Duluth Career Center

Strengths: Relator, Individualization, Arranger, Learner, Developer

How did you gain experience when you were a student?
As a history and recreation double major, I spent a summer as camp counselor, 3M HR intern, and the 10 months after college as an SCA AmeriCorps member. I also was the volunteer coordinator for our Therapuetic Recreation & Recreation (TRREC) student club, played intramural basketball & flag football, worked on campus as a senior water aerobics instructor and life guard, and was a Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society member.

Advice for Students
Have fun! Be safe. Challenge yourself. Do the hard things. Ask questions. Step outside your comfort zone. Ask for help!

Strengths: Achiever, Input, Empathy, Learner, Intellection

How did you become a career development professional?
I got the opportunity to do an internship in the Career Office as a graduate student. As a first generation college student I immediately saw the value of the office. It was then I knew that was what I wanted to do as my career – to help others figure out majors and careers.

Advice for students
Be adventurous! Try things you are interested in exploring. Do that study abroad or take that class that interests you. You never know who you might meet or where that might lead you in terms of your future!

Strengths: Responsibility, Harmony, Arranger, Discipline, Maximizer

Out of work obsessions: Finding unique ways to spend time with my 3 teenagers, whether it’s cheering them on at their sporting events, cooking together, watching movies, or exploring the outdoors.

Strengths: Strategic, Maximizer, Empathy, Individualization, Arranger

Out of work obsessions: Family, helping with my kids’ sports teams/activities, travel (our family has been to all 50 states + I have been to 14 countries), crafting (drawing, paining, flipping furniture, etc…)

How did you become a career development professional?
I graduated undergrad with a teaching degree in French and Spanish and a minor in dance. While teaching middle school some people suggested to me the idea of becoming a school counselor, so I pursued a master’s degree in school counseling and was a high school counselor for several years. When I moved back to MN a friend told me about a job opening in the career office at UMD so I applied and have been here ever since. While in this job, I earned a doctorate in higher education with emphasis on serving underrepresented students in PWIs. I have always had a wide range of interests so I really enjoy working in career development because I get to work with students and alumni with such a broad range of interests, talents, and career ideas.

Strengths: Maximizer, Input, Learner, Futuristic, Strategic

How did you gain experience when you were a student?
I earned a Bachelors degree in Organizational Communication with a minor in Management from UW-Eau Claire. While at UWEC, I worked in the Career Services office throughout all of college reviewing resumes & cover letters and helping students find career resources. I was involved in a variety of student organizations both related and not related to my major. I also completed an internship with a national non-profit organization. I went on to earn a Masters degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Higher Education from UW-Whitewater. At UWW, I did graduate assistantships in both Career Services & Student Conduct. I also did a summer internship at Eastern Oregon University with the VP of Student Affairs where I got to work with departments throughout the divison. I capped off my grad school experience with a year-long internship at UW-Madison in the College of Letters & Science Career Services office.

Advice for Students
Be an active participant in shaping your career goals/plans. Every experience builds on your previous experience and can teach you something new. Sometimes you need to just try something to see if you like it or not.

Out of work obsessions: photography (especially nature & travel), reading for fun, and design & content creation

Strengths: Adaptability, Learner, Maximizer, Intellection, Input

Advice for students
Foster relationships wherever you can! This helps build a network for your academic and career success, but it also broadens your perspective and supports your social wellbeing. Find a mentor, be a mentor, join a club, go to office hours, connect with alumni, collaborate with a classmate. Connections are all around you- you never know who is going to change your life!

Out of Work Obsessions: I am an avid thrifter– I love finding unique treasures and upcycling items to give them new life. I especially enjoy sewing and exploring fiber arts.

Strengths: Arranger, Woo, Maximizer, Connectedness, Empathy

Advice for students
Keeping an open mind is key as you navigate your college journey. You never know where your path may take you, so embrace new experiences, ideas, and opportunities. Ask questions when you’re unsure, seek support when you need it, and trust that you have the strength to overcome any challenge—big or small. Stay curious, stay resilient, and know that growth often comes from the unexpected.

Out of work obsessions: My out-of-work obsessions include Lake Superior and driving up the North Shore—I’ve been to all 60 gems of the North Shore! So far, I’ve visited 49 states, 26 countries, and counting. I love experiencing new places, learning new languages, and immersing myself in diverse cultures. I’m also passionate about educating myself and staying curious about the world around me.

Strengths: Achiever, Positivity, Maximizer, Arranger, Woo

What’s the one thing you would do, if you were able to do it?
I would have at least a five season show on Netflix that would follow me as I perfected a career. My five tasks for each season would be:

1. Leaning stand-up comedy and getting a Netflix special
2. Becoming a world class ballroom dancer
3. Becoming the next Gordon Ramsey, learning to cook
4. Making a new version of Extreme Makeover (Home Edition), but (personal growth edition)
5. Becoming a pop star, learning how to dance, sing, and entertain

Best Words Of Advice For Students
Be confident in the decisions you make and be authentic to you. Don’t be scared to ask for help, when you do, you streamline anything that is blocking you from your goal(s).”