This fall, with COVID-19 forcing events to take place virtually, UNC's alumni generously gave of their time via virtual Alumni Career Panels, answering questions from moderators and viewers alike. More than 100 people attended the events (many attended multiple events), and more are watching them after the fact on demand. We invite you to watch them on demand and learn more about a field that interests you.
A huge thank you to our panelists for sharing their time and energy to help their fellow Bears plan their careers, learn to network, and succeed, and to our Alumni team for making this happen!
Job and Interviewing Insight from Alumni Human Resources Professional
These professionals spoke about the field of Human Resources and gave insight as to what employers look for when hiring (think: communication skills, flexibility, adaptability, work experience and more). They recommended making sure your ethics are aligned with your potential employer鈥檚 ethics, values and mission. Check out this video if you want to tell your story in an interview, avoid common job application process pitfalls, understand how the transition to work-from-home has impacted talent acquisition and more.
Panelists:
- Thomas Hartman, Ph.D. 鈥07 鈥 Consultant, Colorado Workforce Development Council (Moderator)
- Deana Lemos-Garcia 鈥05, 鈥18 鈥 Human Resources Manager, City of Greeley
- Efrain Madera 鈥16 鈥 University Relations Manager/ Talent Acquisition Professional, CVS Pharmacy
- Michelle Paquette 鈥01 鈥揝enior Project Manager, Executive Compensation, The Walt Disney Company
- Amber Simon 鈥01 鈥揊ounder, The 2nd Page Career Services, LLC (Former Corporate HR Executive)
Careers in Marketing and Business
These professionals talked about working with others on the job, learning to work with different communication and learning styles, and the fact that no matter what you鈥檙e doing, you鈥檙e selling something! Check this one out for tips on good habits in the workplace, different ways to obtain work experience, setting up informational interviews and more.
Panelists:
- Jamie Dagg 鈥18, Marketing Executive, MadWire/Marketing 360庐
- Jessica Espinosa-Novaria 鈥16, 鈥18, Market Research Analyst, Otter Products
- Casey Lorenzen 鈥05, Content Manager, Fj盲llr盲ven
- Nubia Martinez-Caro 鈥04, Client Service Manager and Assistant Vice President, Wells Fargo Private Bank
Careers in Athletics and Sports Management
These professionals talked about the challenging nature of working in athletics, the network and industry work experience that UNC provided to prepare them for their careers, working extra hard in college to prepare for a solid career, trusting the process and getting experience with a professional team before graduation. Check out this panel if you want to know what makes an impression during internships, how to search for opportunities, equal opportunity in the world of sports, and whether you need a master鈥檚 degree to work in sports.
Panelists:
- Arin Dunn 鈥15, Director of Student-Athlete Development and 4EVER TEXAS Program, The University of Texas Athletics (Moderator)
- Vince Garcia 鈥06, Head Athletic Trainer, Denver Broncos
- Erin Prueter 鈥19, Game Operations Manager, Colorado Eagles
- Angelica Sena 鈥17, 鈥18, Assistant Director of Marketing, The University of Utah Athletics
Careers After Graduate School
These professionals talked about unexpected twists and turns in their careers, being connected in the community, and how a graduate degree can prepare you for your career. They discussed the value of being involved in specialty programs during your time in college, the importance and influence of mentorship, and how to find jobs after completing a graduate degree program. Check out this panel for more about developing your network, the starting salary value of a master鈥檚 degree and more.
Panelists:
- Samuel D. Saul 鈥11, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
- Bryson Kelly 鈥15, Assistant Director of Recruitment, University of Northern Colorado (Moderator)
- Elizabeth Mahoney 鈥05, Owner, Complete Professional Development
- Adriana Ramirez 鈥09, 鈥13, Behavioral Health Therapist, Heart Centered Counseling
- Brandon Torrez 鈥99, 鈥02, Teacher, Greeley West High School, Greeley-Evans School District 6
Careers in Education
These professionals discussed how difficult but rewarding the teaching profession is, the possibilities for teaching around the world, and examples of what they like to see in the people they work with and teach 鈥 be honest, be professional, own your mistakes. Check this one out for more information about setting yourself apart when applying for education jobs, tips on getting through interview jitters, how to connect with employers during an interview and how to support new teachers.
Panelists:
- Adrienne Bergenfeld 鈥04, Assistant Director of International Students, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Kerry Kawamura 鈥98, 鈥00, School Renewal Specialist, Leilehua Complex
- Erin 鈥淕riffiths鈥 McGinley 鈥88, HS Arts Teacher, Farmington Municipal Schools
- Stephen Michalik 鈥03, 鈥05, Co-Founder and STEM Coordinator, All Nations Community School
- Dr. Stephen Seedorf 鈥05, 鈥07, 鈥11, 鈥14, Executive Director, Frontier Academy (Moderator)
- Nancy Wendirad 鈥05, Culturally Linguistic Diverse and Spanish Teacher, School District Weld Re-8
Careers in Performing and Visual Arts
These professionals talk about how collaboration and kindness will serve you well in your career, the clich茅 of being told you won鈥檛 make any money as an artist, and the network-based nature of the arts. Check out this panel to learn what advice these artists would have given their younger selves, the most rewarding aspects of their positions, and how they鈥檝e adapted during COVID-19.
Panelists:
- Nick Kenny 鈥16, Executive Director, Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra (Moderator)
- Julio Mendoza 鈥12, Artist/Muralist, Jwl莽 Artwork
- Jamie Ann Romero 鈥07, Actor
- Heather Washburn 鈥10, Casting Assistant, Bowling Miscia Casting
Careers in Nursing and Health Administration
These professionals gave advice on gaining soft skills needed in nursing and other health professions, how to begin understanding the structure of healthcare and the challenge of growing past imposter syndrome. Check out this panel for encouragement for new healthcare professionals, advice on staying connected with your cohort and building your healthcare network, and tips such as asking for help when you need it.
Panelists:
- Kathie Hopkins 鈥05, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
- Jumer Sapinoro 鈥13, MSN, RN-BC, Nurse Manager, UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies
Careers in Media and Communications
These professionals shared about various aspects of working in media, the value of public speaking skills in interviews and working with clients, and being adaptable as a communicator. Check out this panel for tips on practicing public speaking, recommendations on the assets students should create to build their portfolios before applying for jobs, and details about the many pathways within the field of communication.
Panelists:
- Reginald Hardwick 鈥94, Director of News and Public Affairs, Illinois Public Media 鈥 IL
- Brady Hull 鈥17, General Manager/Host 1310 KFKA 鈥 CO
- Lindsay Salazar 鈥09, President, Greeley Broadcasting Corp 鈥 CO
- Ryan Shucard 鈥11, Vice President of Public Affairs, JPA Health 鈥 Washington, D.C.
Get Involved & Give Back
UNC relies on the time and expertise of alumni across the country. If you wish to get involved as a volunteer for an upcoming career panel or other university program, please complete the UNC Alumni Get Involved form and a member of the alumni staff will follow up with you to discuss options and opportunities.
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