Alumni Profiles by Industry by University of Connecticut

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES ALUMNI PROFILES BY INDUSTRY

Featured Professionals in: business Computational Astrophysics Finance Government Healthcare Higher education Human Resources international relations Law Marine Biology Nonprofit recruiting Sports and Entertainment Writing

CAREERS IN Business 2

Julianne Miller, Project Coordinator

CAREERS IN COMPUTATIONAL ASTROPHYSICS 3 Brendan Krueger, Postdoctoral Researcher at Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Gif-sur-Yvette, France

cAREERS IN Finance

5 Nicholas Field, Senior Proprietary Equity Trader at Trillium Trading, LLC CAREERS IN GOVERNMENT 8 Stacey S. Phengvath, Office Management Specialist at the U.S. Department of State, American Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel CAREERS IN Healthcare 10

Charlene B. Schultz, Senior IT Project Manager at Aetna

CAREERS IN Higher education 12 Mansour Ndiaye, Director of Advising CAREERS IN Human Resources 13

James Kaiser, President/CEO of Kaiser Whitney Staffing

Matthew Brush, Chief HR Officer at Genesee & Wyoming, Inc.

CAREERS IN International Relations 17

Kevin McQuade, 2nd-year graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh

CAREERS IN Law 19

Cynthia N. Souza, Associate Corporate Counsel at Quickcomm, Inc.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAREERS IN Marine Biology 21 Heather Heenehan, PhD student in Marine Science and Conservation at Duke University CAREERS IN Nonprofit 24 Kate C. Farrar, Director of Leadership Programs at American Association of University Women 27 Karen Santasiere, Director of Annual Giving at the University of Connecticut Foundation 28 Mike Nelson, Annual Giving Data Analyst at the University of Connecticut Foundation

CAREERS IN Recruiting 30 Matt Duffy, Recruiting Associate, at Google CAREERS IN social sciences, research, medical anthropology, & global health 32 Tess Bird, Course Developer, NextGenU / Freelance Researcher & Writer CAREERS IN Sports and Entertainment 34 Alyssa T. (Gerlando) Bosley, Lecturer in the School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management at James Madison University CAREERS IN Writing 36 Norm Schriever, Writer, Author, and Speaker

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Index by major

Julianne Miller Project Coordinator How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position?

University of Connecticut Master of Arts ‘05

I have always been interested in travel, study abroad and foreign languages. I knew that I wanted to do something with the MA in International Studies; however, I wasn’t necessarily thrilled with the thought of teaching. While living in San Francisco, my spouse and I were considering moving back to Connecticut, so I contacted a job where one of my friends used to work and asked if there were openings. I sent lots of other résumés but heard nothing back. Honestly, it’s who you know that gets you where you need to be. How does your UConn coursework and experience help you in your job? I took a wide variety of classes from Art History to Latin to 19th-century European History. For my current and past job, the grab-bag of information and well-rounded variety of classes definitely help with what I do. You never know when you need information on 16th-century Mannerist art for a tour!

CAREERS IN BUSINESS

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

Even though I was at UConn for grad school and not undergrad, I think it was the same experience for me in that I didn’t have the opportunity to do an internship due to the location of the school. There are a lot of businesses in Connecticut, but reaching them is definitely a bit tricky. A lot of students now have internships under their belt for their first “meaningful job,” but that is something that I definitely feel as though I missed out on. What excites you about your job? Working with a group of multi-lingual people in a small office is great. I like the small business atmosphere, close location (just ten minutes away!), and the people I work with. In my previous jobs, it’s always been about the people I work with rather than the people I work for. What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn? UConn gave me the chance to take a lot of different classes for my MA degree. I took undergrad classes as part of my degree which were definitely a lot of fun, but necessary as some of the classes I wanted to take were not offered or the professor was on sabbatical that semester/year.

brendan Krueger Postdoctoral Researcher at Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Gif-sur-Yvette, France Career Path: Computational Scientist, currently exploring a variety of fields for my next position LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bkkrueger

CAREERS IN COMPUTATIONAL ASTROPHYSICS

University of Connecticut Bachelor of Science in Physics and BSE in Computer Science & Engineering, UConn PhD and MA in Physics, Stony Brook University

What was your favorite class at UConn? A course on Mathematical Methods for Physicists. It was designed and taught by a graduate student who knew what would be useful for us to learn but hadn’t been taught. It was a survey of random topics that were both useful and interesting, taught by someone who was excited to be talking about those things. It filled in gaps of things we were supposed to know (although we’d never been taught) and gave us hints of the exciting topics we’d be exposed to in graduate school. What student activities were you involved in? I actually didn’t have a lot of time for extra-curricular activities. I had two majors and I worked (as a Resident Assistant during the school year, as an Orientation Leader during the summer). How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position? In my freshman year, a friend gave me a science fiction novel for Christmas. Around that time I was finding I wasn’t interested in the major I’d chosen. Reading that novel reminded me that I loved my courses on computers and physics in high school, so I changed to double-major in those fields so I could work on things I enjoy. Later on, one of my undergraduate advisors told me to find out what makes me stand out from the crowd. In my case, that was a background in both computer science and in physics, which led me to a computational physics research group in graduate school, specializing in exploding stars. The experience with stellar physics, explosive phenomena, and high-performance computing that I got in graduate school gave me a good résumé for several computational physics positions when I finished my PhD. How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job? One of my majors, Physics, was in CLAS. I got a solid background in physics, which is important when going to graduate school. Possibly more important were opportunities to do an independent study with a professor on an interesting

theoretical topic, and a summer job working in a professor’s lab designing equipment for an experiment. What do you wish you knew as an undergrad related to preparing for your career? Most science/engineering positions I’ve applied for aren’t looking for a certain set of skills (beyond basic knowledge in the field). They’re looking for people who are motivated, talented, hard working, good at working on a team, and able to learn new things quickly. You learn the specifics of your responsibilities on the job. What excites you about your job? I love the fact that I get to use the best of all of my degrees in my every day work: programming, mathematics, and studying new science. And traveling to fun international locations (paid for by my job) is definitely a plus. What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn? The ability to be self-motivated is critical. You don’t often have someone looking over your shoulder and watching what you are doing, but if you slack off then you are really only hurting yourself. An independent study is a great way to push yourself, because you are largely responsible for the work you do and how much you get out of it. My summer job working in a research lab was also great, as the professor I worked with was very hands-off and let me handle my own schedule so long as the work got done. What are the next steps in your career? I am currently applying for my next position. A postdoc is part of the path towards a career in academia, especially as a research professor. But with the skills I have learned in my work, I can also explore government labs, and a huge variety of industry positions ranging from medical instrumentation to space flight. Resources for Students: Visit American Astronomical Society, including their Job Register website, for more information about organizations in astrophysics. Visit AstroBetter (www.astrobetter.com) for tips and tricks for professional astronomers. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor at the Center for Career Development 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.

Nicholas Field University of Connecticut Bachelor of Arts in Economics ’07 Certificate in Portfolio Management and Risk Management at New York University ‘10 – ‘11

Senior Proprietary Equity Trader at Trillium Trading, LLC 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: 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; 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? 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 drastically shifted 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 an 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 led by UConn’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 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 on 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. I have ever since been actively involved in recruiting UConn students to my firm each year. 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 run 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 to do as a freshman 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 to come up with critical, yet unexpected, information are keys 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 by serving a leadership role for multiple years in the International Relations Association; any class that requires you to think independently and give your own perspective on various subject matters—especially those courses which reward contrary viewpoints.

What are the next steps in your career? I will be attending Duke for my MBA this coming fall! Resources for Students: 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. Visit eFinancial Careers to view internships/jobs in the finance industry organized into over twenty sectors and locations. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor at the Center for Career Development 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.

Stacey S. Phengvath Office Management Specialist at the U.S. Department of State, American Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel Career Path: Research Assistant at University of Connecticut (2010) Intern Activities Coordinator at U.S. Department of State Government Agency (2010) Career Resource Assistant in the Department of Career Services at University of Connecticut (2008-2009) University of Connecticut

Human Resources Intern at Gen Re (2009)

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;10

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/staceysomsichack

What was your favorite class at UConn? Sociology Department â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Class, Power, and Inequality What student activities were you involved in? Multicultural Business Society, Asiantation Mentoring Program

CAREERS IN GOVERNMENT

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

I landed an internship with the Department of State in my senior year. After the internship completed, I interviewed within the Department to further my professional experience working in Washington, DC. How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job? My student work experience provided the tools and knowledge for me to scope out internships and trained me in career searching and networking. My coursework at UConn provided me with the necessary skills to be functional in a work environment which deals with diplomacy and outreach. What do you wish you knew as an undergrad related to preparing for your career? Reflecting back on my undergraduate experience, I would have liked to know and understand more about job opportunities and skills required for an international career. I would have appreciated an emphasis on international relations and foreign affairs (other than business) during my tenure at UConn.

What excites you about your job? My job forced me to adapt to a completely new culture, style of living, and environment. The most exciting thing about my job is that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lifestyle and not just a desk job. When I leave the American Embassy, I am still representing the United States everywhere else I go around the country. What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn? Having an appreciation and an interest in current events and international relations is the key to succeed in a job in the U.S. Foreign Service. The necessary skills derived from your interest in foreign affairs should be good research and writing skills. UConn helped me develop these skills by embedding intensive writing courses into the academic plan of study; however my appreciation for cross-cultural issues came from the availability of affinity groups on the UConn campus. My involvement in various professional, social, and advocacy groups during undergrad best translated into my line of work. What are the next steps in your career? Apply into the diplomat track of the U.S. Foreign Service. Resources for Students Visit Careers in Government to learn more about associations, trends, schools, and conferences related to jobs in the public sector. Visit USAJobs.gov to view internships/jobs with the federal government. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor at the Center for Career Development 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.

Charlene B. Schultz Senior IT Project Manager at Aetna LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/charlene-b-schultz/45/320/ aa2

What was your favorite class at UConn? BA – Shakespeare; MBA – Managerial Communications What student activities were you involved in?

University of Connecticut Bachelor of Arts in English ’90

CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE

M.B.A. in Health Systems Management ’94

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; the ability to work with and understand financial budgets/forecasting, and 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 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 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. Visit Health eCareers to view internships/jobs in the healthcare industry organized into thirteen categories ranging from pharmacy to physicians.

mansour ndiaye Director of Advising 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 degree and PhD.

Bachelor of Arts in Economics and French ‘01

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.

Bachelor of Science in Business Management Information Systems ’01

“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.”

Master of Arts in Sport Management ’06

Through taking a broad course load, Mansour explored several subjects and found three disciplines 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, Mansour embraced the ambiguity and opportunity.

CAREERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

University of Connecticut

Ph.D. in Kinesiology ’11

“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.”

James Kaiser President/CEO at Kaiser Whitney Staffing Career Path: Labor Relations Specialist at New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (1991 –1994) LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jameskaiserct What was your favorite class at UConn? University of Connecticut

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

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Organizational Development ’91

What student activities were you involved in? Ski Team, Intramural Sports, Resident Assistant How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position?

CAREERS IN HUMAN RESOURCES

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 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. Visit SHRMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Job page to view numerous internships/jobs in human resources industry. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor at the Center for Career Development 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.

MatThew Brush Chief HR Officer, Genesee &Wyoming, Inc. Career Path: HR generalist LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=87501 What was your favorite class at UConn? Industrial & Organizational Psychology – because it turned me in the direction of a career in the corporate world. Until that point, I was really focused on a more clinical track. University of Connecticut

What student activities were you involved in?

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, UConn

I was active in the UConn Psi Chi chapter, but I also worked at a local restaurant 30 to 35 hours a week, so my time for activities on campus was limited.

CAREERS IN HUMAN RESOURCES

MILR, Cornell

How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position? After the I/O Psych class, I pursued a co-op position with IBM as a way to explore the corporate world. That experience led me to the graduate program at Cornell’s ILR School, which opened many doors for me in the working world. Over the years, I’ve worked in different industries and held positions at almost every level of the corporate world – plants, regions, HQs, etc. – and that led logically to the CHRO position I currently hold. Getting back to Connecticut after having lived all over the US was an added bonus. How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job? We had to read a great deal of material, synthesize it, and write clearly about it. These three skills are important to almost any corporate role, and they become more important as you work with people at higher levels in the organization. What excites you about your job? While it’s exciting to work on the people aspects of the business (and almost any business is ultimately dependent on having the right people on the team to get the work done), I really enjoy leading and developing a team. What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn? Absorbing large amounts of information, learning quickly about new techniques, regulations and requirements, being able to

synthesize and summarize â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these are all important skills. I probably learned as much about these skills in CLAS from my classes on Shakespeare as I did in my psychology classes. What are the next steps in your career? I am continuing to learn new technical lessons (working with experts in Executive Compensation, or Labor Relations, for example), but the biggest challenges that will cause growth for me and my team stem from solving people-related problems. That goes as much for our clients, who need to identify, grow and retain talent within their business as it does for our function â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which requires an increasing level of technical excellence each year. Resources for Students Visit www.cahrs.ilr.cornell.edu/About Visit www.hrps.org/ Visit www.worldatwork.org/waw/home/html/home.jsp

Kevin mcquade 2nd-year graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh Career Path: International Relations and Terrorism Studies What was your favorite class at UConn? I took a writing-intensive class titled, “Globalization and Political Change” with Dr. Shareen Hertel, which introduced me to the topics and research that I now study for a living. The small-scale environment with less than 13 students allowed for close study of the material, and effectively taught me how to write, present, and defend an extensive analytical research paper.

CAREERS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

What student activities were you involved in? University of Connecticut Bachelor of Arts in Political Science ‘11

At UConn I was involved in several organizations. I became most involved with my co-ed honors fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi, beginning my sophomore year. The fraternity was a great group of students with similar interests seeking to meet new people and join an extensive alumni network, one that spans the globe. We got involved extensively with programs both on- and off-campus, maintaining a great balance between volunteering, fundraising, and scholarship. Additionally, I was a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honors society, as well as Phi Alpha Theta, the history honors society. How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position? I became drawn to political science after studying social movements and contentious politics during my junior year, and continued to take classes at UConn to help me figure out what it was that truly interested me. I took classes in National and International Security and the Arab-Israeli conflict, and became drawn to Middle Eastern politics and, in particular, extremist violence against the state. After looking at the job opportunities for someone with my interests, I decided that I would be able to contribute more to my job in whatever career path I chose if I first spent the time to get my Ph.D, learning advanced research, methodological, and analytical skills along the way. How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job? The biggest lesson that UConn’s teaching provided was how to effectively research and write longer papers. In order to produce quality work in graduate school and in the professional environment, you need to be both succinct and convincing. The research methodologies helped me to

understand how and where to find information, while the various writing-intensive classes helped me to refine my writing technique and be able to present and defend my work to my peers and superiors. What do you wish you knew as an undergrad related to preparing for your career? There are significantly more options in the field than the traditional paths that you hear about as an undergraduate. Everyone thinks that a degree in political science means you either want to be some sort of politician or researcher, but there are so many more opportunities out there for people in this field. True, one can pursue a career in politics or research/academia, but the private and government sectors have opportunities that often integrate elements of economics, writing, foreign language skills, mathematics, sociology, and human rights into political science work. What excites you about your job? In graduate school, I have had the opportunity to extensively study the topics that have always interested me: suicide bombing and terrorism. I have been able to cross the disciplines and apply social movement theory, a topic I studied at UConn, to political theories about how terrorist organizations recruit and gather support in order to carry out their attacks. The chance to study these topics with world experts around me as I write and research this information further is a truly fantastic one. Also, as one of the few people in my graduate program who came directly from undergraduate study, it is exciting to be a teaching resource for undergraduate students who may sometimes feel lost in the large-scale lectures and be looking for another source to help them grasp onto the material in the ever-changing field of international relations. What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn? The most important skill one utilizes in graduate school is the ability to analyze and effectively critique journal articles, books, and publications related to your area of study. As an undergraduate, several of my political science courses required students to not only be able to understand the key points authors make in their work, but to tie them to other articles weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve read and compare the conclusions to theoretical foundations in other pieces. In my studies of why terrorist groups commit acts of extreme violence, the skills I learned in these analytically focused courses help me to apply theories of contention and social movements to terrorist group activities, linking conflict theory to contemporary practice in an accessible way for readers. What are the next steps in your career? My next steps will be to continue working on research and publishing papers on current international relations issues and extremist violence. As I learn more about the field and become more educated on the topics, I will teach courses at my university on specific subjects within the IR field. As time progresses, I hope to either teach international politics at the collegiate level or go into the field of national security and foreign intelligence. Resources for Students: The Intelligence Community (IC), www.intelligence.gov/careers-in-intelligence/, site provides extensive information about how to research and get started on a career in intelligence. Each year, the US News and World Report publishes a list ranking their top political science graduate programs. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great way to see where potential programs fall and where you may be best suited based on academics and experience. It is important to look carefully, however, as some graduate programs prefer professional training before studying at that particular school, while others are much more specialized in some fields than others (Rankingsandreviews.com).

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 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/cynthia-souza University of Connecticut Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science ’07 J.D. at Indiana University Maurer School of Law ’10

What was your favorite class at UConn? 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? I began my time at UCONN as a Pharmacy major. After freshman year, I decided this was not the path I wanted to pursue. During 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 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. Visit the American Bar Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Career Center to view jobs in the legal profession, as well as information regarding choosing and managing a career in the legal profession. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor at the Center for Career Development 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. To see more from UConn pre-law alumni, visit the Pre-Law Alumni Spotlight on the UConn Pre-Law Center Website.

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)

CAREERS IN MARINE BIOLOGY

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/heatherheenehan University of Connecticut

Twitter: www.twitter.com/SpinnerHeather

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science ’09

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 different areas: science, economics, history, linguistics, American Sign Language, women’s studies; 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 unable 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 on 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 the 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 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.

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 that colleges and universities are lively places with so much opportunity for interaction along so many levels: undergrad students, grad students, post docs, faculty, support staff, housekeeping, administration, that they all can work together to promote learning and student development. 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 the 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 developed at UConn through 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 giving class 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 of being in front of others, answering questions and 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. Resources for Students 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. Visit Ocean Careers to view internships/job postings in the marine biology field and explore other potential ocean-related careers.

Kate C. Farrar Director of Leadership Programs at American Association of University Women (AAUW) Twitter: www.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 the 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.

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 a degree in 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 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 of 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!

Resources for Students Visit UConnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Careers for the Common Good to view internships and jobs in the nonprofit industry, explore service and graduate school opportunities, and find workshops and presentations for careers in service. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor at the Center for Career Development 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.

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 possesses 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. 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 that have been instrumental in her success: having a strong work ethic and making the most of opportunities that arise.

Mike Nelson Annual Giving Data Analyst at The UConn Foundation* 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]. University of Connecticut Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Statistics ’10

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.

CAREERS IN NONPROFIT

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

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. 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? From being an Orientation Leader, I’ve learned to be organized, well-spoken, and effectively problem solve; From my math and stats classes, I’ve learned to think outside the box and be an analytical thinker. What are the next steps in your career? I’d like to continue to learn more on the programmatic side of the data world, and possibly be a Business Analyst for a company/corporation. *Profile completed in 2011. Mike is currently a Guest English Teacher at EPIK (English Program in Korea) in Daejon, South Korea.

Resources for Students 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 is a collaboration between the Center for Career Development, the Office of Community Outreach, and the Human Rights Institute that provides resources and encourages students to explore career paths that positively affect the community and society at large. Visit Connecticut Association of Nonprofits to view local careers in the nonprofit sector. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor at the Center for Career Development 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.

matt duffy Recruiting Associate, Google Career Path: The Walt Disney Company, Recruiting Coordinator NBCUniversal, Marketing & Publicity (Undergrad Intern) MTV / Viacom, Celebrity Talent & Casting (Undergrad Intern) The Walt Disney Studios, Marketing & Publicity (Undergrad Intern) University of Connecticut

Apple Inc., Marketing Rep (Undergrad Intern)

Bachelor of Arts in History

Disney College Program (Undergrad Intern) LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/duffymatt/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/RecruiterDuffy

CAREERS IN RECRUITING

What was your favorite class at UConn?

My favorite classes at UConn would have to be Sociology 3990 & 3991. These courses afforded me the unique opportunity to gain field experience and academic credit by completing an internship. I participated in the Disney College Program in Orlando, FL. This opportunity proved critical in helping me decide on my current career path and in allowing me the opportunity to add a Fortune 100 company to my rĂŠsumĂŠ as an undergraduate student. Above all other courses I took at UConn, this in particular by far had the most significant impact on my life. In my current profession within recruiting, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for undergraduate students to complement their education by gaining practical work experience before graduating. What student activities were you involved in? During my sophomore year at UConn, I co-founded and served as the first President of a student organization called Disney at UConn. I remained heavily involved with the organization all the way up to my senior year. The organization was initially established as a means to connect students with UConn alumni of the Disney College Program. Due to its popularity, the organization has continued to evolve and grow each and every semester. As an upperclassmen, I joined the UConn Marketing Society. This student organization offered a great series of guest speakers from companies including ESPN, Mohegan Sun, and LEGO.

How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position? If someone would have told me during my freshman year at UConn that I would end up with a history degree and working in recruiting at Google shortly after graduating, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. Thankfully through a series of undergraduate internships and an active LinkedIn profile, I ultimately found a job I am truly passionate about. How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job? In today’s job market, the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and deal with ambiguity, are perhaps more important than ever before. My UConn CLAS education prepared me with a strong foundation of all these skills through all the day to day lectures, group projects, papers, and yes, even exams. In any major, one can find transferable skills and apply them to almost any career. What do you wish you knew as an undergrad related to preparing for your career? During my first year and a half as an undergrad at UConn, I felt pressured to decide upon a career path quickly and declare my major accordingly. With so many different majors and areas of study available at UConn, the decision process can be overwhelming and quite stressful. Like many other students, I believed the only sure way to get a marketing job out of college would be to apply to the UConn Business School and declare as a marketing major. Now looking back on this, I know this is not the case. A broad liberal arts curriculum and a series of undergrad internships allowed me to develop skills that marketing hiring managers ultimately found very desirable. I think it’s important to know that in most cases, your major won’t define your career path. What excites you about your job? Working at a technology company like Google is incredibly rewarding. In my current role I have the opportunity to connect applicants with the various job opportunities in exciting locations all over the world. Every day I wake up knowing my work can truly change someone’s life. Every time my team offers a candidate a position at Google, the company gets one step closer to its goal of organizing all of the world’s information and making it universally accessible. The free food at Google is a nice perk too! What skills are important in your line of work? Critical thinking, reasoning, effective communication, grammar, organization, multi-tasking, time management, client relationship management, and perhaps most importantly at a fast moving company like Google, the ability to be flexible and handle and overcome ambiguity. What are the next steps in your career? While only time can tell, I continue to develop my core skills while always proactively seeking to learn new ones along the way. Resources for Students: Visit Google Internships: www.google.com/students Visit Google Jobs: www.google.com/jobs Visit Google Programs and Scholarships: www.goo.gl/1GzUE Visit How Google Hires: www.goo.gl/P6Ci8 Visit Walt Disney Company Internships: www.disneyinterns.com Visit Walt Disney Company Careers: www.disneycareers.com Visit LinkedIn Tips: www.goo.gl/9014R

tess bird Course Developer, NextGenU / Freelance Researcher & Writer Career Path: Medical Anthropology (Ph.D.) / Research / Writing LinkedIn: linkedin.com/pub/tess-bird/38/b86/282/ What was your favorite class at UConn?

CAREERS IN social sciences, research, medical anthropology, & global

Feminisms and the Arts; Women’s Studies Internship Seminar

University of Connecticut

What student activities were you involved in?

Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies, Creative Writing Connectration, Minor in Anthropology ‘08

Writing Center (tutor), Women’s Center (Newsletter Editor), Long River Review, creative writing workshops

Masters of Science, Medical Anthropology, University of Oxford

How did you decide on this field and how did you get to your current position? The fall after I graduated from UConn, a friend and I packed up my car and moved to Chicago where I worked as a nanny, studied sculpture under a local artist, and volunteered for FoodNotBombs, all while planning to enter an MFA program in creative writing the following fall. The advice of a wise poet kept echoing in my head: if you want to be a writer, you have to live your life first. I ended up turning down a fully-funded Ph.D. in creative writing and jumped around the U.S. for about six months before spending two months in South Africa, a trip that reawakened the activist in me. I found an intense political (and often brutally eye-opening) job working in occupational health litigation for a small, high-profile consulting firm. I enjoyed both the legal and scientific elements of the job, and found that my social science and creative background added a new and necessary perspective to a team of doctors and lawyers. That year, I applied to the University of Oxford master’s program in Medical Anthropology on a whim. To my surprise, I was accepted and went on to meet some amazing people from all over the world, wrote a dissertation on pharmaceutical marketing, and was invited back to pursue a PhD. It turns out I love medical anthropology. It is both intellectually stimulating and applicable to many real world issues, such as global health, and it allows me to remain an avid writer. I’ve since worked for a global health non-profit which helps train local health care professionals in lowincome areas and worked on a collaborative project to

develop social medicine courses for an innovative medical curriculum. I’m not a fan of closing doors, so I have just remained open to the next, often unexpected, step. I will return to complete a Ph.D. later this year. on a collaborative project to develop social medicine courses for an innovative, medical curriculum. I’m not a fan of closing doors, so I have just remained open to the next, often unexpected step. I will return to complete a Ph.D. later this year. How has your UConn CLAS education prepared you for your job? The most important thing I learned at UConn was how to navigate a large, daunting system. I went from being an overwhelmed first year student to knocking on people’s doors to get the courses and education I wanted. UConn was a dose of the real world. It taught me to be proactive and involved, and that’s an asset to any job. What do you wish you knew as an undergrad related to preparing for your career? I think a lot of liberal arts education makes bright young students feel like they can go out there and do anything… immediately. Many of my peers graduated and had trouble finding jobs right away. It was 2008 – all the things we were promised suddenly seemed to be crashing down. Despite the shared difficulties, I still felt like a complete failure and it took a while to build my confidence back up. So I wish I knew that failure was a part of the process of figuring out what you want to do and that external achievements are not what make interesting lives. What excites you about your job? I am currently developing social medicine courses for NextGenU, an online portal to free, accredited, higher education. I like working with medical professionals and being the social science voice. Medical anthropologists often act as liaisons between culture and the scientific knowledge of biomedicine and their research can be extremely beneficial for understanding diseases and providing effective treatments in local communities worldwide. I find I have to understand multiple, sometimes opposing worlds and be able to translate between them, often being the one to challenge problematic aspects of a very dominant system. I’ve learned that no matter how much you individually know about health, whether a medical doctor or academic professional, it’s never as raw and meaningful as the collective stories and experience of patients and communities. What skills are important in your line of work and how did you develop them at UConn? Listening and communicating effectively is vital for a researcher in my field, where you are engaging with often drastically different groups of people. My experience at UConn really helped me hone these skills. I found that the Women’s Studies program encouraged me to learn from my peers and ask challenging questions in a non-competitive and supportive environment. Through the cultural centers and studying abroad, I also learned how to step out of my comfort zone and interact with a diverse selection of people from multiple cultures, countries, backgrounds, and various primary languages. A lot of my peers went through their education never challenging themselves socially, but UConn has a lot of opportunities to meet people wildly different from yourself if you’re looking for them. What are the next steps in your career? I’m planning on beginning my studies in a PhD program in the UK later this year and commencing a career as a researcher – and hopefully a non-fiction writer – but you never know. Resources for Students: Visit the Society for Medical Anthropology’s website. It serves students, scholars, and professionals and is a great way to learn more about the vast field of medical anthropology. Visit Writer’s Digest for creative prompts, tips, and more that can be useful for a young writer. Career counselors at UConn’s Center for Career Development can help better define your career path.

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) University of Connecticut Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Sports Communications â&#x20AC;&#x2122;02 Master of Science in Athletic Administration â&#x20AC;&#x2122;07

Assistant Director of Athletics Marketing at James Madison University (2004-2006) Marketing & Media Relations Manager, Norwich Navigators (2003-2004) Twitter: www. 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 studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 coachâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and not just a teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to be truly effective. By gaining the trust and confidence of students, I have learned first-hand 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 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. Visit Teamwork Online to view internships/jobs in the sports industry organized into fifteen categories ranging from event management to ticket operations. Meet with a UConn Career Counselor at the Center for Career Development 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.

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: www.linkedin.com/in/normschriever Twitter: www. twitter.com/NormSchriever Website: www.normschriever.com Email: hi@normschriever.com What was your favorite class at UConn?

University of Connecticut Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences ’95

German Folk Songs. Seriously—it was pure awesomeness! What student activities were you involved in? Sigma Chi Fraternity, Crew Club, WHUS Radio DJ

CAREERS IN WRITING

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

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. 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 has 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 networking - it 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 courses” were just getting popular at the time, but I thought they were just for brainiacs and it was probably just a passing phase! Hahaha [sic].

What excites you about your job? Wow. I guess it’s 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: 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. Visit Norm’s website or write him an email if you’re interested in receiving advice or, simply to build your network! Meet with a UConn Career Counselor at the Center for Career Development 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.

Communication Sciences 34 Computer Science & Engineering 3 Economics 5, 12, 19 English 10, 27 Environmental Science 21 French 12 History 30 International Relations & Organizational Development 13 Journalism & Sports Communications

Mathematics & Statistics 28 Physics 3 Political Science 7, 19, 24 Psychology 15

INDEX BY MAJOR

Sociology 8