Career Cafe

Show Notes: Introduction & Background: Bobby and Karl welcome Colin and discuss his role at Hunt and Fool, his studies at SUU, and his independent music career. Career Journey: Colin shares his path to SUU after returning from a church mission in Africa, switching majors, and discovering Hunt and Fool through Handshake. Taking the Leap: The challenges of quitting a stable hospital job, taking a pa...

Key Topics Covered: Nate’s career path: from family farm in Tremont, Utah, to acting, theater, and HR. The parallels between acting and HR: empathy, body language, and relational skills. Roles at Discovery Ranch South, including Performing Arts Director and HR Director. Importance of communication, boundary-setting, and fostering an owner’s mindset in the workplace. Tips for students and job seeke...

Topics Networking that actually works Turning volunteer gigs into real experience Why grades aren’t everything The magic of taking the first scary step Show Notes Jamie Shaw discussed her career journey, highlighting her roles at major international sports firms and her extensive experience in hosting events globally. She emphasized the importance of networking, both during and post-college, and a...

In this episode, Bobby and Trekker sit down with Justin Wayman, Director of Human Resources at Cedar Band Corporation, to talk about the transition from college to the workplace — and what new graduates can realistically expect in their first jobs. Justin shares his own journey from studying engineering at SUU to finding his passion in human resources, explaining how a single mentor changed his ca...

From dreams of being a TV weather girl to becoming a financial analyst for a major hospitality company, Markell Haslem's career path is a powerful reminder that it's okay to pivot. In this episode, Karl and Trekker sit down with Markell to discuss how a communications major with a self-proclaimed aversion to math found her way into the world of finance. Markell shares her journey of navigating col...

In this episode of the Career Cafe, the hosts sit down with Sierra, a former outdoor recreation major who turned her passion for the outdoors into a fulfilling career. Sierra shares her journey of leveraging seasonal jobs with the National Park Service and other agencies to build a unique and rewarding career path. From working in remote locations to navigating the federal application process, Sie...

Welcome to the Season 2 premiere of the Career Cafe podcast! Join hosts Bobby Hodge, Trekker Burt from Alumni Relations, and Karl Rostron from Career Services as they dive into the myths that can derail your career expectations and share some truly unforgettable workplace horror stories. This episode challenges conventional wisdom and provides practical advice for building a fulfilling career on y...

Hypothetically, what if your luck is through the roof, and you’ve been offered multiple positions but have to decline some? Or what if you just got rejected, and you don’t know how to respond to the employer professionally? Brandon, Jerry, Clara, and McKinley tackle these issues in the final episode of Career Cafe. Thank you for stopping by—stay until the end for a Career Center dad joke, and make...

What happens when you’re offered the job you’ve been waiting for, but the pay or benefits aren’t as great as you hoped? You can either reluctantly accept the job as-is, decline, and start the job search all over again, or you can listen to this episode of Career Cafe, where Brandon, McKinley, and returning special guest Madalyn Swanson will teach you how to negotiate fair compensation in a profess...

The interview is finally over, and now you have nothing to do until you hear back about a job offer… or do you? In this episode of Career Cafe, Jerry, Clara, and McKinley discuss the importance of follow-up and how to keep your name in an employer’s head after the interview without annoying them. It's time to get a yummy bowl of soup and prepare for a Career Center dad joke at the end! --- SUU Car...

You’ve made it through the application process, and you’ve been offered an interview! Congratulations on making it this far! It’s normal to be nervous, and that’s why Brandon, Jerry, Mackenzie, and McKinley are here to discuss all things interviews—etiquette, preparation, and even the dreaded “About Me” question. Sip on some warm tea to calm your nerves, and tune in until the end for a Career Cent...

Unfortunately, we live in a society where it is not appropriate to wear your comfy pajamas to a job interview (even if they have cute puppies on them). So what is a college student with a closet full of sweatpants supposed to do? In this episode, Jerry, Clara, and McKinley will discuss etiquette when you meet an employer in person and dress to impress. Stay until the end for a famous Career Center...

With so many careers and positions out there, how do you find an employer that values the same things you do, fits your aspirations, and also needs your skills on their team? Brandon, McKinley, and special guest Madalyn Swanson will go over how to find potential employers you’ll feel great working for and the importance of researching employers before you apply to them—kind of like scouring Google...

Phone calls and emails: mastering these simple forms of communication is imperative to your success in a career, but they still manage to put everyone in a cold sweat. How do you navigate these communication methods effectively in the job search and application process? Brandon, Jerry, Mackenzie, and McKinley teach you how in this episode of Career Cafe. By the end, you’ll be a whiz at emails and...

Social media is a powerful tool for job searching and networking, but if you aren’t careful, the way you use it can put your future career at risk. In this episode, Brandon, Jerry, and McKinley spill the tea about managing your digital footprint and show you common pitfalls to avoid when creating an online presence that is both professional and authentic to who you are. Pull up a seat and listen t...

Did you know that employers will call people you’ve worked with previously so they can tell if you’re the real deal before they decide to hire you? This is called a reference check, and you get to tell the employer who to contact! In this episode, Brandon, Clara, and McKinley dive into everything references—their importance, how to select them, and how to create your reference document. Gather a g...

So you’ve written your resume, but the job application requires a cover letter as well. “What the heck is that?” you ask… and then you find the answer in this episode of Career Cafe, where Brandon, Clara, Jerry, and McKinley are determined to help you master the art of writing the perfect cover letter, so employers will know if you’re a good fit even before an interview. Pour yourself a cup of wat...

More and more often, employers are using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline the application process. This changes how you should write your resume. In this episode, Brandon, Clara, and McKinley will teach you about ATS and how to tailor your resume so you don’t get overlooked by employers who use these systems. Make sure to settle in with a yummy sandwich, and listen until the end for...

Research shows that, on average, employers spend 7 to 30 seconds looking at a resume. Join Brandon, Jerry, and Clara to learn all about resumes—why they’re important, how to write one that’s effective, and what formatting is appropriate. They may also show you how to imbue your resume with magical qualities to really grab an employer’s attention. Cozy up with your favorite soup or salad, and liste...

Do you ever feel you’re not qualified to apply for your dream job—or any job? You’re not alone. In this episode, Brandon, Jerry, and McKinley discuss overcoming imposter syndrome relating to the job application process, understanding job qualifications, and developing a growth mindset. Think of it like a therapy session for your career, but completely free. Grab a coffee, juice, or tea, and tune i...

Brandon, Jerry, and McKinley tackle the ins and outs of job searching in this episode of Career Cafe. They go over common mistakes, the importance of goal setting, and strategies that will help you experience the best job search possible—using their expertise as staff at SUU’s Career Center. Prepare yourself a sandwich, and listen until the end to hear a Career Center dad joke! --- SUU Career Cent...

Join Brandon, Jerry, and McKinley as they explain what the big deal is about networking. They’ll teach you why networking is important and arm you with helpful advice so you can start building your network and personal branding. If you’re an introvert, don’t worry; there’s something special here for you too. Get your favorite cafe pastry, and listen until the end for a Career Center dad joke! ---...