You're Doing What With Your Major?

 

 

Spotlight on UK Alumna Rachel Miller

Major:  MS Hospitality and Dietetic Administration 2008

Current Career:

I am a Registered Dietitian at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center since 2012.  I provide medical nutrition therapy and counseling to patients and families in the outpatient setting while they are going through and following up after cancer treatments.  This may include nutrition following surgery, diet during chemo and radiation therapy, helping someone maintain their weight and deal with treatment side effects, or connecting a patient with their nutrition needs at home.  I organize cooking demonstrations, provide monthly smoothie demonstrations for patients, families and staff, and maintain a nutrition blog on Markey’s website that focuses on nutritional needs and tackling side effects during and after cancer treatment. 

Please provide a short summary of your career path from college to present.

I received my undergraduate degree in dietetics at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2005 and then accepted an internship at the University of Kentucky, where I completed my Master’s degree in Hospitality and Dietetic Administration in 2008.  I have been a registered dietitian since 2007 and first began working at a long term care facility in Winchester, KY.  After four years I was presented with the wonderful opportunity to come back to UK as a dietitian with UK Healthcare to work with oncology.    

Describe your best boss/supervisor.

My best boss and supervisor is someone who is supportive of my role as a dietitian and encourages me to challenge myself.  They make working feel like being an important part of a team and acknowledge me as a vital participant. I have been lucky to have several!

What do you do for networking and professional development?

I have recently been enjoying the lovely Alumni Association events!  I continue to attend nutrition conferences in and outside of the state where I am able to meet many fellow dietitians and healthcare professionals.  I enjoy participating in and supporting charity events through foundations that benefit those who have been affected by cancer as well as children in need.  I often meet new people in the community and am able to make meaningful connections.   

How would you describe a successful job search strategy?

Commitment!  It takes time and dedication to achieve goals in your career.  I never take any time or experience for granted, as the places you begin often prepare you for where you want to be. 

What career advice would you give to students and alumni?

I would advise students and other alumni to stay motivated and remember that getting to where you want to be takes perseverance and getting out of your comfort zone.  Aim high, get yourself out there and take advantage of opportunities no matter how big or small they are perceived, as they may lead to something even bigger and better. 

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student:

I feel that once I began an internship and then a job, I wasn’t aware of how rewarding a career can really be.  It’s an amazing transition from being a student to being a professional and it makes all those long hours of studying and projects worthwhile!  I also have a better idea of the direction I want to go having been able to learn what’s out there. 

Favorite UK memory/class etc.:

My favorite UK memory is meeting my husband while in graduate school and the late nights in the graduate student lab, laughing and sharing life with some amazing people.  Lexington has become home!   

Rachel was also recently featured on UKNOW - Drink Your Health: Smoothie Demos Promote Good Nutrition for Cancer Patients

You're Doing What With Your Major?

Spotlight on UK Alumna Emilee Coomes

Major:  Integrated Strategic Communications  Minor: Spanish

Current Career: Project manager of marketing and communications for The Speed Art Museum

Please provide a short summary of your career path from college to present.

It has been a winding road. Buckle your seatbelt, and let’s take a ride.

Right out of college I bought a one-way ticket to New York City. I landed with two suitcases, no job and a deadline: find work within one month. Two weeks after I arrived, I began working for Dentsu America, a Japanese advertising agency, where my head client was Toyota North America. After a busy and exciting year in advertising, I was itching for a change. It was time to leave the big city behind for a big chill.

My sister and I took 10 days to drive out to California where we worked for wineries and lived in a Sonoma cottage. We crushed grapes and stained our hands 12 hours a day, seven days a week for the entire harvest. After a busy fall, we headed back East, couch surfing across the Southern border. With California dreaming behind me, I spent a few months in Kentucky then headed to the beaches of Charleston, South Caroline for the summer. At Wild Dunes Resort, I managed the aquatic program teaching swim lessons and water aerobics with personally built clientele, while managing 17 interns for the summer program. After the summer, I stepped back into the wine world, but this time for the land of the Kiwis.

New Zealand came calling, and I answered. It was under the Kiwi sun that I worked a laborious and exciting harvest job in the Marlborough region of the South island. I was the only female American on the staff of over 50 employees. I spent most of my days testing samples and translating Spanish to the South American and European winemakers. It was one of the most liberating experiences.

Foreign grapes behind me, I arrived back in Charleston at the Wild Dunes Resort for another summer of managing and teaching. Summer passed, and I slipped on my cowboy boots for a freelance job in publicity for country music artists in Nashville, Tennessee. I freelanced for a year and worked from either music row in Nashville or in coffee shops across the USA. I took full advantage of my mobility and spent the duration of my yearlong contract travelling, at some points for several weeks at a time, striking the perfect balance between work and travel.  After my contract ended, and I was home from a few weeks traveling in New York, Europe, Nevada and Colorado, I received a phone call from The Speed Art Museum. 

I have been working with the museum for a year in February. Although our museum doors are closed during our expansion, we have opened a satellite space in the Louisville neighborhood, Nulu. We have rotating exhibitions, family art activities, gallery hours, parties, etc. I manage marketing projects that include writing copy for all press marketing materials, managing the ad buys, driving the creative process, securing public relations, while maintaining relationships with media, my vendors, museum members, etc. I work directly with the director of marketing for the museum and mange three interns in my department. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the art world and this museum!

Describe your best boss/supervisor.

I have been lucky to experience a plethora of amazing bosses but I have to say that currently my boss is an exceptional teacher, leader and friend. I continuously learn best practices from him in more areas than just marketing, professionalism and relationship cultivation. He trusts me to take leads on projects and manage aspects from start to finish.

What do you do for networking and professional development?

I keep my contacts abreast of my career, published work, neat trips, etc. and when I see their company in the news or hear something interesting about their industry I strike up a conversation. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but I do maintain relationships with individuals from a variety of industries and keep my connection genuine. A great example of effective networking for me has always been volunteering at special events in industries that I enjoy. When I first arrived in New York City, I reached out to the Advertising Women of New York because I had met members at a conference the year before and asked if I could volunteer in their office. In exchange for my time, I was welcomed to join a few of their events with leading advertising women in New York. It was at one of these events at the Chelsea Piers Driving Range that I hit the perfect drive, which resulted in several interviews.  I think that events that are called “Networking Events” are forced and feel contrived. 

How would you describe a successful job search strategy?

Grow it from grassroots. Start with some kind of goal in mind. “I want to be in the art world.” Then ask yourself, “In what capacity do I want to work in the art world, who do I know in this industry that I can talk with for advice, what city do I want to live in and what companies, institutes does that city offer in the art world?” From there start talking to everyone you know and make people aware of your career path, goals, and interests, but keep it a two way street. In return, express a genuine interest in other’s personal and professional objectives.

What career advice would you give to students and alumni?

Explore. Time is a thief so don’t waste it in a job you can’t tolerate. If you have vacation time, use it. Traveling makes you more interesting because it gives you confidence, provides unique experiences and a plethora of conversational topics. But be smart about it, just don’t up and quit. When I decided to leave my full-time job in New York, I had a plan and a goal. I wanted to explore the states by car with my sister and learn about wine, then take that experience and use it in some capacity. Understand that your degree has layers and multiple uses, and pair that mentality with a memorable personality.

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student:

Real life can be just as fun as college if you let it. Adult spring breaks do exist.

Favorite UK memory/class etc.: 

My college memories all run together as one big sparkling moment in my life, full of amazing people, huge houses and tiny dorms, inspirational professors, cheap beer, tons of trips and athletic events. UK was one of the catalysts that led me to learn more about myself, the world and life.

           

Alumni to Alumni Job Search Advice

We recently posted the following question to the Official University of Kentucky Alumni LinkedIn Group: What job search tips would you give to recent UK grads?

Here’s what UK alumna, Lisa McMichael, director of Online Communications at Mercer University and freelance consultant/contractor, had to say:

Join and actively participate in:

·      Industry groups (meet-ups, online, conferences)

·      Volunteer organizations (serve on committees and boards)

·      Your local alumni group (game watch parties and serve on committees or fundraisers)

Use LinkedIn aggressively:

·      Grow your network of credible connections

·      Research and write frequent (worthwhile) updates so that your connections will benefit from your expertise

·      Mentor: You’re never too young or inexperienced for someone else to benefit from your expertise and knowledge.

Be creative. If there is a professional in your industry you want to know, don’t be shy about approaching him/her (through LinkedIn for example) and discuss how you might collaborate on a project such as an industry-focused paper/article or speaking engagement and be willing to donate your time for the “exposure.”

Cold call prospective employers to set up informational interviews and offer to buy her/him a cup of coffee for the time.

Be exclusive about posting your resume to a job board. Recruiters are most interested in working with “exclusive” candidates, not those who have resumes on multiple job boards.

Let your friends and family “circle” know you’re looking. Keep them posted on your progress with a monthly update.

Create a support group of 1-3 people you can turn to for advice and encouragement and do the same in return.

Continue to enhance your skills and knowledge with online training and workshops, podcasts and seminars. Add to your resume as “participation” and add an update on your LI page.

Give yourself a small reward each week for being diligent in your job search. Use good judgment and don’t spend a lot of money that you may not have.

Keep a journal and use it to express yourself and remain positive.

More Job Search Advice from Fellow Alums

Another alum recently landed a new position and passed along the following advice.

1) "Always be conscious of building and nurturing your network. If I had done this years ago, I would have been in a much better place."

2) "Take time to think about the job and ask if this job will provide career satisfaction."

3) "Join Toastmasters. Even for a small amount of time this can really help you think on your feet and answer interview questions better."

What job searching or career advice would you add or share with fellow alums?

Alumni to Alumni Job Search Advice

From an alumnus who made a major career change

Fail. Fail often, fail fast. Try again.

For all my deep introspection, curiosity, critical thinking, and mindfulness, I find that fear tends to have the upper hand. Not letting fear win takes a lot of hard, difficult work. Cliché as it sounds; it’s going to take time to make a transition. For me, I took the slow road, 5-6 years.  During the last year, however, things did move really quickly. Several years ago, I was lucky to find a friendly, supportive group of people (mostly paid professionals) in my targeted field who had a similar interest in a particular programming language. They’ve encouraged and taught me valuable lessons. I was able to attend regional and national conferences related to this field (on my own time and out of my own pocket).  During this time, I acquired understanding and skills in a field that I had not truly considered to be a viable career option because I thought that I didn’t have the right stuff (limited paid experience, wrong education, confidence). I continued to keep my day job, while I worked on side projects on nights and weekends.  I read books, blogs, biographies, documentaries and listened to podcasts – looking for information and inspiration. The confidence of my business partner saying “it’s time to stay or go, choose, but choose soon” and the death of Steve Jobs both were great inspiration/motivation to make a move. Finding confidence and courage can be really difficult.  I should have tattooed this somewhere – “Decide what to be and go be it” (The Avett Brothers).

From an alumna who recently changed employers
I had a pretty typical interview.  I was asked some standard interview questions, as well as several behavioral questions that were to be answered using the STAR method, which I anticipated, but never seem to be totally prepared for.  I had familiarized myself with many questions before I went.  Of course the behavioral questions weren't exactly what I practiced being that they were more specific for my title and job description.  One of the biggest surprises occurred during the screening call.  I wasn't prepared to answer what I expected (or needed) my salary to be...it just caught me off guard. 

I would tell other alumni to really prepare for an interview.  This includes taking the time to create a good resume.  I didn't realize how outdated my resume (and format) was since the first time I made one.  I think it's very important to be familiar with the company and understand the position you're applying for.  Sometimes the job listings aren't very specific so I felt like it was necessary to reach out to a contact for more information.  Don't be afraid to use them, you want to be as prepared as possible.  Plus it's easier to ask questions when you know more about what you'll be doing.  I think it's important to review sample interview questions.  At least have some scenarios in mind that you can use when they ask those behavioral questions.  Also make sure you can answer them fully using the STAR method.

I know it's hard to move out of your comfort zone and apply for jobs, it took me a very long time. It pays to really take time to work on your resume, brush up on interview skills and make an appointment with your alumni career counselors! 

Alumni Job Search Success Story

A UK alumna updated me with the following information regarding her job search. With permission, I would like to share her story with you. 

“When I met with you, I knew there were jobs out there with titles I had never heard of that I would want. My position at X Company is just that. I came in for an interview as a selling supervisor just when someone gave notice about leaving their merchandising job. I snuck in without the position even being publicly posted. Talk about right-place-right-time! I count myself lucky that ALL those other jobs DIDN'T work out, so I could stumble upon this one. It only took 9 months, 115 applications, 4 placement agencies, and 12 interviews. Also networking parties, extra volunteering & public presence, custom Etsy business cards, and shamelessly promoting myself to anyone who would listen. Heck, my insurance agent got me an interview for a promising marketing position. It seems some of my acquaintances that I liked the least had the best connections -- I'm glad I'm not one to burn bridges!

It might have been high hopes, but my biggest criteria I judged positions against were something I was interested in (so design related), near home, flexible hours/"work-life balance," and/or at least $15/hr. I figured I would be flexible on one or two if the others panned out, and money was the one mark I missed. Oh well, I've set myself off on a new career path and you can't put a price on that! ;)

During my job hunt, I commiserated with acquaintances and former classmates in the same boat. I told them how helpful it was to meet with you. I harped on about immediate thank you cards, LinkedIn, and reference letters. My new employer actually thanked me for writing a thank you note. I said, "That's what you're supposed to do!" Meanwhile, other folks who interviewed me didn't even have enough decency to call me back and say I didn't get the position. I think the work atmosphere and the level of respect I can look forward to in the future were demonstrated by these initial employer contacts. There was even one interview where something felt off -- empty office, extra levels of security, and a boss that wanted to work from home. Instances such as these I knew were wrong for me at the gut level and luckily, since I was on unemployment, there were other factors so I could rightfully opt out. Oh, and the unemployment office/personnel, don't even get me started....

So, sorry for the over-sharing, but I figured my experiences are one of your "success stories" that you might relay to your downtrodden job seekers. Thanks again for all your help and sharing your expertise.”

UK Alumni Career Spotlight - James W. Stuckert

We recently spoke with Mr. James Stuckert about his career and asked him to share a bit about his professional journey. Mr. Stuckert is extremely active on campus volunteering on many committees and attending annual campus events.

Mr. Stuckert received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering (1960) and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (1961) from UK. His first job after college was with Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana. After a few years, Mr. Stuckert realized that his true passion was the stock market and finances. Subsequent to interviewing several firms, Mr. Stuckert joined W.L. Lyons & Company. After just six years, he became a partner of the then merged J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons & Company. He was responsible for equity trading at Hilliard Lyons prior to assuming the roles of Chairman and CEO in 1995. He has served on the Board of Directors of Hilliard Lyons, Inc. since its incorporation in 1972 until his retirement as Chairman of the Board in 2003.

As for advice, Mr. Stuckert shares repeatedly “Don’t get discouraged. Keep going. Do what you love!” He also encourages everyone to watch Steve Jobs’ inspirational Stanford graduation speech. When hiring, Mr. Stuckert says that he always tries to find candidates who are self-starters and those who have “moxy” – the ability to look at a situation and figure it out. As a manager, he has mentored many young professionals and uses six tenets as a guide. These tenets transcend many industries.

1) Clients are first and foremost

2) Maintain uncompromising Integrity

3) Keep it Simple

4) Hire and invest in the best

5) Do the right thing right

6) Utilize a teamwork approach

Mr. Stuckert is a Past President of the National Alumni Association and still remains on the Board of Directors. In 1980, he received the Distinguished Service Award for Exceptional Service to the University of Kentucky Alumni Association.

Mr. Stuckert serves as Chairman of the Board of the University of Kentucky Development Council. He was the Chair of the Capital Campaign recently concluded, which raised over $1 Billion for the University of Kentucky. Mr. Stuckert also chaired the Corporate and Foundation Committee for the new William T. Young Library Campaign in the early 1990s. Mr. Stuckert is a UK Fellow.

Mr. Stuckert was inducted to the Alumni Hall of Fame at the University of Kentucky Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics in February 1997. He was also elected to the University Of Kentucky Hall Of Distinguished Alumni in May 2000, and was inducted into the School of Engineering Hall of Fame in April 2002.

As of July 1, 2009, Mr. Stuckert was appointed to the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees for a term of 6 years. His wife, the former Diane Vittitow of Owensboro, along with their three children, Steve, Susie and Scott, are all graduates of the University of Kentucky.

Job Search Advice from Fellow Alums

The recession and challenging economy have unfortunately left many alumni out of work. The following is some sound job search advice from fellow alumni who are in the search or who have recently landed new positions.

1) Utilize Social Networking Tools Such as LinkedIn.com

“In the very first week of signing up for LinkedIn, I had over 30 contacts accept me into their network. These contacts were previous managers, supervisors, and agents who had worked for me. More importantly, the contacts were people that have seen my work, have been impressed with it, and would ultimately recommend me for a position internal or external to their organization. Some of the contacts were unaware that I was looking for a position until they saw my profile. So far, all communication has been positive and professional on the LinkedIn site. LinkedIn makes it painfully easy to give someone a recommendation and encourages the reciprocation of a recommendation even if someone is not looking for a new job; these recommendations seen by the public could ultimately lead to promotions etc.

Within three days of signing up a previous manager had added me to his network and saw my qualifications. He asked me to show up on site the next day for an interview about one of my main experiences. This turned out to be pro-bono work but could ultimately lead to employment when his organization is able to hire a resource. If I had a LinkedIn account immediately when I was laid off, I would most likely be employed by now. You cannot pay enough for the networking that LinkedIn provides on a daily basis to thousands of professionals.”
-J.D. Allen, UK alumni seeking project management position