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