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 pay cut, and balancing school and multiple jobs.
• Growth at Hunt and Fool: From media assistant to Social Media Manager—managing accounts, creating ads, and driving campaigns like the Dream Hunt Draws.
• Learning & Leadership: The value of feedback, honesty, and education; insights from hiring interns and delegating tasks effectively.
• Balancing Education & Career: Colin’s perspective on lifelong learning, personal growth, and pursuing a master’s while excelling at work.
• Advice for Interns & Job Seekers: Be teachable, build relationships, listen, and take calculated risks.
• Lightning Round & Final Thoughts: Colin’s favorite part of his job, hardest lessons learned, most important skill for interns, dream brands, and outdoor adventures.

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SUU Career Center website

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Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah

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 seekers: networking, preparing for interviews, practicing body language, and asking insightful questions.
• Practical advice on building strong teams and aligning values with potential employers.
• A humorous finale featuring a Bigfoot cameo.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Practice body language and communication to make a strong impression in interviews.
• Approach opportunities with an owner’s mindset—be proactive and contribute ideas.
• Attend networking events and career fairs to build meaningful professional relationships.
• Research companies and align your values with theirs to stand out as a candidate.

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SUU Career Center website

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Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah

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 advised students to seek out opportunities beyond academia, such as internships and volunteer work. Shaw stressed the value of building relationships, engaging in extracurricular activities, and developing a learning mindset. She shared her belief that practical experiences and personal initiatives often trump academic achievements on resumes. Additionally, Shaw encouraged students to try new things, embrace challenges, and maintain an openness to diverse experiences.

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SUU Career Center website

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Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah

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 career path. He breaks down why college degrees still matter to employers, even in a changing job market, and offers practical advice on gaining real-world experience through internships and hands-on projects.

The conversation dives into key myths about GPA, job hopping, and job qualifications — and how students can set themselves apart by being teachable, committed, and open to growth.

Key Takeaways

• The college-to-career jump is bigger than you think. Academic structure disappears — success now depends on initiative and adaptability.
• Internships are essential. Real-world experience during school helps reduce “transition shock.”
• Your degree is a launch pad, not the finish line. It shows employers you’re committed, teachable, and capable of growth.
• GPA isn’t everything. It’s a performance indicator, not a measure of career potential.
• Job hopping can hurt. Staying at a company for at least two years builds credibility and opportunities for promotion.
• Apply anyway. You don’t need to meet 100% of job qualifications — companies hire for the right fit, not the perfect résumé.

Memorable Quotes

• “When you leave college, you’re not finished — you’ve just built the launch pad for your career.” – Justin Wayman
• “A degree shows you’re teachable and committed. That’s what employers are really looking for.” – Justin Wayman
• “Internships and real-world projects are the bridge between theory and practice.” – Justin Wayman

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SUU Career Center website

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Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah

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 college, changing majors, and the unexpected opportunities that came from her early work experiences. This episode is packed with candid advice about the value of networking, the importance of work-life balance, and why your first job—no matter how "crappy" it seems—can set you up for future success.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Meet the Guest: An introduction to Markell Haslem, a financial analyst at Safari Hospitality, a hotel property management company with around 40 hotels across the western United States.
• From Weather Girl to Financial Analyst: Markell shares her childhood dream of being a meteorologist and how her struggles with math led her to pivot her career aspirations.
• The Power of an Early Start: How a job as a nanny for the Burgess family, who own Safari Hospitality, led to a position at the Hampton Inn in Cedar City and opened the door to a long-term career with the company.
• The College Experience: Markell's candid take on her seven-year journey to a bachelor's degree, why she switched from accounting to communications, and her advice for students who may be more focused on the social aspects of college.
• A Non-Linear Career Path: Markell's journey from a front desk and breakfast attendant at a hotel to an internship in revenue management, a brief and challenging stint as a General Manager during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a move to Denver to work for Fidelity Investments.
• The Value of Licensing and Certifications: How studying for and passing the Series 7 exam to become a licensed equities trader opened up new career opportunities and demonstrated her competency in finance, despite not having a finance degree.
• Work-Life Balance vs. a Big Paycheck: Markell discusses her decision to leave a potentially higher-paying job at Fidelity in Denver to return to Cedar City for a role with more flexibility and the ability to be present for her family.
• Your Major Doesn't Define You: The hosts and Markell discuss how your college major doesn't always determine your career path and that the skills you learn are often more important than the specific degree on your diploma.
• Bigfoot Theories: The episode takes a fun and unexpected turn with a discussion about Bigfoot and interdimensional beings.

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SUU Career Center website

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Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah

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, Sierra's story is a testament to how temporary, seasonal work can be a powerful stepping stone to finding your dream job.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Meet the Guest: An introduction to Sierra, who shares her academic background in outdoor recreation.
• The Power of Seasonal Work: How taking a summer job with the National Parks after her freshman year changed Sierra's career perspective and helped her merge her studies with her passion.
• A Non-Linear Path: Sierra discusses her career journey, which has included roles in interpretation (education), trail work, and her current position as an Outdoor Recreation Planner.
• Beyond Park Ranger: The conversation highlights the vast diversity of jobs available within agencies like the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Forest Service, including roles in HR, IT, and trades like being an electrician or plumber.
• Building Your Network: Sierra emphasizes the importance of networking within seasonal positions, which often leads to future job opportunities through word-of-mouth and personal connections.
• Navigating USAJOBS: Tips for applying for federal positions through the USAJOBS website, including the importance of creating a detailed federal resume and setting up saved searches. Sierra notes that a federal resume can be much longer than a traditional one, sometimes up to 10 pages.
• State vs. Federal: The benefits of looking for jobs at the state level, as the application process can sometimes be simpler than the federal one.
• Embracing the Unknown: Sierra's advice to students is to be open to trying new things and exploring different locations. She encourages listeners not to be afraid of moving for a job, as it can lead to amazing experiences and personal growth.
• Key Takeaway: Seasonal work provides invaluable hands-on experience, allows you to "try on" different careers, and builds a professional network that can help you long-term.

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SUU Career Center website

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Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah

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 your own terms.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Meet the Hosts: Get to know your Season 2 hosts, their roles at the university, and the winding career paths that led them here.
• Career Advice They Wish They'd Had: The hosts share the one piece of advice they wish they had received early in their careers, including the importance of experimenting, building self-confidence, and defining your own personal values.
• Myth 1: Your Major Determines Your Career. The hosts explain how the skills learned in college—like how to learn, communicate, and work under pressure—are often more valuable than the specific subject of your degree.
• Myth 2: Past Jobs Don't Count. Learn why employers value the experience gained from jobs in fast food or retail and how any job, when done well, can demonstrate your work ethic and ability to excel.
• Myth 3: Success Equals Money + a Big Title. The hosts explore different definitions of success and the importance of aligning your career with your personal values, whether that means climbing the corporate ladder or having more time for family and hobbies.
• Myth 4: Employers Don't Care About Degrees Anymore. A degree can demonstrate character, the ability to finish what you start, and essential soft skills that are highly valued by hiring managers.
• Workplace Horror Stories: The hosts react to cringe-worthy stories about disastrous interview processes and the unexpected consequences of your digital footprint.
• Your Digital Footprint: An important lesson on why you should Google yourself before an interview and be mindful of the personal brand you're building online.

Connect with Us: Do you have questions or topics you'd like us to discuss in a future episode?

• DM us on Instagram: @SUUCareerCenter
• Follow SUU Alumni: @SUUAlumni on Facebook and Instagram

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SUU Career Center website

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Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah