As we get closer to Thanksgiving, we tend to reflect on the things that we are thankful for. Here at NAU Career Development, we are all thankful for our jobs! Below are some statements from our very own Career Team on some of the reasons why we are thankful for the jobs that we have here at Northern Arizona University
Emily McCarthy (Program Director):
I am thankful that I have a job that challenges me in new ways…as a manager, educator, and person…every day. Every time I see a student engage and learn I am grateful. When a student reaches out to let me know they got their dream job it makes my day. I’m now in my third year here and we’re starting to really see impacts from work we started when I was new to NAU, and that makes every long day and sacrifice worth it! I also have the honor of working with so many talented professionals across NAU who have become friends and helped make Flagstaff my home.
Diana Sundermeyer (Internship Coordinator):
I’m Thankful for My Job because I get to work with a diverse and creative team of professionals who share my passion for empowering students to identify their strengths and navigate their unique career path. I am fortunate to work in an environment where I feel encouraged to be my authentic self – both silly and serious, pragmatic and philosophical. I am grateful that my supervisor and co-workers are supportive of my work-life balance. Every day at my job is different and I get to use my strengths, stretch my comfort zone, and make genuine connections with all kinds of people. I’m Thankful for My Job because it is a job that I can look forward to going to every day.
Jamie Paul (Program Coordinator):
I am thankful for my job because I get to work with so many lovely and kind students every day! I love hearing about their plans for the future, or watching them help each other out in class and in workshops. I think the very coolest thing about working at NAU is the sense of optimism and possibility that so many students seem to carry around in their backpacks, squeezed in along with a vast variety of experiences and viewpoints. I think many people who pursue higher education do so because they have the courage to picture themselves in a future that they can choose. They want to help create a world that is always looking for new ways to be better, and being a part of that drive and idealism is pretty infectious and inspiring! The many faculty and staff members who work at NAU are fabulous, it’s true, but the students are the mashed potatoes with melty butter. If you knew how much I love my mashed potatoes, you would totally get the reference.
Laurah Hagen (Program Coordinator):
I’m Thankful for My Job because I love being a part of University College, where there is energy and excitement about playing with new ideas. From planning a study abroad in Scotland, to developing brand new courses, I feel totally supported to experiment. Meeting students with diverse backgrounds who share their stories is always a great experience. I’ve learned so much from the Blavin Scholars, my UC 199 students, and others who I’ve met through advising and workshops. I’m Thankful for My Job because there are SOOOO many opportunities to continue developing as a professional! From Cassie’s fun and engaging HR classes, to Faculty Development seminars and conversations, to e-learning’s trainings on the Quality Matters rubric, there is always something to grow from. I’m also thankful for being part of a community of really talented professionals, who love to share their expertise. Best practices for BBlearn design? I’ll call John Dougherty in E-learning. How to design our website? I’ll call Brad Kamradt in marketing. How to publish a book? Connect with Cyndi Banks. I’m so thankful to be connected to all this talent! I’m also thankful for Jordan, the Starbucks barista, who seems to remember the name and preferred drink of every single person who goes there.
Amy Paul (Program Coordinator):
I’m thankful for my job because I get the opportunity to help students launch their careers. There’s nothing better than finding out that a student I’ve worked with was offered the job they want!
Vanessa Baptiste (Graduate Assistant):
This year I am thankful for my job because this is an opportunity many people in my country strive for. I am also thankful that this job allows me to see career development ‘behind the scenes’ with the most amazing people I have ever met. I am also grateful that I was given this job as a graduate assistant especially since it aligns with my passion for helping people live successful lives.
Erin Chastain (Graduate Assistant):
I am thankful for many things in my job at Career Development! I am lucky enough to get to work with students on campus in their process of finding a career, and I also get to collaborate with other departments on campus including both academic affairs and student affairs. I love the positive, supportive atmosphere that the team brings to work every day.
AnaClara Rice (Lead Career Jack):
I am thankful for the wonderful working environment NAU Career Development has and the team dynamic we all share. We are able to effectively work as a team; the best part is our communication as well as our ability to bounce creative ideas off one another. It’s also great that the team has a great relationship, having that support allows for us to build strong ties as well as skills we can use in the future. I am most thankful for having the privilege to be part of a great team where we all strive to provide the best for students and alumni. It’s great being able to work with people who are passionate about their work and the impact it can make on others. They have all taught us what a great team is like as well as helping each other become stronger and better professionals.
April Canseco (Career Jack):
I’m Thankful for My Job because I have such a fun and exciting team to work with. We help each other grow and learn everyday especially for the Career Jacks, we are learning how to develop our professionalism and transferable skills for when we graduate and are sent off into the world. I couldn’t ask for a better job. I’m also thankful for the ability I have as a Career Team member to work with my fellow peers and help them understand the value of a proper resume and how to get that job they want so badly. It is the greatest satisfaction when you meet with a student for a mock interview and they come back to tell you they got the job!
Emma-Leigh Enrico (Career Jack):
I’m thankful for my job because I get the opportunity to work with such an amazing team! I love to be able to empower students to reach their maximum potential and identify their strengths and weaknesses in their career search. Also, I am thankful to be able to learn new skills to develop professionally for when I graduate college!
Turner Kallen (Career Jack):
I am thankful for my job as a Career Jack because each day I come into work I know the sole purpose of it all is to help students benefit in there career success. Every other job I have ever had has never been as fulfilling as the one that I have now. I truly can say that it is a blessing to hear that students are gaining valuable information that will help advance them in their career and benefit them for the rest of their lives! I am also thankful that I get to work with such an amazing and kind staff.
Riley Orr (Graphic Design Intern):
I am thankful for my internship with the Career Development Team because it allows me the opportunity to gain invaluable graphic design experience!