Lawrence University Career Center Podcast(@lawrencecareercenter)

In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan Aiello ’18 , a Psychology graduate who built a global HR career with ExxonMobil, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and now the The Lego Group, where he serves as a People Operations Business Partner. Ryan explains what that role actually entails, explains what Human Resources is and the many different roles available in the field, and shares what it’s like to support...

What does it take to build a meaningful, lasting career rooted in service? In this episode, Scott Schanhofer ’88 shares how he turned his background in psychology and education into a purpose-driven leadership journey in the nonprofit sector. He reflects on what he has learned about himself and others through decades of community work, how he advanced through multiple roles over time, and why bein...

What’s it really like to work behind the scenes in theater? In part two of our interview, Scenic Designer Em Allen ’16 gives us an inside look at a creative career where no two days are the same. From building emotionally rich sets to navigating the freelance world, Em shares how networking, kindness, and a deep understanding of every role in a production are essential for success. We talk about h...

What does it take to bring a stage to life—and make it feel real to an audience? In this part one of this two-part interview, we sit down with Em Allen ’16, to explore the world of scenic design and how their background in both theatre arts and psychology uniquely shapes their work. Em shares how Lawrence fostered not just technical expertise, but a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives—skill...

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Navis ’03, Circuit Court Commissioner in Wisconsin, to trace his journey from Lawrence University to a career spanning private practice and public service. Peter explains why “I want to help people” isn’t enough of a reason to pursue law, reflects on how his liberal arts education prepared him to navigate complex legal and ethical questions, and describes wh...

In this episode, we sit down with Trace Hybertson ‘19. Trace majored in Math-Computer Science and was President of Fiddlers of Lawrence University. Upon graduation, he took a Software Engineer position at FIS in Milwaukee and today is a Software Engineer at OptTek Systems in Boulder, CO. Trace shares the wide-ranging opportunities in the IT world—many of which, extend far beyond traditional tech c...

Allison Boshell ’21 majored in English and Studio Art at Lawrence, worked in the Communications Office and was the curator at the Rabbit Gallery during her time at LU. In 2022, she earned her real estate license and is now a real estate broker and Homebuyer Specialist with the Welter Group, with Keller William Success Realty in Barrington, IL.  Allison shares why she decided to pursue a career in...

We sit down with Matt Murphy, a Lawrence University Class of 2006 graduate with a unique journey from the stage to the corporate world. With degrees in Theatre and Vocal Performance, Matt spent six years as a professional actor and theater producer before transitioning to the legal industry. Now the Associate Director of the Operations Group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in New Y...

Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford ’13 earned his degree in Government and while at Lawrence served as President of the LU Community Council, member of the Judicial Board, was a Student member of the Trustee Committee on Student Affairs and the recipient of the Campus Life Award for outstanding leadership and service to the University community. Upon graduation, Jake was hired on as the Assistant to the...

Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford ’13 earned his degree in Government and while at Lawrence served as President of the LU Community Council, member of the Judicial Board, was a Student member of the Trustee Committee on Student Affairs and the recipient of the Campus Life Award for outstanding leadership and service to the University community. Upon graduation, Jake was hired on as the Assistant to the...

In this episode, Michael Licht, a seasoned architect turned video game designer, takes us through his impressive 20-year journey in the gaming industry. With a career spanning top AAA studios like LucasArts, Electronic Arts, and Heavy Iron, as well as consulting on Disney titles and Survious, Michael has contributed to the development of 9 AAA games and several VR experiences. His expertise covers...

Chensu Zhu graduated from Lawrence in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. While at Lawrence, she completed internships in the field of Psychology, but shortly after leaving Lawrence, decided to try something completely different. In this episode, Chensu says your degree does not have to dictate your career, talks about the importance of getting work experience while in college and exp...

Rebecca Zornow ’10 earned degrees in English and Art History. She is a science fiction writer and Hal Prize winner. Her novels include Over or It’s Eden, Dangerous to Heal, and Negotiated Fate. After graduation from Lawrence, she served in the Peace Corps where she started school libraries and an art club in rural eSwatini. She runs the book coaching business Conquer Books with her sister, the wri...

Regarded by many leading critics as an ideal interpreter of the Mezzo Soprano vocal style, Opera star Viktoria Vizin is one of the few dramatic mezzo-sopranos to have performed to international acclaim. Often seen in the world’s most prestigious houses such as the Metropolitan Opera, Hungarian State Opera House, Chicago Lyric Opera or Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Ms. Vizin sits down with guest...

Associate Professor Sonja Lynn Downing is an ethnomusicologist and a member of the Musicology Department at Lawrence. Her research interests include Balinese gamelan music and dance, traditional music pedagogy, the intersection of gender and performance, and ethnomusicology. In this episode of the Career Center podcast with guest host Camara White ‘25 , Professor Downing tells us what ethnomusicol...

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class David Pickar graduated from Lawrence in 2023 as a double degree student with a Bachelor’s in Music Performance and Spanish. Following his junior recital, David auditioned and was accepted into the United States Air Force Regional Bands, which he joined after graduation. Since joining, he has performed all over the country in front of many different audiences. He i...

Sarah Morris, from the Lawrence class of 2001 earned her B.M in Music Education. This talented singer-songwriter who calls Minneapolis home, spent the first years of her career in Nashville, honing her singing and songwriting skills. She released her first album, “Lonely or Free” in 2011. Five more albums would follow, including last year’s “Here’s to You.” When not writing or recording, Sarah com...

Elizabeth Shimek ’12 earned her B.A. in Religious Studies and later earned a JD at the University of Wisconsin Madison Law School. After some time as a practicing attorney, she moved into the world of politics and government as the Chief of Staff for Wisconsin State Rep. Greta Neubauer. She is now the senior council for the Campaign Legal Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing de...

Bella Sgriccia from the Lawrence class of 2022 earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and completed internships with the US Embassy in Cairo Egypt and the International Rescue Committee.  She also worked in admissions and the career center.  Today, she is the Kiva Capital Access Manager for WWBIC, which is the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. In this podcast, Bella gives an inside loo...

Tod Gimbel '81 earned degrees in Government and History from Lawrence and a JD from Marquette Law School.  He has had a diverse career with a variety of roles in the areas of public affairs, advocacy, consulting and sustainability and has worked for a number of well-known companies including Herbalife Nutrition, Citi, Levi Strauss & Co. Kraft Foods (now Modelez), Altria, and Miller Brewing...

Chuck Erickson '02 graduated from Lawrence with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Bachelor of Music in Choral and General Music Education. A student job in admissions led to a life-long career of helping students achieve their college dreams. With more than 20 years of college admissions experience, Chuck shares tips for soon to be graduates who want to pursue a career in higher education and...

Marissa Lake graduated from Lawrence in 2022 with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance.  As classical vocalist, Marissa’s repertoire is too long to list, but suffice to say, she has performed around the world to great acclaim.  She is currently in her second year studying at McGill University in Montreal where she will earn her Master of Music in Opera Performance in 2024.  She also worked in...

Maggie Schmidt graduated with the Lawrence class of 2012.  She earned her B.A. in history and government and was a very engaged student at Lawrence – having studied abroad in Botswana and was involved in at least half a dozen student organizations.  Following graduation she earned a Master of Public Health degree and her J.D. from the University of New Hampshire.  In the intervening years, Maggie...

Basil Eastman-Kiesow graduated from Lawrence in 2021. He majored in Government with minors in Economics and Physics. As a student, he was involved with LUCC as both the Parliamentarian and Committee Chair, he worked on two research projects regarding national elections and immigration and completed an internship with a member of the New York City Council. Basil shares great insight if you are cons...

Luther Abel ’22 earned his bachelor’s degree in English. Luther was a non-traditional student, attending Lawrence after six-year stint in the United States Navy. While at Lawrence, Luther completed internships with the National Journalism Center and National Review and was a frequent contributor to the Lawrentian – the school’s student newspaper. Writing from a conservative political point of view...