College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources

Pronouns:  She/Her/Hers

How did you gain experience when you were a student? 

As an undergraduate, I worked as a grocery store cashier, a bank teller, and switchboard operator (i.e. answered the phones) at a large car dealership.  While these experiences didn’t relate directly to my major, they provided me with transferrable skills such as customer service, attention to detail, and conflict resolution.  I was also involved in choir as an undergraduate, and though I didn’t recognize it at the time, this experience also allowed me to gain transferrable skills such as teamwork and helped me develop confidence.

How did you become a career development professional? 

I started my career in higher education as a recruiter and academic advisor at the community college where I graduated.  I immediately loved the advising aspect of my job as it allowed me to help students explore their academic and career goals – something that I struggled with as a college student.  I enjoyed advising so much, that I quit my job to attend graduate school where I obtained a Master’s Degree in Student Counseling and Personnel Services (i.e. Student Affairs).  While in graduate school, I had an internship in the Academic and Career Information Center at my university where I helped students explore majors and careers and conducted resume reviews.

Throughout my time as an academic advisor, I sought out opportunities to help students identify their career goals, and have developed and taught a few different major/career exploration courses.  I have also worked as an MBA Advisor and Pre-Vet Advisor where I assisted students with gaining the career and leadership experiences necessary to be successful in graduate and professional school.  All of this led me to my current position as Career and Student Experience Coach in CASNR!

Who is someone who impacted your career development?

Too many people to mention!  If I had to pick one, I would pick my supervisor, Maggie, who hired me for my first job as a recruiter and academic advisor.  Had she not taken a chance on me, I may never have discovered my passion for helping college students explore and discern their academic and career interests.  And, I met my husband at that first job, so my life changed in big ways as a result of Maggie hiring me!

Pronouns:  He/Him/His

How did you gain experience when you were a student? 

 As a student, I gained experience via active and experiential learning. I was always hands-on in gaining knowledge and using my background to further the empowerment of underrepresented and disenfranchised populations. I did my undergraduate research with gang members from Chicago. This experience made me realize that no matter your situation, perspective, or background, everyone wants a life they can be happy about. 

How did you become a career development professional? 

 Growing up on the west side of Chicago has had a significant impact on what I wanted to do with my life. My three goals growing up were to communicate effectively with people, impact people for the greater good and have fun. From the start of my professional career, these goals have been at the core of my decision on what path to take. Combining these goals has led me to the position I have today with CASNR. 

 Who is someone who impacted your career development?

Although there are many, I would say the two people who have impacted my career development the most are Civil Rights leaders Ida B Wells and a native of Nebraska, Malcolm X. Although I never got a chance to meet them. The legacy and the literature they left behind have forever influenced my approach to my career. My goal is that I’ll leave behind a similar legacy with information that people can use to follow their dreams, Inshallah.   

 “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” ~ Malcolm X

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

How did you gain experience when you were a student?

As a student, I gained experience by being a part of a student organization related to my career path and did an internship. My internship allowed me to explore what I wanted to do and eventually led to my first job! Joining a student organization related to my career path was really fun. I met friends who are now in industry as well as traveled to conferences and toured businesses that did what I thought I wanted to do. I highly recommend both being involved and trying an internship!

How did you become a career development professional?

I grew up on a farm in northeast Nebraska. When I graduated from high school, I decided to try out being a journalism/advertising major because I loved being a part of the yearbook and newspaper staff. I loved this major as I got to be creative and work with like-minded people. The faculty were amazing! Through my internship, I was able to land a job as the events coordinator for a non-profit. While with this organization, I worked my way up to the marketing director position. From there, I became the executive director of another non-profit. While working here, I met my husband at a Husker football game (GBR!). When we got married, I moved to Lincoln. The rest is history! I have been with the CASNR Career Center ever since.

Who is someone who impacted your career development?

The person who impacted my career development the most was my academic advisor, Dr. Ruth Brown. Dr. Brown served as an advisor to our student organization. She had experience in industry as well as many contacts. Dr. Brown always encouraged us to learn more about industry and how to get there. She would help us host employer panels and take us on industry tours. Her willingness to go above and beyond is something I will never forget.