May Spotlight- Austin Butman

CareerPassport: What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?

Austin: I am a Senior studying Finance. 

CareerPassport: What are your career goals?

Austin: I want to pass the CFA exam this December and receive the Chartered Financial Analyst or CFA level 1 title. I also want to begin working for an institutional bank as an analyst upon graduation from UVU in April 2016.

CareerPassport: Can you explain how you are involved in the CareerPassport program?

Austin: This is my first semester in the Career Passport Program and it has been one sweet ride. I have been able to attend the retreat, a ton of the events, as well as the club closing social. Each of the events have been awesome and have really helped me understand more about what I need to do in preparing for my future career in the financial world.

CareerPassport: What attracted you to CareerPassport?

Austin: I really liked how I was able to choose how involved I became in the Career Passport Program. I think because I wanted to take charge of my career path, and I after hearing how the Career Passport Program would allow me to do that, it was a perfect fit for taking control of my future career goals and desires.

CareerPassport: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

Austin:  I think each of the Hot Topic speakers have shared some really key insights on how to better market myself to employers and how to network with people I meet in general. I really loved the end of the year retreat too!

CareerPassport: What has been the most beneficial activity you've participated in to help you meet your future career goal?

Austin: I think the end of the year retreat, as well as the hot topic events allowed me to really network with the speakers as well as other career passport members, and it also helped me broaden my own personal network.

CareerPassport: What advice would regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

Austin: I would say to jump in as soon as you can and really get involved. It will help your networking skills and your future career out immensely! I know that I have pulled away so many experiences from just one semester which will help me with my future career.

April Spotlight-Rich Christensen

CareerPassport: What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?

Rich: I am a Sophomore studying Social Work.

CareerPassport: What are your career goals?

Rich: I hope to graduate from UVU with my Bachelor’s in Social Work and go into Academic Advising or work with Men’s Custody Rights.

CareerPassport: Can you explain how you are involved in the CareerPassport program?

Rich: I am a participant of the Engaged Learning University Distinction (ELUD).

CareerPassport: What attracted you to CareerPassport?

Rich: I was attracted to the program while attending the monthly Lecture Series. I wanted to better understand who I was as a person.

CareerPassport: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

Rich:  I have enjoyed the retreat the most because it was packed full of great information to reflect on.

CareerPassport: What has been the most beneficial activity you've participated in to help you meet your future career goal?

Rich: The most beneficial activity so far has been the activities that we participated in at the retreat because it really helped me realize what I can bring to the workforce.

CareerPassport: What advice would regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

Rich: Take time to do the activities which will help you understand yourself better.  CareerPassport can help you stay on track to achieve your dreams. 

March Spotlight- Chris Cantor

Career Passport: What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?

Chris: I am a Senior studying Behavioral Science.

CareerPassport: What are your career goals?

Chris: I hope to graduate from UVU with my Bachelor’s and then go on to get MBA and eventually a JD.

CareerPassport: Can you explain how you are involved in the CareerPassport program?

Chris: I am a participant of the Engaged Learning University Distinction (ELUD).

CareerPassport: What attracted you to CareerPassport?

Chris: I was attracted to the opportunity to participate in various networking activities and also to become better prepared for life after my graduation from UVU.  

CareerPassport: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

Chris:  I have enjoyed the different recourses available through the various activities.

CareerPassport: What has been the most beneficial activity you've participated in to help you meet your future career goal?

Chris: The most beneficial activity so far has been meeting with a licensed counselor to discuss my goals and personality. It allowed me to receive some amazing positive feedback, motivating me to continue working hard on my goals.

CareerPassport: What advice would regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

Chris: Start the program early in your college years!

February Spotlight- Shannon Cisney

Career Passport: What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?

Shannon: I am a Freshman studying Dental Hygiene. 

CareerPassport: What are your career goals?

Shannon: I hope to graduate with a bachelors degree in Dental Hygiene. I would love to work as a hygienist. It is a great, stable, flexible job. 

CareerPassport: Can you explain how you are involved in the CareerPassport program?

Shannon: I am a participant of the track activities and I have completed the Self Discovery Track. 

CareerPassport: What attracted you to CareerPassport?

Shannon: I am in the Honors Program on campus, and CareerPassport was one of the optional activities. 

CareerPassport: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

Shannon:  I absolutely loved taking the SII and Myers-Briggs tests, and then meeting and discussing my results with a counselor. I feel that these meetings really helped really helped me understand myself better, and the counselors gave me great advice. I left each meeting with a better understanding of who I am, and what I can become. 

CareerPassport: What has been the most beneficial activity you've participated in to help you meet your future career goal?

Shannon: Like I mentioned before, the Myers-Briggs, and the SII were the two tests I found most helpful. I loved the tests themselves, but the meetings with counselors following the tests were really what helped me. Without CareerPassport, I don't think I would have ever gone in and utilized the great Academic Counseling Department we have at UVU! 

CareerPassport: What advice would regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

Shannon: The advice I would give to other students in the CareerPassport Program would be to just really put forth the effort to get the most out of their experience. When I was completely honest with myself, I was able to really learn what makes me tick. If I didn't put forth the effort to be honest with myself, I would have missed out on some great information that will help me make better career decisions.

January Spotlight- Lisa Zeigler

Career Passport: What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?

Lisa: I am a freshman majoring in English Education.

CareerPassport: What are your career goals?

Lisa: I would really like to educate others, write books, and ultimately become the best I can be.

CareerPassport: Can you explain how you are involved in the CareerPassport program?

Lisa: I am currently a participant of the CareerPassport Engaged Learning University Distinction (ELUD).

CareerPassport: What attracted you to CareerPassport?

Lisa: I want to be an engaged learner. I want to achieve as much as I possibly can. I feet that the Career Passport Program would challenge me to develop in new ways and give me meaningful tasks that will allow me to grow and expand my horizons.

CareerPassport: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

Lisa:  I enjoy attending the Lecture Series and Career Hot Topic Discussions. They allow me to gain knowledge from others' experience and to hear about careers that I may want to pursue.  They also better prepare me to look for and gain a better career than I could otherwise.

CareerPassport: What advice regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

Lisa: The CareerPassport Program is a great way to challenge yourself to do your best and expand your horizons. It allows you to network with people you'd have otherwise never met, and have experiences outside the norm. It gives you a support system in creating goals and learning what you are capable of achieving.

December Spotlight- Kandice Dumas

Career Passport: What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?

Kandice: I am a freshman majoring in Criminal Justice.

CareerPassport: What are your career goals?

Kandice: I would really like to become a Police Officer.

CareerPassport: Can you explain how you are involved in the CareerPassport program?

Kandice: I am currently a member of the CareerPassport Club, and I also am a participant of

CareerPassport Engaged Learning University Distinction.

CareerPassport: What attracted you to CareerPassport?

Kandice: CareerPassport seemed like a good opportunity for me to participate in various networking events and activities. I really liked that I               could do it on my own time and attend the awesome lecture series.

CareerPassport: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

Kandice: I have really enjoyed the lecture series and the opportunities that it has given me to network.

CareerPassport: What advice regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

Kandice: I would tell them to JOIN! Participate in this program in any way possible. I would also tell others to attend the lecture series or watch previously filmed ones. They are so helpful!

November Spotlight- Kenni Littlefield

Career Passport: What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?

Kenni: I am a freshman majoring in History.

CareerPassport: What are your career goals?

Kenni: I would really like to become a historian, librarian, or museum curator. Ideally I hope to work at the Smithsonian or the Library of Congress.

CareerPassport: Can you explain how you are involved in the CareerPassport program?

Kenni: I am currently a member of the CareerPassport Club, and I also am a participant of 

CareerPassport Track Activities.

CareerPassport: What attracted you to CareerPassport?

Kenni: CareerPassport seemed like a good opportunity to examine my goals and be sure they are a good match for me, while simultaneously preparing me for a strong career.

CareerPassport: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

Kenni: Everyone involved in the program is friendly and really wants to help me succeed which makes going through the activities more enjoyable and rewarding.

CareerPassport: What advice regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

Kenni: Join early and start participating right away! The sooner you decide on career goals, the sooner you can start preparing specifically for your career path. Participate in as many of the activities as you can; in addition to learning helpful information, you could make valuable career contacts.

October CareerPassport Spotlight-April Liborio

Career Passport: What are you majoring in?

April: I am majoring in Information Systems. 

CareerPassport: What are your career goals?

April: I would really like to become a Information Systems Analyst. 

CareerPassport: Can you explain how you are involved in the CareerPassport program?

April:I am currently an ELUD student in the  Program which has been so beneficial for me to learn a lot more about myself.

CareerPassport: What attracted you to CareerPassport?

April: I was very interested in the opportunity to set myself apart from the rest of the students here at UVU through the ELUD portion of the program. In addition, I wanted to ensure that I was doing everything I could to ensure that I would enter into a career that I love and also have the skills necessary to do so. Since I have already been in the workforce prior, I now understand how crucial it is that I am in a field that I enjoy, and CareerPassport allows me to explore all of my options.  

CareerPassport: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

April: Most of all I have enjoyed the interaction with people of varying backgrounds and degrees and having the unique opportunity to learn from them and apply it into my career goals. I also like that there is a great support system of people who can help each other stay motivated. 

CareerPassport: What has been the most beneficial activity you’ve participated in to help you meet your future career goal?

April: The most beneficial activity has been the September Hot Topics. A panel of UVU alumni came and talked about what they wish they had done better in college and it was a real reality check for me to see that not one of them were working in their degree field. I really would like to work in my degree field so it really motivated me to stay on the path I am on so I can obtain the career of my dreams. 

CareerPassport: What advice regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

April: Join the CareerPassport Program! It is designed to help you succeed in school, careers, and in life. It will provide not only a distinction from other students, but it also will provide you will the tools necessary to be the best you can be.  

September CareerPassport Spotlight-Amanda Gunnell

Career Passport: What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?

Amanda: I am a junior majoring in Graphic Design.

CareerPassport: What are your career goals?

Amanda: I want to work for the Ensign magazine company as a graphic designer. I would want to help with the actual magazine itself and/or with their website.

CareerPassport: Can you explain how you are involved in the CareerPassport program?

Amanda: I am currently the Career Passport’s Promotions chair and am involved in both the program as well as club activities.

CareerPassport: What attracted you to CareerPassport?

Amanda: I was intrigued by an email I received about this program that would help me gain business skills and other means to prepare me for my future career while I’m still in school.

CareerPassport: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

Amanda: I have enjoyed going to activities and meeting new people who are involved with the program. We have wonderful service and club activities that help me relax from school obligations.

CareerPassport: What has been the most beneficial activity you’ve participated in to help you meet your future career goal?

Amanda: The retreat was as helpful as it was fun. I got to hear a lot from people who are successful in their careers and got several tips and ideas to improve upon right now while I’m at school.

CareerPassport: What advice regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

Amanda:  Don’t procrastinate and be involved. All of the benefits in Career Passport really will help you prepare for the future and doesn’t take too much time away from our busy lives. There’s a lot to look forward to if you keep moving ahead on your chosen path. 

August CareerPassport Spotlight-Whitney Collins

Career Passport: What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?

Whitney: I am a junior majoring in Modern Dance and minoring in Earth Science.

CareerPassport: What are your career goals?

Whitney: After graduating college I hope to dance professionally for a couple of years after which I would like to go back to school to get a Master’s degree. Then hopefully I will be able to become a professional choreographer or Paleontologist. 

CareerPassport: Can you explain how you are involved in the CareerPassport program?

Whitney: I am still fairly new to the program, and I am still learning my way around.  I completed the online orientation and have an awesome mentor!

CareerPassport: What attracted you to CareerPassport?

Whitney:  I became interested in CareerPassport by the help it offers to college students.  Because of my diverse interests in careers, I thought CareerPassport could help guide me towards learning about career opportunities in both Dance and Geology. 

CareerPassport: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

Whitney:  I have enjoyed getting to know the people in the program.  Even though I haven’t participated in a lot of activities, but the ones that I have participated in were always the best when I would get to know the other participants and those making this program possible.  Getting yourself out of your comfort zone really goes a long way.

CareerPassport: What has been the most beneficial activity you’ve participated in to help you meet your future career goal?

Whitney: I really enjoyed volunteering with the club at the Alumni Family Fun Fair booth last summer. There were many booths that were career-based and I was able to make a connection with one of the professors in the Geology program.  He gave me good advice on some classes that I should take for my Geology interest.

CareerPassport: What advice regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

Whitney: Be as active as possible.  Get to know all of the people in the CareerPassport program.  They are there to help you and you are developing networking skills!!!  

July CareerPassport Spotlight Julie Willis

CareerPassport Team: What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?

Julie: I am undecided in what to major in.

CareerPassport Team: What are your career goals?

Julie: Get a career where I can support myself and enjoy my job.

CareerPassport Team: Can you explain how you are involved with the CareerPassport Program?

Julie:  I am participating in the ELUD Level and have gone to the different Lecture Series and "Hot Topic" Discussion Groups and other activities. 

CareerPassport Team: What attracted you to the CareerPassport Program?

Julie: Learning more about myself and exploring career options to try and help me decide what direction to go in. Also learning and trying to get as much exposure to help me find a job when I graduate.

CareerPassport Team: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

Julie: Learning different things and meeting new people.

CareerPassport Team: What has been the most beneficial activity you’ve participated in to help you meet your future career goal?

Julie: I think just taking the opportunity to go to the different activities to learn as much information as I can.

CareerPassport Team: What advice regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

Julie: Take the opportunities that are there to learn and better prepare yourself for a career.

May CareerPassport Spotlight Devin Barney

CareerPassport Team: What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?

Devin:  I am a junior studying Behavioral Science.

CareerPassport Team: Tell us what some of your career goals are.

Devin: I want to get into Sports Psychology.

CareerPassport Team: Can you explain how you are involved with the CareerPassport Program?

Devin: I’m a ELUD participant and the President of the CareerPassport Club beginning next fall.

CareerPassport Team: What attracted you to the CareerPassport Program?

Devin:  The Career preparation aspect of it.

CareerPassport Team: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

Devin: The Career "Hot Topics" and CareerPassport Lecture Series are great! The professionals CareerPassport invites in to be speakers provide such great information, which has helped me.

CareerPassport Team: What has been the most beneficial activity you’ve participated in to help you meet your future career goal?

Devin: I really enjoyed the retreat. Not only did I meet great people, but I also learned so much about networking.

CareerPassport Team: What advice regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

Devin:  Become involved! This is such a great program filled with great students. Don’t be afraid to network with others even if they don’t have the same major or even have the same career goals as you.

April CareerPassport Spotlight Ashlee Bennett

CareerPassport Team: What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?

Ashlee: I am a senior majoring in Legal Studies.

CareerPassport Team: Tell us what some of your career goals are.

Ashlee: I want to do something that makes me happy and keeps me motivated. Currently I am looking towards becoming an attorney.

CareerPassport Team: Can you explain how you are involved with the CareerPassport Program?

Ashlee: I am an ELUD participant.

CareerPassport Team: Tell us about some of your achievements from the CareerPassport Program.

Ashlee: I have completed the Self-Discovery, Career Exploration and Life Preparation Tracks.

CareerPassport Team: What attracted you to the CareerPassport Program?

Ashlee: I loved the idea of really discovering who I am and exploring the opportunities available to me. It is also a plus that you get a university distinction.

CareerPassport Team: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

Ashlee: I have really enjoyed taking the time to learn more about myself and what I truly want in my future. It can be easy to get focused on finishing your degree without really focusing on why you are getting it. This program has really helped me look at all of my options and take opportunities available to me.

CareerPassport Team: What has been the most beneficial activity you’ve participated in to help you meet your future career goal?

Ashlee: I believe the most beneficial activity I have done was interviewing people who work in professions I am interested in. I learned a lot of valuable information and gained knowledge about the job that I wouldn’t have been able to look up myself. It was great to ask questions and get people in the professions feedback.

CareerPassport Team: What advice regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

Ashlee: I would say to stick with it and make a plan. There are a lot of activities and it can be overwhelming. But, if you make a plan and slowly keep progressing towards the end result it will keep you motivated and focused.

March CareerPassport Spotlight

Sarah Bublitz

CareerPassport Team: What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?

Sarah: I am a sophomore in Elementary Education.

CareerPassport Team: Tell us what some of your career goals are.

Sarah: I want to graduate with a Bachelor in Elementary Education, continue on to get a master in Academic Advising, and then someday teach English in a foreign country for the summer. 

CareerPassport Team: Can you explain how you are involved with the CareerPassport Program?

Sarah: I am working on the Self-Discovery track and will complete all the tracks by the time I graduate.

CareerPassport Team: Tell us about some of your achievements from the CareerPassport Program.

Sarah: So far I have completed the Fast Track incentive and attended the CareerPassport Lecture Series presentations.

CareerPassport Team: What attracted you to the CareerPassport Program?

Sarah: I am attracted to the CareerPassport Program because of the resources that are offered. I like that I can meet with a mentor, and the assignments that help teach me more about myself. 

CareerPassport Team: What have you enjoyed most about the program?

Sarah: I have enjoyed the assignments, for sure ! Each assessment has taught me more and more about myself and has confirmed my desire to be a teacher. They all say be in a role such as a mentor, a teacher, etc.

CareerPassport Team: What has been the most beneficial activity you’ve participated in to help you meet your future career goal?

Sarah: So far I have benefited from listening to President Holland talk about his schooling and how he chose his major. He followed his passion and look how influential he is today!

CareerPassport Team: What advice regarding the CareerPassport Program would you give to other students?

Sarah: The advice that I would give to other CareerPassport students is to go to as many presentations as possible. Enjoy the ride as you go through each track and learn more about yourself.