UW-Superior Career Services News and Events

Congratulations Graduates

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:14:07 +0000

Career Services is excited to be able to congratulate those graduating this semester and this summer. We know you have done amazing things while you have been here at UW-Superior and we know you will do even better things once you leave us.

Many of you are planning on entering the job market upon graduation. This can cause a wide range of emotions, ranging from elation to frustration. The emotional roller coaster of life after graduation can lead to feelings of confusion
and lack of confidence.

You shouldn't get discouraged too quickly. Here are some stats that should boost your confidence:

The unemployment rate for graduating students is 3.9%, which is significantly less than the overall unemployment rate of 7.5%. That means your degree from UW-Superior will help you go places. [NY Times]
Of the 500 students who graduated from UW-Superior between December 2011 and August 2012, only 2.7% were still seeking employment as of last month [Career Services]
Employers are planning to increase their hiring by 13%, over last year. [NACE]

We have confidence that you will find the right position for you. It may take some time to land your dream job. Eventually, you will get there. As long as you put in the work, do your best, and take advantage of the opportunities afforded to you, you will succeed.

No matter if you are planning on entering into a career, the military, graduate school or other pursuits, transitioning to life after college can be difficult. We know that, but you have a strong support network here on campus to help you succeed.

Remember, Career Services is available to you as an alumni. We can help you with finding opportunities, applying for jobs, preparing for upcoming interviews, and more. You are also now connected to a great network, by being a Yellowjacket Alumni. The Alumni Association is a great way to stay connected to campus, meet other Yellowjacket Alumni, and take pride in your institution.

Make sure to also keep in touch with your faculty, other students, as well as staff who have supported and encouraged you along the way. You never know who or what may lead to the next big thing.

You are now entering the next exciting chapter of your life.We are proud of the work you have been able to accomplish while being here and we look forward to seeing what you will do!

Becoming an Advocate: Julia Johnson

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:04:06 +0000

Julia Johnson, a senior at University of Wisconsin-Superior, recently got a position at Woodland Hills as a Youth Care Counselor for the women's correctional unit. Woodland Hills is a non-profit organization that provides help for at-risk children. Julia got started when she decided to create her own individually designed major. When she was a junior, she talked with Kathy Pykkonen, the Career Services director, about possible career opportunities that she could have if she were to major in Gender and Society. With the help and encouragement from the Career Services office, Julia focused on networking and organizing cover letters, resumes, and references. She learned of her current employment through her roommate, who directed her to their website.

Julia feels that Career Services, and especially Kathy Pykkonen's coaching, helped contribute to her current success. Throughout the process of creating and pursuing her own degree, Julia says that Kathy made sure that she was set up for success in finding a career. Career Resource Assistant Kara Tudor helped Julia start her job hunt, helping review her resume and cover letters, mock interviews for practice, and referring her to the Career Fair. "The Career Fair is where I got practice interacting with employers," Julia says. With the help of Jean setting up meetings and Stacy Seminara conducting mock interviews in preparation for the interview process, Julia says she felt nothing but encouragement along the way. "I'd like to thank the Career Services staff for making my job hunt a success."

The advice Julia says other students should have lies in utilizing resources on campus that are provided by Career Services, stating that "Career Services exists for YOU." She explains that the staff helps prepare you to implement your knowledge to become part of the work force, either when you graduate or while you're still attending school. "Also, get started early! Kathy told me that starting earlier before you graduate will help you take the time needed in order to be successful in finding a job."

The University of Wisconsin-Superior gave Julia a liberal arts approach to education that helped her create more opportunities in the careers available to her. "My professors helped me design my major with my career in mind, and pushed me to reach my goals," Julia thanks, also adding how the University of Wisconsin-Superior provided her with the opportunities needed to gain valuable experience in making her more desirable as a potential employee. "Starting early and knowing what you're looking for helps in finding a job that you're really invested in." By becoming more involved on campus, Julia has not only landed a job, but reached success.

Free webinar: Help Students Market International Education Experiences

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:40:41 +0000

Free Webinar: Exposing Liberal Arts Students to Business

Mon, 06 May 2013 19:08:34 +0000

Career Services invites Faculty and Staff to a free webinar on

Exposing Liberal Arts Students to Business

When: Wednesday, May, 15th from Noon to 1 pm

Where: YU 202

Presenters: Lissa Bill and Rosemary Kopec

Learn about programs designed to give liberal arts majors hands-on exposure to the business world.

Participants will learn how to:

Create programs that engage liberal arts students early in the career exploration process
Prepare liberal arts majors to articulate how their knowledge, skills and abilities can benefit business
Collaborate with employers and alumni outside of the traditional venues (interviewing, information sessions, and so on) to engage students and build a foundation for business success

This webinar is available through the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Utilizing Her Resources: Kelsey Wachs

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:18:45 +0000

Kelsey Wachs is a freshman majoring in history here at UWS. Kelsey has worked in the
Career and First Year Center during the past year and has now joined onto the ResNet team, as a student technician.

Kelsey first found out about this position on Jacket Jobs. Once she decided that she
wanted to apply she got to work on revising her resume. "My resume was absolutely horrible when I first looked at it," Kelsey recalled. "All I could see were things that I would suggest to fix." She decided to use the templates found on the Career Services website and start from scratch. After getting an interview, she again utilized the Career Services website for interview help.

The other factor contributing to her success was her willingness to learn. Kelsey wasn't a "computer geek" before getting the job. She knew the basics of how to work a computer, but had no idea how to build one. During the interview she expressed that "it would be awesome to actually get the opportunity to learn how to build a computer."

Kelsey's advice is, don't be afraid to utilize Career Services. "Even though I work in
Career Services, I learn something new every day." Everyone in the center is friendly and willing to help with even the smallest problems.

Nice work, Kelsey!

Connect with Career Services

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:56:20 +0000

Have You Connected with Career Services via Social Media?

Whether you are current student, alumni, staff, faculty, employer, or guest, connecting with Career Services via social media is a good idea. We provide regular updates about events, jobs, tips and resources via various social media platforms.

Below are the ways you can get connected with us:

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking site, which helps to strengthen and extend your existing network. Join the UW-Superior Career Services group and "connect" with Career Services Staff Members

Facebook: Keep up to date on what is happening, by "liking" us on Facebook. We regularly post about on and off-campus jobs, upcoming events, interview opportunities and more.

Twitter: Follow us on Twitter (@UWScareers) for resources, links and events.

Blog: Career Services manages a blog with our suitemates in First Year Experience. Follow both offices via the Career & First Year Center blog to stay in the loop about each office.

Flickr: Check out photos of Career Services events, resources, staff, and more!

As always, Career Services can help you via our website, in person in YU 230, on the phone (715-394-8024) or via email.

Finding a Passion for Higher Education: Suzie Chung

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:37:22 +0000

Suzie Chung is a senior majoring in International Business and she recently got accepted to UW-Madison's Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis graduate school program. She learned about this opportunity as she started working as a Lead Student for First Year Experience her sophomore year, and as a Resident
Assistant/Assistant Hall Manager for the Residence Life department here at
UW-Superior. Her interest in Higher Education and Student Affair grew throughout her time at this university, so she wanted to continue on this path into her future career, so she decided to apply for graduate schools.

Suzie strongly believes that every professional at UW-Superior helped her to be successful on every opportunity she had and that's why she became who she is now. She didn't know much about higher education and student affairs when she first started this journey at UW-Superior. As she became more involved, she was encouraged by those professionals to pursue her passion. Suzie credits them for helping her love of higher education grow. She wants to pass that wonderful experience on to other students by working in the field.

Suzie's advice to students:

Get involved in as much as possible on campus
Reach out for help from the many wonderful professionals that work at UW-Superior
Believe in yourself, that you can do it and you will do better
If you are unsure what to do, where to go, how to get anything done, do not give up! Just go to anyone who working in Yellowjacket Union and tell them what you are struggling with

Finally, she would like to thank Career Services because when she started her career journey about 3 years ago, she didn't have a resume or any other application materials and didn't know where to start. Career Services helped her through every step and now she has great a resume and cover letter that she can use for future job opportunities.

Career Services wishes Suzie the best of luck at Madison!

Trust your Instincts and Follow Your Heart: Alyssa Gostonczik

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:47:12 +0000

The Basics

Alyssa Gostonczik is a current UW-Superior speech communication major. In March, Alyssa was accepted to the Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education (SAA) program at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, a program she found based on a string of referrals. Towards the beginning of her senior year, Alyssa began to realize that she enjoyed all the jobs she currently held on campus and wondered if there was a way to turn them into a career. After speaking with her department chair, advisor, and current Campus Visit Coordinator, she knew that student affairs was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. "I did some research, applied to the program, was accepted and the rest is history…I start in September!"

Help Along the Way

Alyssa says that Career Services was instrumental in her success to being accepted to the program. "Kathy, Stacy, Shannon, Jean and all of the CRA's were always there with encouraging words and helpful suggestions for tweaking my resume, nailing the interview and making sure to send thank you notes. They are always willing to lend a helping hand and I will certainly use their services well after graduation." Also vital to her success was taking advantage of the opportunities provided to her and not letting them slip away. "I think there is always a chance for self-improvement so it's important to keep your eyes and ears open because you never know when you catch your next big break, even though it might be disguised in small packaging."

For the Future

The graduate school search taught Alyssa that it's important to go with your heart and instincts when choosing a program. At the beginning of her sophomore year she knew that Business wasn't for her and instead her instincts were pointing towards a Communication degree. She says, "They were right then and so when SAA seemed right I went with it and I trust they won't let me down."

Good luck in Grad School, Alyssa! We are proud of your accomplishments!

Military to Civilian: Writing a Winning

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:31:16 +0000

The Veteran and Nontraditional Student Center is hosting

Military to Civilian: Writing a Winning Resume
Wednesday, April 3rd
4:00-5:00 pm
Old Main 118

Presented by Kathy Pykkonen, Director of Career Services

Follow up with veteran job seekers and learn more ways to translate your experience to success. Pizza Social afterwards.

Essentia Health presents Education 2 Employment

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:02:20 +0000

Essentia Health presents the Education 2 Employment Series

What is Education 2 Employment?
A chance to learn about Essentia Health's mission and how you can become a part of a successful, growing healthcare organization through internship and employment opportunities.

Life as an Information Services Intern
Current and past interns from different Information Services
Departments will talk about their experiences at Essentia, as well as
what college classes and activities prepared them for their
internships.

Information Services Manager Panel
A panel of Essentia Health Information Services managers will talk
about project opportunities in the department, professional growth and
development in the organization, and answer questions from the
audience. A representative from Essentia Health Human Resources will also be available to answer any questions students may have.

Networking Opportunity
Students are encouraged to take the opportunity to connect with IS
managers one-on-one. Ask questions, share your resume, and hone
your networking skills!

April 17th, 2013 from 3:30-5:00 pm
SMMC Auditorium*
407 East 3rd Street
Duluth, MN 55805
*The auditorium is located on the 2nd floor of St. Mary's Medical Center. Enter through 3rd Street Entrance or Skywalk and follow the signs.

Parking:Meter parking on street level
Ramp parking 3rd or 4th street

Refreshments will be provided

Contact Sarah Brinkman for more information: sarah.brinkman@essentiahealth.org or 218-786-2147

Motivated through Music: Yuma Yamaguchi ’09

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:39:19 +0000

Yuma Yamaguchi, an international student from Japan, graduated from UW-Superior in 2009 after completing his undergraduate studies in Music Composition. Yamaguchi has always been interested in music, and over time that interest grew into a passion that he still holds strongly today. At the young age of four years old, he began playing classical music on the piano. Since music was such an important part of his life, Yamaguchi made the decision to study it more in depth at the collegiate level. After sending out some of his demo music to various record companies for a few years, he eventually was contacted by IRMA Records Japan, where he began his professional work as an artist and producer.

Getting the Most of His Education

Through his courses at UW-Superior, Yamaguchi learned a lot about music from the great professors that he received instruction from. One of the most encouraging professors he had taught him about music composition, which included both the theoretical and technical aspects. However, Yamaguchi feels that he learned more than just methodology with this teacher and comments, "He made me think that I should write music for myself, not for him or the lesson. I was even showing him my private music which is less academic and directly related to my current job. He was respectful for those works, and this helped me to put myself into the situation of concentrating [on] my own music."

Aside from his great professors, Yamaguchi also had the opportunity to really develop his passion in music by being around people who shared a similar drive. He formed strong ties with other students, some of which he is still in contact with despite him doing his career work in Japan. He comments, "Many music students who went to UWS with me have sung or played on my releases, and actually I still work with some of them currently. [Right] now I am working on a track with a singer who was also an international student and graduated from UWS."

Yamaguchi also met a friend at UW-Superior, Erik Reuter, who was studying filming at the university. Though Reuter now has a career working as a cinematographer with various TV shows and movies, he has not forgotten Yamaguchi, and the two are currently working together and combining each of their talents to create a music video for Yamaguchi's latest single.

Making Music

As a musical artist and a producer, Yamaguchi typically gets to spend his day in the studio where he writes his arrangements. The variety of musical pieces he works on range from his own dance/club style of music, to music for TV commercials, soundtracks, or whatever else a client may ask for. He covers multiple musical genres and styles and therefore is very versatile with what he can create. On some days, however, he puts aside his own composing in order to meet with clients or other song writers, make presentations, or listen to demos done by other people, especially new artists.

Though Yamaguchi certainly enjoys his compositional work, there is much more to his job than just writing and producing songs all day, especially now that he has created his own record label. Holding the position of A&R (artists and repertoire) at his label, TILE Records, Yamaguchi is responsible for seeking out talent in order to recruit new artists. Once he has selected the artists that show potential, he continues to work with them all the way to the point of them releasing their personal compositions. He also holds responsibility on both the marketing and management side of things, so he is in charge of the promotion and publication of TILE Record's music as well.

Living out his Passion

Yamaguchi has put a lot of work into his music, and he proudly has just recently released his own label sampler from TILE Records on March 6. In order to get a better feel for his musical style and his work with other artists, here are a couple of links to his new record label music:

https://itunes.apple.com/album/tile-records-sampler-phase-01/id603790710

http://www.youtube.com/user/TILERecords

There is no doubt from seeing and hearing his work that Yamaguchi has become very successful with what he is doing in his career. Something important for students to remember when they are planning what they want to do with their education is to find something that they are passionate about and love to do. Success will come with passion. Yamaguchi knew from a young age that music was what inspired him, so he pursued it in college and was able to take his talents to a whole new level. When thinking about his career work, he explains, "I [feel] that [being] a composer is a life-style, not a job. I think about music all the time even when I'm not working. I'll be very happy if I can keep writing music in my future."

Yuma Yamaguchi was interviewed as a part of the Career Services Day in the Life project. His full interview and those of other UW-Superior alumni can be found on the Day in the Life website, http://www.uwsuper.edu/career/students/day-in-the-life.cfm.

Interview conducted by Kristen Jasperson on March 6, 2013. Article written by Kristen Jasperson.

Proving His Value: Michael Harvey ’09

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:49:03 +0000

Completing his college education in the spring of 2009, Michael Harvey graduated from UW-Superior with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and Economics. Prior to his commencement, Harvey took the initiative to gain practical work experience through an internship with Amsoil, where he dealt with accounting matters for the company. From there, Harvey was able to get his foot in the door with the St. Louis County Assessors' Office, located in Virginia, MN, where he was recently promoted to the position of Principle Appraiser.

The Job Description

Harvey began his job with St. Louis County only a couple months after graduation. Though he was not looking for a job working specifically with appraisals, he definitely enjoys the work that he is currently doing and realizes the positive changes that it has in the matters of the government. He first began this type of work as an assessor, and his main focus was to determine the value of a piece of property as well as the correct way of classifying it.

Though some people may see this as an easy job on the surface, Harvey understands that, "it takes an analytical mind and an attention to detail to be a good assessor." He cannot just put a number on a piece of property, but rather he needs to be able to defend his value when the number is challenged by others. There are also situations that arise in which the value of the property is not necessarily an easy assessment, and it takes a good amount of work to get the numbers right in these complex cases.

After working as an assessor for three years, Harvey received a promotion and transitioned into the role of Principle Appraiser. His new job requires him to supervise local assessors to ensure that they are carrying out their work properly, and he also provides them with assistance when it is needed. Most of his daily work is done in the office, either on his computer or making phone calls, yet he also spends some time in meetings or outside auditing the work which others have done. Being able to carry out some of his work outside rather than just sitting in an office every day is one of Harvey's favorite parts to his job. He also enjoys being able to work with a variety of people from day to day, although he admits that he often has to deal with individuals and situations that are not always the easiest to work with.

Landing the Job

Even though experience certainly can help in attaining a job as an appraiser, Harvey believes that a four year degree in a field such as Business, Economics, or Real Estate would be a good place to start for someone seeking this type of position. In order to be successful in this field, he also recognizes the significance in being able to effectively communicate with other people.

While attending UW-Superior, Harvey was a member of three different groups that allowed him the chance to continue to develop his communication skills. He was a part of the Student Senate, Business Professionals of America, and SUFAC (Segregated University Fee Allocation Committee). These groups helped to shape his various skills even further, and they gave him practice working with organizations that were set up in a professional context.

Advice to Others

Looking back on his path to a successful career, Harvey has some advice to share with those who are starting to make the transition from a student to a worker in the professional world. First of all, he feels that it is important for students to know what the job they are considering will entail. He explains, "Most students spend little time researching a career and a lot of time going to school for it. I think it's important to have an idea of what you're getting yourself into before you go to school." With that being said, Harvey also encourages students to take a look at the job market and how it is expected to look a few years out. If there is a way to shape your interests to fit into a field that is projected to be hiring upon your commencement, pursuing that path will only increase your chances of being able to find a job after graduation.

Though Harvey believes that a bachelor's degree is important for landing many jobs, he also recognizes that a higher degree is starting to be in higher demand. He explains, "In the public sector having a [bachelor's] degree is still sufficient for now but I can see that most employers are starting to be more adamant that people have an MBA or a [bachelor's] degree with five plus years of experience." Even for those jobs that do not require a higher degree, it is never a bad thing to have and it can only make you more marketable for a better job.

Harvey also emphasizes the significance in getting some practice in your field before making a start in the professional world, especially if you are looking into specified areas of employment. He comments, "Experience cannot be underestimated in the private sector. Making sure you have an internship or real job experience under your [belt] before you graduate college is important."

Mike Harvey was interviewed as a part of the Career Services Day in the Life project. His full interview and those of other UW-Superior alumni can be found on the Day in the Life website, http://www.uwsuper.edu/career/students/a-day-in-the-life.cfm.

Interview conducted by Kristen Jasperson on January 30, 2013. Article written by Kristen Jasperson.

The Perfect Touch: Kelsey Lyons ‘09

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:43:15 +0000

Finding the Right Path

Although Lyons now works in Massage Therapy, her path to this career started off going in a very different direction. She first began attending school for Criminal Justice and found the work to be very stressful, especially the experiences in some of the maximum security areas. After attending a massage session to try to relieve some of her stress, Lyons realized how beneficial the treatment was for her, and she decided to look into it further. Shortly after, she made the decision to change her educational path and enroll in massage school, where she developed her passion for that kind of health work.

Once she had completed all of her certifications, Lyons made the decision to open her own business, Eightfold Path Massage, LLC. Even though it was not required for her new career path, Lyons made the choice to enroll in classes with UW-Superior in order for her to obtain her bachelor's degree. She explains, "I didn't have to have a [bachelor's] degree in order to teach massage but I am so glad I got it. I have received many jobs just because I have a degree above the other candidates." Lyons was able to take all of her classes online through UW-Superior's Distance Learning Program, and she took the opportunity to design her own individualized degree in Human Services with concentrations in Nutrition, Management, Communication, and Anatomy.

Working with Massage Therapy

Since she owns her own business, Lyons is responsible for everything that goes on within the company, from taking care of all the financial responsibilities and paperwork to advertising the business and of course carrying out the actual massage work as well. Although some may think that this type of job would struggle in a poor market, Lyons has actually seen the opposite effect. She comments, "I have had no loss of clients based on the economy at all. Massage is growing into the category of health and wellness and people respect the need to stay healthy."

Even with the wide range of duties that she is responsible for as an owner, Lyons is not daunted by any of the tasks at hand. Though she admits that she may not enjoy all of the work, especially dealing with things such as taxes, she is able to find great people who can help her out with those aspects of the business. Overall, Lyons loves the work that she is doing. Each client who comes in to see her has a unique need that they are seeking to have fulfilled, and she takes pride in seeing the end results of her work.

One example Lyons gives of the benefits of her work was the aid she was able to give a woman who had terrible pain in her legs from MS (multiple sclerosis). The woman had tried to get help from other places, but nothing was working for her. Through the benefits of the massages Lyons provided, as well as the instructions that Lyons gave to the husband to help out at home, the woman was able to go from being immobile to managing the pain and walking again. These are the types of success stories that Lyons is proud to be a part of.

Aside from carrying out her work of performing the massages, Lyons also has the opportunity to teach massage classes to others who are looking to learn about the field. In the future she is hoping to still be a part of this ongoing education for others as well as continuing her own work. It is her long term goal to be able to own an even larger business than what she has now, such as a spa or a school for massage education.

The Importance of Education

Although it is not necessary to have a bachelor's degree in order to carry out her work with Massage Therapy, Lyons believes that her extra education has proved its worth to her. She reflects that she had an edge over others who applied for the same job positions as her, and she was grateful for the opportunity to continue learning.

For the teaching aspect of her job, Lyons comments that aside from needing a massage therapy degree, at least three years of field experience is also required. She loves the chance to take part in educating the people in her classes, especially those who are eager to learn more. Continual learning is something that Lyons takes seriously, and she says, "I would LOVE to continue on to get my master's degree just for the simple fact of learning more. There is never enough
education!"

Work in Cambodia

To some people it may seem like a job in Massage Therapy would be fairly static without too much variation involved. However, Lyons proves that this is certainly not the case. She states, "Massage Therapy and teaching is amazing. There isn't just one road that you have to travel down. Massage will take you to places and introduce you to so many people." This certainly held true for Lyons, who spent some time working with people in Cambodia. While she was there, she was able to help both children and adults who were suffering from health problems but who would not otherwise be able to afford any medical care. Her work was done through a program called The Heart Touch Project.

Lyons' trip had such a positive impact on her life, and she is already planning to make a return trip to Cambodia in January 2014. After her experience overseas, she now says, "I honestly have a better idea of the world and what one person can do to help change it. I wish everyone could take one trip like this one in their lifetime so that they could see the love and happiness in the world!"

Kelsey Lyons was interviewed as a part of the Career Services Day in the Life project. Her full interview and those of other UW-Superior alumni can be found on the Day in the Life website, http://www.uwsuper.edu/career/students/day-in-the-life.cfm.

Interview conducted by Kristen Jasperson on January 11, 2013. Article written by Kristen Jasperson.

Keeping her Culture Alive: giiwegiizhigookway Martin ’09

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:38:20 +0000

Giiwegiizhigookway Martin made the decision to make use of UW-Superior's online education program, and she worked to earn her bachelor's degree with an individualized major in Human Services and a minor in Native American Studies. Though she did not graduate until 2009, Martin has been doing various types of work with her tribe, the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe, since 1986. She was a council member for many years, and then she spent a couple of years doing work as treasurer. She is now working in the position of the Historic Preservation Office Director, which she has held for the past nine years.

Communication is Key

Working as the Historic Preservation Office Director, Martin's job entails much research and requires a strong ability to be able to communicate with people on multiple levels. She must be able to work well with both the members of the tribe and its officials, as well as authorities from local, state, and even federal levels. A large portion of her job involves reviewing federal funding projects and then writing reviews on them and making reports on how the projects will affect the tribe.

Martin feels that one of the most challenging facets to her job is getting people to see eye to eye. She explains that it is difficult "dealing with outside agencies who do not believe that as a tribe [they] need to be included in consultation and coordination efforts. It takes a lot of education outside of the work day to teach these agencies why [the tribe's] voice is important and it does matter that they consult with [them]." Though these situations may take extra effort to address, they are essential to the well-being of the tribe and help to ensure that they have a say in certain affairs.

Preserving the Culture

Other than these few challenges, Martin loves the work that she gets to do for the tribe. One of the things she enjoys most is working with matters of preserving the culture of the Ojibwe. A project that she is currently undertaking involves the tribe's language and what can be done to prevent it from becoming obsolete. To address this issue, Martin has paired up with a couple of other tribal leaders in order to create a language program. She comments, "We probably currently have (at most) 2 semi-fluent Ojibwe speakers left here in our community." In order to preserve the culture, it is important to put a focus on maintaining the language and building up the number of people who can speak the language fluently.

Martin is very happy to see her work having such a tremendous effect on the tribe, especially with the youth. "I am…excited to be involved with bringing back many of our customs and culture by implementing classes and workshops to demonstrate and teach these things to the community. I love seeing the younger generation learning these things so that they may be kept alive and passed down to the next generations."

Because of all the different types of work that she attends to, Martin never feels bored on the job. She enjoys the changes in pace and loves the fact that she is able to learn something new every day no matter where her work takes her. Learning is something that she never tires of, and she feels that she wants to know more and more every day. With such an eagerness to continue her education, Martin is even contemplating doing work for a master's degree in the near future.

A Course of Action

For people who are interested in pursuing a similar career path, Martin wants to emphasize the importance of having strong skills in both speaking and writing. Communication is essential for her type of work, yet she recognizes that it is also relevant for just about any career path. This makes cogent speaking and writing a very valuable set of skills to obtain and continue to improve upon.

Aside from these abilities, a bachelor's degree in Native American Studies, along with developed mapping and research skills, is also crucial. There are also other concentrations within the broad field that may require a slightly different course of education. For these other jobs, Martin recognizes that there are many different areas of work a person can enter into, and he or she can either work within a broad range that deals with multiple capacities or can choose to focus in on one specific area or another. Some of the more concentrated jobs would include work in anthropology, archeology, language, culture, or mapping, all which can still fall under the broader category of Native American Studies.

After working with the reservation for many years, Martin has come to realize what it takes to be successful and happy with her work. To help other's careers flourish as well, she has some advice to share. She says, "If you want it, you must work hard, and you can make it the experience of your life by being passionate for what it is you are trying to accomplish." This is a view that Martin has embodied in her own life, and it has led her to a successful career doing something she loves.

Giiwegiizhigookway Martin was interviewed as a part of the Career Services Day in the Life project. Her full interview and those of other UW-Superior alumni can be found on the Day in the Life website, http://www.uwsuper.edu/career/students/day-in-the-life.cfm.

Interview conducted by Kristen Jasperson on February 28, 2013. Article written by Kristen Jasperson.

Spring 2014 Head of the Lakes Job and Internship Fair

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:58:59 +0000

The Head of the Lakes Job and Internship Fair will be held at UW-Superior Yellowjacket Union on Wednesday, Feb. 13.

Spring 2014 Head of the Lakes Job and Internship Fair
February 12 from 1 to 5 p.m.
UW-Superior Yellowjacket Union Great Room

The Head of the Lakes Job and Internship Fair is the regional job and internship fair for the Twin Ports region, including students and alumni of the University of Wisconsin-Superior, the University of Minnesota Duluth, and the College of Saint Scholastica.

Meet employers for networking opportunities, learn about the current market, and find internships and summer, full-time and part-time positions.

List of attending employers will be available closer to the event date

Attendance Fee: FREE

Advised Dress: Business Professional

Parking: FREE

Registration: At the door

Transportation: DTA Bus 16 runs between Duluth's Holiday Transit Center on Superior St and Superior. For a route schedule, please visit: http://www.duluthtransit.com/