learned at UConn in leadership, management, communications, and teamwork have helped me lead project teams in multiple software implementations with combined budgets in excess of $10M.

What do you wish you knew as an undergrad related to preparing for your career?

I wish I had known more about the field of Project Management as a career option. After working in this field, I obtained an industry standard recognized certification, the Project Management Professional (PMP®) designation through the Project Management Institute. Most Project Management positions strongly recommend that individuals hold this certification. Also, I wish that I had understood the importance of networking with business professionals in my career of choice to help better understand my career options prior to graduation.

What excites you about your job?

I enjoy my position because each day brings new and different challenges. Project managers need to possess a high amount of energy because some days may feel like being in an all-day math test because of all the problem solving! Some of the most rewarding aspects of project management involve seeing a project from beginning to end – from its inception to implementation. I really enjoy forming a team and working to accomplish a common goal. Throughout the projects I mentor people on the team and enjoy watching them grow in their fields. As a Mentor in the Aetna Leadership Development program, I teach emerging corporate leaders how to be effective project managers during their rotation through our department.

What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn?

Some of the most important skills in project management include: effective communication – both verbal and non-verbal; effective organizational, time-management, and presentation skills; proficient use of technical applications like Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook; reading comprehension and strong math skills; and, the ability to work with and understand financial budgets/forecasting, planning skills. At UConn, I learned many of these skills juggling a part-time job while attending school full-time. Every minute of my day was planned so that I could graduate with high honors, Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude. I have found, while interviewing recent college graduates, that very often their GPA in college reflects their level of maturity and can be an indicator of their performance potential. For many reasons, I strongly encourage students to push themselves to achieve the highest GPA possible. UConn offers many resources to help students, and especially in a large university setting, students need to actively seek out the information they need for their “next steps” in life. My advice to students is to ask lots of questions and don’t stop until you get the answers you need to help you map out your career path and life plan. As Henry Ford said, “Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.”

What are the next steps in your career?

Currently I am pursuing a Program Management position -- one career path option in this field which includes oversight of multiple projects and implementations of large programs.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS 1. Visit Explore Health Careers to learn more about numerous healthcare professions, academic and enrichment programs related to the healthcare industry, and average salaries for careers in healthcare.

2. Visit Health eCareers to view internships/jobs in the healthcare industry organized into thirteen categories ranging from pharmacy to physicians.

3. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor during walk-in hours to discuss your interest in this industry, learn about ways you can gain relevant experience while you are in college, begin your internship or job search, or discuss other career-related topics.

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JAMES KAISER President/CEO at Kaiser Whitney Staffing Career Path: Labor Relations Specialist at New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (1991 –1994) LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jameskaiserct

University of Connecticut Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Organizational Development ’91

What was your favorite class at UConn?

Economics classes. They were so hard, so I had to really work hard.

What student activities were you involved in?

Ski Team, Intramural Sports, Resident Assistant

CAREERS IN HUMAN RESOURCES

How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position?

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This is a temporary staffing company and I came in to start the international division for direct placements.

How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job?

I cannot point to specific courses where I learned specific/ measurable things. I learned how to study, learned how to work, learned how to problem solve, and learned how to learn. In the kind of work I do, it’s more about relationships, networking, problem-solving and being aware of the details.

What excites you about your job?

In my job, I get to help companies, I get to help people and I get paid when I help everyone. It is also very exciting to learn about all of the different kinds of companies and jobs there are out there.

What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn?

The most important skill in my job is learning how to be organized. There is SO much information about people, companies, industry trends and miscellaneous paperwork. If you can keep everything organized and have a way to access it, there is a greater opportunity for success. It helps to have a good memory and the ability to see how all the pieces fit together.

What are the next steps in your career?

I would like to open multiple locations and possibly set up a franchise system. I am also working with a software developer to create a tool that will be able to benefit the staffing agency.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS 1. Visit the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) to learn more about pathways to HR positions, different disciplines in HR, future educational benefits, internships, and compensation.

2. Visit SHRM’s Job page to view numerous internships/jobs in human resources industry.

3. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor during walk-in hours to discuss your interest in this industry, learn about ways you can gain relevant experience while you are in college, begin your internship or job search, or discuss other career-related topics.

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CYNTHIA N. SOUZA, ESQ. Associate Attorney to General Counsel at Quickcomm, Inc. Career Path: Contract Attorney at Roche Pia, LLC Law Clerk at Nevada Legal Services Research Assistant in Tax Law at Indiana University Computer Service Technician at University of Connecticut University of Connecticut

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/cynthia-souza

Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science ’07

What was your favorite class at UConn?

J.D. at Indiana University Maurer School of Law ’10

Seminar in Judicial Decision-Making (POLS 353 with Virginia Hettinger) What student activities were you involved in?

Worked at Internet and Technology Services as a Computer Service Technician, Pi Sigma Alpha, Huskies Away From Home Mentor, Law and Business Society

CAREERS IN LAW

How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position?

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I began my time at UCONN as a Pharmacy major. After freshman year, I decided this was not the path I wanted to pursue. My sophomore year, I took ECON 111, and the class was useful and extremely relevant so I decided to become an ECON major. While picking related courses, I decided to take Constitutional Law. I loved the class structure so much; this class is what made me begin thinking about attending law school. In 2007, I started attending Indiana University Maurer School of Law. I graduated in 2010 and returned to Connecticut. After passing the Connecticut Bar Exam, I finally ended my job search and began working with Quickcomm, Inc. in 2011.

How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job?

Critical thinking and negotiation tactics are crucial in my line of work. The “pre-law” classes I took at UCONN helped me prepare for the experience of law school. Without such preparation during undergrad, I may not have been admitted to such a fantastic law school where I further developed the skills necessary to succeed in my current position.

What do you wish you knew as an undergrad related to preparing for your career?

I wish I knew that being an attorney encompassed having the capacity to know a little bit of everything. It is not about just knowing the law and interpreting it. Being an in-house counsel involves handling every need of the business including taxes, intellectual property, and being a liaison for the business-minded into the legal world.

What excites you about your job?

The prospect of making a difference while being a part of an international company, which is a leader in global telecommunications expense management, is the most exciting part of the my job.

What are the next steps in your career?

After gaining several years of experience as an Assistant General Counsel of an International Company, I will likely move on to become General Counsel of an international corporation.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS 1. Visit the Law School Admission Council website to learn more about law school admissions, LSAT registration, financial aid for law school, and law school fairs across the country.

2. Visit the American Bar Association’s Career Center to view jobs in the legal profession, as well as information regarding choosing and managing a career in the legal profession.

3. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor during walk-in hours to discuss your interest in this industry, learn about ways you can gain relevant experience while you are in college, begin your internship or job search, or discuss other career-related topics.

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HEATHER HEENEHAN 1st year Ph.D. student in Marine Science and Conservation at Duke University Career Path: Research Assistant at SAPPHIRE Project (2010 – Present) Coastal Environmental Management Resource Coordinator at Duke University (2009 – Present) WHOI Duke Summer Fellow at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (2010) Naturalist Intern at Wetlands Institute (2008 - 2009) LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherheenehan University of Connecticut

CAREERS IN MARINE BIOLOGY

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science ’09

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpinnerHeather What was your favorite class at UConn?

I think I would have to say Marine Biology or Fish Biology because they were hands-on in their labs, we took field trips and it was generally a lot of active learning (doing stuff).

What student activities were you involved in?

LVC Tour Guide, Honors Program Mentor and INTD Facilitator, Honors Scholar, Community Outreach (America Reads Preschool Program), Green Bag Lunch Coordinator, and Husky Fan! How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position?

I always knew that I would be doing something related to the ocean.

My fascination and love for the sea and the creatures that live there started at a very young age. From summer camps, pre-college experiences to family vacations—I knew that I wanted to major in Environmental Science. In my freshman year a recruiter from the Duke Nicholas School of the Environment came to UConn to talk about the school and the programs they had. I wasn’t able to go to the presentation (I had class) but I knew that someday I might be interested in the programs. Over my four years at UConn I kept in contact with this recruiter and she helped me with prerequisites I would need and writing my application essay. So after graduation, I applied to the Master of Environmental Management program and got in! During my master’s I got involved in America Reads and Counts for work study, had an assistantship as the liaison between the Duke Marine Lab and the main campus community among other things.

From listening to basically anyone that would talk with me and establishing meaningful relationships with these people, I found the SAPPHIRE Project (Spinner dolphin Acoustics Population Parameters and Human Impacts Research) and worked on it for my Master’s Project. My advisor then asked if I would consider staying on and getting my PhD and continuing to work on the project. I said “yes,” and within two months of that conversation, I applied and within a few months after that—I was in! I would never have said I would stay on immediately after my Master’s to get my PhD but the project was right and I had established a great support network that I knew I could rely on for the next few years as I work on my PhD. So if I had to pinpoint one reason that I am where I am today, it would be from being a big sponge, listening to anyone that I could talk to, working hard and keeping in touch with people and establishing meaningful relationships with them.

How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job?

Since I continued my schooling after undergrad I can honestly say that my UConn coursework and experience is a major part of why I am where I am today. Being an ENVS major in CLAS I took classes in all different kinds of science, in economics, in history, linguistics, American Sign Language, women’s studies and each of these classes prepared me for my Master’s program. This program, much like CLAS and the ENVS major, sees science as part of a bigger picture and if you don’t have a good knowledge or are able to see or understand that bigger picture, the science doesn’t really mean anything. The rigor of UConn classes prepared me well for life at Duke as a professional and graduate student. Since I was an honors scholar I completed my Honors Thesis before graduation with Dr. Mike Darre. I investigated the effects of sound from Fort Richardson in Alaska and effects on harbor porpoise in the Cook Inlet. This acoustics experience set me off a path of continuing to study acoustics; little did I know that this first research experience would have so much to do with the next part of my life. In fact, when I found the SAPPHIRE Project and had already set up a summer internship I got a call from my MP and now PhD advisor Dave Johnston. He was looking at my resume and saw my description of my Honors Thesis and said “I didn’t know you had acoustics experience!!!” He was thrilled because they needed someone with some knowledge of acoustics out there and that would be me for the first month of the very first field season for the project. In addition, the fact that I facilitated an honors INTD class, gave presentations about environmental issues on campus and gave tours prepared me for the Teaching Assistantship I have today. I started TA’ing this semester and I love it. The experiences I had at UConn directly prepared me for public speaking and gave me a confidence I never had before I started giving tours, giving presentations, and running meetings about environmental issues.

What do you wish you knew as an undergrad related to preparing for your career?

I think I knew this going in but it was extremely important in my undergrad career and still is today… Keep your options open and soak it up. The first part really refers to the fact that you never know where life is going to take you, things fall in to place, you meet people that introduce you to new opportunities and open your eyes to things you never thought about, careers or jobs you never knew existed. Be open to those new things and new ideas and TRY EVERYTHING! Get involved with things that interest you and that you are passionate about.

The second part has really prepared me and led me to where I am today, but soak it up, listen to people that are willing to speak with you and be a big sponge! Soak everything up, soak up the student section and your last game in Gampel as a student, camp out for a game, soak up the amazing research opportunities UConn has to offer, take a kayak roll clinic just because you can! Play oozeball! Get to know your professors through office hours, they will be amazing resources for you in the future, soak up your teachers, your classmates, and your whole experience. Just soak it up! And sometimes suck it up, college isn’t always easy but you’ll make it through. My dad told me on the first day of college to suck it up because I was a little upset about them leaving and leaving me all the way in CT (I’m from New Jersey). I was mad at first but now I realize that if I had let my emotions take over and I didn’t suck it up I would have missed meeting my best friends that day, I would have missed the soccer game and then carry that through to graduation. I would never have had the experience I had if I didn’t learn to suck it up now and then.

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What excites you about your job?

I think that there is always something new to learn. Marine science and conservation is such a dynamic field that it is always changing and developing. UConn really instilled a passion for lifelong learning in me. I had teachers that encouraged learning after “school” and taught me that learning doesn’t happen solely in the classroom. I can say that I learned something from my classes for sure, but I learned just as much from my fellow students, from working at the Lodewick Visitor center, from teaching the INTD class, from living in the dorms, from seminars and community outreach activities. I also learned that good teaching is valued and valuable and that colleges and universities are lively places with so much opportunity for interaction along so many levels undergrads, grad students, post docs, faculty, support staff, housekeeping, administration, everything and that they all can work together to promote learning and student development. And I am excited to continue to have that opportunity to interact with people at all levels at a University. The teaching assistantship I have is very exciting for me. I really enjoy interacting with students so I’m looking forward to the field trips we have planned and opportunities to get to know the students outside of class.

What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn?

Since I am still a student, I use all of the academic skills I used and developed at UConn like writing papers and reading journal articles. I also use a very important skill that I developed at UConn: time management and self-motivation. For the students who live on campus, they don’t have their parents to tell them to do their homework, and, although I played sports in high school, I didn’t at UConn so I seemingly had “less to do.” Classes weren’t from 8 to 3 with two to three hours of sports after. I learned to deal with this and manage my time so that I could get everything done that I needed to get done. As a PhD student, I take fewer classes in a semester than I did for either my undergraduate or master’s degrees. I have less scheduled time and more time that I need to dedicate to listening to acoustic files and processing data. I learned a lot about how I motivate myself, when I work best, and when I stop being productive and just need to call it quits. In addition, the basic acoustics knowledge I acquired through my research was invaluable. It has brought me down the path I’m on today and I am very thankful. Communication skills are also a major part of my PhD, teaching and science communication. I have to give presentations and be comfortable doing so, I have to write for many different audiences…I developed these skills through practice and that practice came in classes giving presentations but it also came when I went to preschool and read with the students there, it came when I gave tours to prospective students and their families. I grew comfortable speaking and singing in front of people. Yes, singing. I once had a student on my tour ask me if UConn had a fight song. I replied that they did and the student stared blankly at me gesturing “Well… what is it…?” I asked him if he wanted me to sing it and when that was confirmed, I launched into the UConn fight song. These practical experiences being in front of others, answering questions and practicing interacting with people have truly been invaluable. Communicating with other scientists, other PhD students, my collaborators, advisor, etc. is extremely important and I developed those skills at UConn.

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RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS 1. Visit Marine Bio to view free online video courses on marine biology, learn more about marine biology degree programs, and explore future careers within the marine biology field.

2. Visit Ocean Careers to view internships/job postings in the marine biology field and explore other potential ocean-related careers.

3. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor during walk-in hours to discuss your interest in this industry, learn about ways you can gain relevant experience while you are in college, begin your internship or job search, or discuss other career-related topics.

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KATE C. FARRAR Director of Leadership Programs at American Association of University Women (AAUW) Twitter: https://twitter.com/KCFarrar What was your favorite class at UConn?

First-Year Experience What student activities were you involved in?

University of Connecticut Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Minor in English ’01

Career Services—Career Resource Assistant; Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority—Alumnae Relations, New Member Educator, Member Education Committee Chair; Honors Seminar— Student Mentor/Co-teacher; Greek Judicial Board—Member How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position?

CAREERS IN NONPROFIT

Throughout my junior and senior years at UConn, I had internships with Denise Merrill (current CT Secretary of State), a statewide women’s organization, and a nonprofit lobbyist. These internships really demonstrated to me the ins and outs of advocacy and how policy was enacted at that state level. I met many incredible women who were activist leaders in the state. Their passion and ability to make positive change really inspired me to forge my career path.

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After graduation, I lobbied two years for nonprofits in the CT state legislature. From this learning experience, I was able to better identify my next step of pursuing my Masters of Public Administration at Syracuse University Maxwell School.

This intensive year-long program left me more confident that I wanted to make a difference through a career in non-profit management. Graduation led me to four months as a paid organizer in the 2004 presidential campaign and then a jump to Washington, D.C. I landed a job with a small women’s nonprofit, Wider Opportunities for Women, managing a nationwide project to move low-income families to economic independence.

A friend recommended me to my current role as Director of Leadership Programs at the American Association of University Women (AAUW). From all of the issue advocacy I did, I consistently saw the lack of women’s voices at decision-making tables. In my current position, my goal is to ensure the next generation of college women breaks the gender-leadership gap in our country. I manage five nationwide programs for college women that train thousands of women a year as leaders.

How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job?

The first class I had at UConn was an Honors Seminar class, a precursor to today’s First Year Experience class. That class gave me the tools and trusted relationships I needed to navigate college life. As a student mentor/co-teacher of the class after freshman year, I saw how powerful it could be to one person’s success to create a safe space for their growth and to be a role model. Both of these elements play a large role in the types of leadership programs I manage now in my position at AAUW. In my out-of-classroom experience as a member and officer in Kappa Alpha Theta, I also saw first-hand how valuable a women-centric environment could be for leadership and confidence-building. The supportive relationships within my sorority encouraged me to take on new roles and more opportunities for growth. For me, it was a safe environment to practice my leadership style, which is something I hope to provide through several of the leadership programs we offer at AAUW. What do you wish you knew as an undergrad related to preparing for your career?

I wish I had known two key things: 1. Leadership, Leadership, Leadership. When I was an undergrad I don’t think I fully understood how much leadership experience I could gain while on campus. In working with college women today, we stress how the leadership experiences you gain in college can develop you as a lifelong leader. With a gender leadership gap in our country and around the world, I wish I had known the importance for me of stepping up to high-profile leadership roles on campus.

2. Writing and Public Speaking. In college, you do not necessarily notice how class content and specific skills can be applied on the job. Two of the key things I do every day are to write and speak in front of a group. You need to get as much practice and refinement of your writing and public speaking skills while in college. If you have a chance, take advantage of a writing tutor and step up to opportunities to practice a range of presentations in your classes. More skill you have in these areas will set you apart during your job search.

What excites you about your job?

The chance to change a woman’s life; to empower her to have the confidence and skills to become a lifelong leader.

What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn?

The skills that are important in my work are: (1) managing and motivating others, (2) the ability to see “big” and “little” and (3) a commitment to excellence. At UConn, I developed my ability to manage and motivate others by taking on leadership positions, especially within my sorority. With so many ways to spend your precious time and energy at UConn, you need to learn how to keep people engaged in your project and activities. At UConn, I had a chance to grow into leadership positions where I was a part of the “big” picture decision-making process while at the same time being aware the details of how a project is implemented.

Finally, as a part of the Honors program, I was challenged to put my best work forward in classes and had the opportunity to write a senior thesis. I also felt motivated and balanced by my Honors classmates.

What are the next steps in your career?

That’s a very good question. It’s actually hard for me to define the immediate next steps, but two of my key professional goals are to be an Executive Director of a non-profit organization and run for office. Which one is going to come first, I don’t know!

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KAREN SANTASIERE Director of Annual Giving at The University of Connecticut Foundation Karen is a firm believer in having a plan and working tirelessly to achieve one’s goals. As an english major at UConn, Karen did just that. She planned to enter the business sector upon graduation and through hard work was able to turn her co-op position at the UConn Foundation into a full-time position at Brandeis University.

University of Connecticut Bachelor of Arts in English ’96

Early on in her career, Karen realized that nothing would be handed to her and became determined to make the most of every opportunity. “A degree gets you in the door, but your work ethic gets you the job. Not everyone posses drive and motivation, so those who do stand out for the right reasons.”

CAREERS IN NONPROFIT

Since her first position, Karen’s determination and drive have led to her appointment in high-level positions: Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations at Brandeis University, Major Gifts Officer at Eastern Connecticut Health Network, Director of Development at Hartford Hospital, and Director of Annual Giving at the UConn Foundation— a position she holds today.

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Karen’s ability to set and achieve goals didn’t end after she secured her first job. After being away from her alma mater for more than twelve years, Karen was determined to return to UConn. “When I saw the Director of Annual Giving position open I jumped at the opportunity. I thought I better take this chance now because someone could fill this position and be here for the next 20 years. And now that I am here I am not going anywhere.”

As Director of Annual Giving, Karen uses the skills she has gained through her CLAS education and professional experiences to lead a team of seven professionals in coordinating efforts that raise millions of dollars for the University.

Today, Karen still embodies the very qualities have been instrumental in her success: having a strong work ethic and making the most of opportunities that arise.

MIKE NELSON Annual Giving Data Specialist at The UConn Foundation Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Statistics ’10 What was your favorite class at UConn?

Econ 108 – Game Theory What student activities were you involved in?

Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, Asiantation Mentoring Program, Conversation Partners, Academic Achievement Center Coach, Men’s Project, and K.U.B.E. [Kids and UConn Bridging Education].

How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position?

I was originally going to school to be a high school Math teacher. That didn’t work out, so I stuck with Math, and then Statistics as a major. Through networking and connections at UConn, I was informed of this opening.

How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job?

CAREERS IN NONPROFIT

In my higher level math classes, we learned to be problem solvers. We used our analytical thinking skills to prove mathematic statements and inquiries. In any field, being creative and a problem solver is a plus. Being involved in student groups taught me about team work, diversity, and being flexible.

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What do you wish you knew as an undergrad related to preparing for your career?

To get a lot more serious with school. At the very least I wish I had gotten more A’s in general education classes to boost my GPA. Otherwise, I would have liked to have known that I should have had internships even if the work is something I didn’t necessarily see myself doing in the future…just in case.

What excites you about your job?

Being a part of the University of Connecticut, and working for the best students. Working for a nonprofit, and being a part of an amazing team of motivated individuals.

What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn?

Being organized, well spoken, problem solving, thinking outside the box, and being an analytical thinker. The first two mostly from being an Orientation Leader, and the latter ones from my Math and Stat classes.

What are the next steps in your career?

I’d like to continue to learn more on the programmatic side of the data world. Possibly being a Business Analyst for a company/corporation.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS 1. Visit Careers in Nonprofit to view internships and jobs listings, find events, and explore a nonprofit career resource list. The Careers for the Common Good Program at the University of Connecticut, a collaboration between Career Services, the Office of Community Outreach and the Human Rights Institute, provides resources and encourages students to explore career paths that positively affect the community and society at large.

2. Visit Connecticut Association of Nonprofits to view local careers in the nonprofit sector.

3. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor during walk-in hours to discuss your interest in this industry, learn about ways you can gain relevant experience while you are in college, begin your internship or jobsearch, or discuss other career-related topics.

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ALYSSA T. (GERLANDO) BOSLEY Lecturer in the School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management at James Madison University Career Path: Director of Athletics Marketing at James Madison University (2006-2011)

CAREERS IN SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Adjunct Professor of Sport & Recreation Management at James Madison University (2008-2011)

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University of Connecticut

Assistant Director of Athletics Marketing at James Madison University (2004-2006)

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Sports Communications ’02

Marketing & Media Relations Manager, Norwich Navigators (2003-2004)

Master of Science in Athletic Administration ’07

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssagerlando

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/AlyssaBosley What was your favorite class at UConn?

I enjoyed and learned so much in all of my degree classes!

However, I would select Broadcast Journalism as my favorite.

What student activities were you involved in?

Daily Campus, Varsity Rowing How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position?

Following graduation from UConn, I worked in Minor League Baseball for a few seasons and then for the James Madison University (JMU) Athletics Marketing department. These positions allowed me to combine my passion for sports with my journalism and sports communication studies.

While working at JMU, I was also given the opportunity to become an adjunct professor in the Sport and Recreation Management program. I held this position for three years before accepting a full-time teaching position with JMU in 2011.

How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job?

UConn provided me with a well-rounded education; however, my journalism classes were the most beneficial. These courses allowed me to fine-tune my everyday verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

In addition, I was challenged to go outside my comfort zone on many class projects and assignments.

What do you wish you knew as an undergrad related to preparing for your career?

I would have taken better advantage of the opportunities available to students. Whether by joining organizations or attending career workshops, there are hundreds of ways students can develop personally and professionally. I also wish I understood the importance of gaining experience through internships and volunteer opportunities.

What excites you about your job?

Teaching allows me to transfer my passion, excitement and joy for my subject to students and help them reach a position that allows them to realize their potential for academic and professional success. As an educator, I make an investment and a difference in a student’s future. I challenge my students to dare to be great and encourage them to never settle for mediocrity when they are capable of achieving more.

What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn?

An educator must be a leader, mentor and coach—and not just a teacher—to be truly effective. By gaining the trust and confidence of students, I have learned firsthand what motivates and drives individuals in a classroom and professional setting. The experiences I gained at both UConn and in my career have provided me with a broad skill set which I have successfully used to provide guidance to my students.

Whether it is teaching time management, goal setting or how to work in a team environment, I have worked closely with students in helping them identify the types of skills that are critical for workplace success.

What are the next steps in your career?

I have no plans to make career changes in the foreseeable future, but I am exploring the possibility of enrolling in a PhD program.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS 1. Visit Work in Sports to view internships and jobs in the sports industry, see videos highlighting different positions in the sports industry, read profiles of key players in the sports industry, and view a directory of sports teams.

2. Visit Teamwork Online to view internships/jobs in the sports industry organized into fifteen categories ranging from event management to ticket operations.

3. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor during walk-in hours to discuss your interest in this industry, learn about ways you can gain relevant experience while you are in college, begin your internship or job search, or discuss other career-related topics.

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MONSOUR NDIAYE Assistant Director, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Academic Services Center, University of Connecticut Favorite Class: International Finance Student Activities: Varsity Soccer Player It is easy to be enamored by Mansour Ndiaye’s accomplishments— starting on UConn’s varsity soccer team as a freshman, graduating in four years with three degrees, being selected as the seventh pick in the 2002 Major League Soccer draft, and earning both a masters and a PhD. University of Connecticut Bachelor of Arts in Economics and French ‘01

CAREERS IN STUDENT SERVICES

Bachelor of Science in Business Management Information Systems ’01

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Master of Arts in Sport Management ’06 Ph.D. in Kinesiology ’11

Despite his numerous achievements, Mansour’s journey as it relates to choosing a major wasn’t easy. His first inclination was to major in Engineering. The independence and success that his uncle, an engineer, achieved motivated him to follow his uncle’s path. After taking an introductory course, however, Mansour realized that Engineering wasn’t for him.

“Regardless of what you want to do, you must have both the passion and the skills for it. The level of one’s passion for an area separates the good from the great.”

Through taking a broad course load, Monsour explored several subjects and found three disciples that he could be passionate about: economics, French, and business management information systems. Rather than being overwhelmed by switching from a linear path (majoring in engineering to become an engineer) to majors that opened up hundreds of possibilities, Monsour embraced the ambiguity and opportunity.

“There are not many majors that lead you to a certain field, which is why it is important to network and complete internships to fill in the right puzzle pieces. The intersection between several academic disciplines has allowed me to work in a number of positions.”

Rather than having a major that led to a specific career, Mansour has posited himself to be marketable to countless career opportunities by acquiring skills valued across industry lines. This has led to his success as an academic counselor for the UConn football team, and currently in his role as assistant director of the CLAS Academic Services Center.

“It’s good to be intentional and plan your career path, but it is also important to explore what’s out there and take advantage of opportunities around you. During your time at UConn, focus on gaining the transferable skills needed to add value to any organization and explore different majors and careers— the possibilities are endless.”

NORM SCHRIEVER Writer, Author, and Speaker Career Path: Various positions in marketing, real estate, mortgage, and law.

Wrote and published first book, ‘Pushups in the Prayer Room’ February of 2012.

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/normschriever Twitter: http://twitter.com/NormSchriever What was your favorite class at UConn?

German Folk Songs. Seriously—it was pure awesomeness!

What student activities were you involved in?

University of Connecticut

Sigma Chi Fraternity, Crew Club, WHUS Radio DJ

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences ’95

How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position?

CAREERS IN WRITING

Long story short—I floundered around with jobs for a long time until I decided I wanted to pursue my passion of writing and being a professional author. It was always about money and paying bills, but at a certain point I just felt like life was too short to not do what makes me happy. From there I made a lot of sacrifices and started a long journey to make that happen.

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How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job?

At UConn I learned to think and write well, but also how to write appropriately for different audiences. I also learned the finer point of marketing and advertising that have served me well no matter what job I was in.

What do you wish you knew as an undergrad related to preparing for your career?

That it’s as much WHO YOU KNOW as what you know. I wish there was a class on networkingit may be the one most important skill in the professional world. I think every student should take multiple public speaking classes. Also those weird “computer majors” were just getting popular at the time, but I thought they were just for brainiacs and it was probably just a passing phase! Hahaha.

What excites you about your job?

Wow. I guess its that I get to leave something to the world that will be around long after I’m gone. I get to express what I think and how I feel and what I see in this lifetime, and share that with millions (ok, hundreds) of readers. My brand is ME – and no one can compete with that unique brand. That’s a very rare thing in business.

What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn?

Critical thinking; writing with clarity and brevity; always thinking from a marketing perspective in business. I developed these skills through practice and real world application in small group projects.

What are the next steps in your career?

I’m down here in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua writing my second book, “Get Happy,” a travel memoir about my time in Costa Rica last year. I’m so excited to write it because it’s going to be a wild, crazy ride! I’m also writing for the Huffington Post’s travel section and doing professional speaking.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS: 1. Visit websites such as Authority Publishing if you are interested in writing a book, professional or personal, or to just improve their visibility in their field.

2. Visit Norm’s website or write him an email if you’re interested in receiving advice or, simply to build your network!

3. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor during walk-in hours to discuss your interest in this industry, learn about ways you can gain relevant experience while you are in college, begin your internship or job search, or discuss other career-related topics.

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www.clas.uconn.edu

www.career.uconn.edu