PERSONAL CAREER BRIEF

Introducing… Sandy Straley

A graduate of … Skyline High School

Now working as … Realtor-Broker-Property Manager

Employer … Sunview Homes

Check out this website … http://sunviewutah.com/

Psychology was her favorite class in high school because …“I am a very social person, so I enjoyed learning about how people think and react.”

Sandy’s first job … a secretary for the Salt Lake City Police Department.

The worst job?  Contact lens cleaner.  What made it the worst was the lack of variety; she found it extremely monotonous, which made it difficult to get excited about going to work every day.

Sandy reports her most significant training beyond high school has been “Real estate classes, broker classes, and continuing education throughout my career.”

A Career Highlight … Sandy is a “Million Dollar” salesperson, having sold a million dollars worth of property in one year!

Advice to students: “Make sure you get a college degree.” In today’s economy, employers often choose the person who has the degree over someone who only has experience.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM HIGHLIGHT

Q & A with Suzie Kendell: A certified nursing assistant (CNA) classroom instructor at the Viewmont High School.

Question: What do you want parents and the community to know about your class?
Answer: I would like parents to know that this is a great opportunity for their students to be able to learn the skills to care for patients, whether they continue on in nursing, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, radiology, or pursue medical degrees in many of the other health care careers.

Question: Is the CNA course a prerequisite for future training and/or education?
Answer: Taking the CNA course is a requirement prior to participating in any medical internship in Davis District and is also a prerequisite for many of the college health care programs.

Question: What projects are your students working on?
Answer: Right now the students are learning about caring for the elderly, infection control and body mechanics. They are participating in labs where they are learning how it feels to be “elderly” by putting cotton in their ears, wearing glasses which cause blurred vision, using slings and wraps to limit mobility, and then walking around the school using walkers, canes and carrying oxygen. They are also learning to practice medical asepsis—a term used to mean free of contaminants that cause disease, like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites—with hand washing, putting on gloves, gowns and masks. They are also learning how to take Vital signs—blood pressure, pulse, respirations and temperature.

CNA Elderly Experience

Question: How does your CNA class prepare students for life after high school—college and career?
Answer: This program allows the students to learn and practice their skills here in our classroom lab and then go out into the community and actually care for patients and residents in long term care facilities during their clinical rotation. They are then prepared and qualified to take the Utah State CNA exam—a written and skills test. Upon passing the test they are certified and can go out and get a job as a CNA. This class is the first step and the foundation for every health care career available today.

Question: What are your students saying about your CNA class?
Answer:

• Blair said, “I am telling everyone to take this class!! It was awesome!”
• Katana said, “I already love this class. I’m excited to take care of real people.”
• Ashley said, “I just got a job as a CNA and I love it!”
• Victoria said, “Now that I have my CNA certification, I am applying for the nursing program at several colleges. This will really help my chances of being accepted.”
  

  Restraint Lab

Registered nurses hold a variety of qualifying degrees. Approximately 18 percent hold a nursing diploma, 34 percent hold an associate degree, 34.2 percent have a bachelor’s degree, and 13 percent hold a master’s degree or doctorate.

Visit UtahCTE.org to learn more about a career in nursing.

PERSONAL CAREER BRIEF

Introducing… Russell T. Warne

A graduate of … Bingham High School

Now working as … Quantitative Psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology

For … Utah Valley University

Check out these websites: http://www.apa.org/research/tools/quantitative/index.aspx# and http://www.uvu.edu/profpages/profiles/show/user_id/10984

History, Theatre, AP Psychology and English were among his favorite high school classes because … “I was always interested in people, and even though I have a bachelor’s and a doctorate in psychology, I probably learned more about people from my humanities background than I did in college.”

Dr. Warne’s first job – was working at a grocery store and also tutoring community college students.

The worst job? “Because I’m also a musician, I worked a job where I did musical direction at an educational theater in California. My second summer there, the place was going under financially. My paycheck bounced twice, the director was artistically incompetent, and there were personality clashes among almost all of the staff. I counted down the days until I was released from my contract, got my last paycheck (as a cashier’s check), and went back to Utah.

A career highlight … Dr. Warne has received two national research awards – and is in the running for a third – in recognition of his doctoral dissertation, entitled, “Psychometric Impacts of Above-Level Testing.” It is early in his career, and he already has 11 published articles, too!

Advice to students …“Take lots of courses in a lot of different fields (humanities, math, science, social sciences, arts) and the hardest courses you can manage. Don’t hesitate to bring information from one field to another. People appreciate a person who can deal with members of other fields.”

And more …

• About Dr. Warne’s high school experience … “Most significant courses for my future career were probably English courses because that’s where I learned to write. I’m always surprised by the sheer amount that I write. I also am frequently called upon to convey complex ideas succinctly, a skill that I developed in my English classes as a teenager. My theatre courses were significant, too, because I teach ten times per week. It feels A LOT like performing in front of a crowd.”
• What a Quantitative Psychologist does … “A quantitative psychologist is a psychologist who specializes in performing research on people and their environments. I design research projects, write scientific articles, and learn why people act the way they do.”
• What a College Professor does … As a professor, I teach people statistics, how to conduct research in the social sciences, and provide information about psychological and standardized tests.
• Re: his undergraduate college experience: My undergraduate years provided me with the training I would need for my career. The best courses were psychological research methods and psychological tests and measurement. The latter course ignited my love for testing and evaluation, which surprised me. I had been somewhat disenchanted towards psychology and was thinking about changing majors. The T&M course showed me that I could be a psychologist and never have clients or patients. It pointed me in the direction necessary to learn about people, which is what got me into psychology in the first place.
• And Graduate School …”was where I learned the majority of skills I need for my job. The classes were all useful, but more important was learning how to network, brainstorm research ideas, and write (There it is again!) like a scientist.

PERSONAL CAREER BRIEF

Introducing… Chad Markle

A graduate of … Grimsley High School (Greensboro, N.C.)

Now working as … Senior SQL Server Database Administrator, responsible for the reliability and performance of the data that drives business.

For … MetTel.

Check out the website: www.mettel.net

Electronics was his favorite high school class because … “It was a very hands-on class. We got to build and repair various electronic devices and learn how they work.”

Chad’s first job – was mowing lawns, and also working in the kitchen of a “high-end burger restaurant.”

The worst job? Working at a software company, but what made it the worst was going through a big growth phase – a build-up to over 100 employees – and then downsizing that resulted in Chad being one of only 6 employees remaining. Chad says, “I saw several of my friends, who were smart and worked incredibly hard, get laid off. The lesson I learned here is to be loyal to your company, but keep a balanced life too. It’s easy to get too deep into your work and miss the other pleasures of life!”

A career highlight …was getting hired by a client of a company that Chad had previously worked with. He says, “The client was a very large company and gave me exposure to training and support I would not have had otherwise. People do recognize when you do a good job, even if they don’t say it or show it.”

Advice to students … “Learn as much as you can. Schooling is important as it shows your intent and capability to learn. Stick with it, even if it sucks. It will pay off down the road. Also, learn something because YOU want to, not because someone tells you that you should. You’ll enjoy it more and have a deeper understanding of it!

And more …

• Chad reports his most significant training after high school was … “On the job training of the ins and outs of tuning a SQL Server to have it perform optimally. This is an ongoing learning process!”
• During college, Chad was a co-op student for a small electrical engineering firm that made computers for larger companies.

PERSONAL CAREER BRIEF

Introducing… Chantel Thackeray Olsen

A graduate of … Hunter High School

Now working as … High School Language Arts Teacher. “My job is to organize lessons and information in order to bring out what is within my students. Particularly, I focus on literature, writing, reading, presenting.”

Employer … Murray School District

Check out this website … http://www.murrayschools.org/schools2/mhs/index.html                                                                                                                  

Drawing, ceramics, English, and creative writing were her favorite classes in high school because …  “I felt like these classes allowed me to be ME! There seemed to be more freedom to choose my assignment, or at least choose an element of the assignment. I also felt like my grade was truly based on my work/performance.

Chantel’s first job … was mowing lawns for Salt Lake Community College.

The worst job?  Bussing/waiting tables.  What made it the worst was not going to work until noon and then working late into the night. She felt that she was wasting the best part of the day at work.

A Career Highlight … “I should put something here like … I have my Master’s Degree, or I received an award, but I think some things are more of a highlight for me. I love teaching for several reasons, but I mostly enjoy it when I get a letter or a visit from a student that is grateful for my class. I had a student return after several years and say he wouldn’t have graduated if I hadn’t pushed him to complete his work in my class, as well as his other classes. He was in a technical school in Arizona and headed in a fantastic direction for a career. He never liked school and didn’t want to go to college. When he was a student I remember telling him that there are so many opportunities for everyone and some of those opportunities aren’t in a traditional route. He said that changed how he thought about his future. I can’t express how meaningful the moment was.”

Advice to students: “Make a decision. Don’t wait for something to happen to you. Everyone is constantly looking to improve and to seek out what they want—adults and teenagers. There is not a perfect career or decision. If you keep moving, taking classes you enjoy, feeding the knowledge you value, you will end up doing something you believe in and so … like.”

More …

The takeaway from Chantel’s worst job: ”Looking back now, I see that it was a challenge. I had to be very socially appropriate: when guests complained I had to work on being humble and patient. This job introduced me to a lot of interesting people—guests and peers. I learned so much about how to control emotions and do the job even if someone is being rude.

• RE: Chantel’s early college experience: “I didn’t really have an idea of a major or a ‘job’ when I went to Southern Utah University, so I decided I was just going to take classes I enjoyed. I had a Nature Writing class. We read selections about the West, about Utah. I was hooked. I loved that we read about areas I had been to: Moab, Salt Lake, the Grand Canyon. I felt connected to the writers and the subjects. To end the course we went on a class trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. I felt like the class came to life. We wrote about our experiences, just like the writers we had read. So … I became an English major.”

PERSONAL CAREER BRIEF

Introducing… Susan May

A graduate of … Clearfield High School

Now working as … Senior Human Resource Analyst, conducting job recruitment, classification, and helping employees with benefits, retirement, payroll issues, etc.

Employer … State of Utah

Check out this website … http://www.dhrm.utah.gov

Business courses were her favorite in high school because … she learned “how to write professional letters, reports, etc. This background has helped me as I have progressed in my career.

Susan’s first job … was as a fast food worker.

The worst job?  Hotel Maid, but that experience motivated her to pursue the training/education that was needed so that she could take care of herself without having to take this type of job again.

A Career Highlight … The most rewarding facet of Susan’s job is helping other people. One of the people she recently assisted called Susan her “angel” because she played such a critical role in assuring a smooth transition to retirement.

Advice to students: “I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up and have been very fortunate to have ‘fallen’ into the Human Resource field. I have been able to really learn and grow and use my talents. My advice would be that once you know what it is you want to do, don’t let anything stand in your way. Get whatever education and training you will need to be able to accomplish your goals.

More …

• RE: Susan’s first professional job working in the LDS Church Historical Department. “I was able to be mentored by individuals with college educations and it was a wonderful experience.”
• Susan’s post high school education: “I have been fortunate enough to be able to receive most of my training on the job. I originally was hired by the state as a secretary. I have taken the opportunity to learn and grow in each position that I have held.”
• An example of Susan’s impact on the lives of others: “I helped a woman with her retirement a year ago. Her husband was being treated for cancer and she didn’t know how long he had left. She agonized over what to do. I went over all of her options, including taking family medical leave, and she finally came to the decision that she really needed to concentrate on taking care of him, so I helped her through the retirement process. I felt very grateful that I was able to contribute in some small way.

PERSONAL CAREER BRIEF

Introducing… Shannon Fischio

A graduate of … Granite High School

Now working as … Education Specialist

Employer … Utah State Office of Education

Check out this website … http://www.schools.utah.gov/cte

Chemistry and AP Chemistry were her favorite classes in high school.

Shannon’s first job … was working at a flower shop, where she loved the creativity and interactivity of the job.

The worst job? Also working at a flower shop. Yes, she loved the work, but what made it the worst was an ill-prepared store manager who created an environment of conflict among the full-time employees. This experience made Shannon feel lucky to be a part-time employee, and also taught her the importance of building people up, recognizing their value, and ensuring that they are motivated to do their best.

The most significant post high school training/education for Shannon goes beyond her Bachelor’s degree. Shannon asserts, “In reality, my degree prepared me to get the job I wanted, but I continue to learn most of what I need on the job and with continued workshops and conferences.

A Career Highlight … “Learning about the legislative process and how things really work. My first day at the Utah State Office of Education found me in a meeting with legislative fiscal analysts. Very interesting. I also love training teachers. I have been able to travel the whole state of Utah sharing information about doing good things for kids. Yes, there is resistance sometimes, but you get to meet a lot of great people and see their love for students.

Advice to students: “Take advantage of all you can while in high school.  Explore things in which you truly have an interest.  You will be better prepared as you take the next steps in your career.”

And more …

By working diligently to establish herself as reliable, hard-working and knowledgeable, early in her career, Shannon became a highly valued employee of the State Office of Education. Her reputation enabled her to leverage a high level of flexibility in terms of her contract and work schedule, and ultimately allowed her to successfully balance work and personal roles. Shannon currently works mostly from her home office.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM HIGHLIGHT

Q & A with Joy Phillippy: A registered nurse and a certified nursing assistant (CNA) classroom instructor at the Canyons Technical Education Center (CTEC).

Question: What do you want parents and the community to know about your class?
Answer: The CNA class at CTEC provides those students interested in the nursing profession or any medical profession to explore the opportunity of those medical related careers. Those students interested in pursuing a career in nursing receive a jump-start into any nursing program entrance criteria of CNA course completion.

Question: What skills do students learn in your CNA class?
Answer:  CPR, first aid, infection control, transferring, positioning and moving patients, how to feed a patient, how to complete oral care on a conscious and unconscious person, bathing a person, shaving a person, pressure ulcer prevention, measuring and recording intake and output. Isolation precautions, postmortem care, vital signs, dressing and undressing residents, foot care and nail care, assisting patients with bathroom needs and range of motion exercises.

Question: What certifications can students obtain in your CNA class?
Answer: CPR, Professional Rescuer, First Aid, Medical Terminology State Certificate

Question: What projects are your students working on?
Answer: CTEC CNA students are starting to review for the Utah State HOSA competition to be held on March 15-16, at the Davis Conference Center. Those placing in the top finishers will have an opportunity to go the National HOSA Competition in Orlando, Florida on June 20-23.

Question: What competitions will your students participate in on March 15-16?
Answer: Home Health Care and Medical Terminology

Question: How does your class prepare students for life after high school—college and career?
Answer: For college entrance into a nursing program, students MUST have their CNA certificate.

A student in my class last spring accepted a CNA position in Hawaii. She will be living there for 8 months working as a CNA, as well as taking classes. Pretty Cool Huh?

CNA class learning how to use personal protective gear in the health care setting.

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) estimates that the nation’s nursing shortage will reach more than one million nurses by the year 2020. Visit UtahCTE.org to learn more about a career in nursing.

PERSONAL CAREER BRIEF

Introducing… Stephen Richard Max Grobstein

A graduate of … Skyline High School

Now working as … Process/Chemical Engineer, working in Research and Development as part of a team that takes brand-name drugs and reformulates them to produce acceptable generic counterparts that can be sent off for clinical trials.

Employer … Watson Laboratories

Check out this website … http://www.watson.com

Chemistry, math, and history were his favorite courses in high school.

Stephen’s first job … was grocery bagger.

The worst job?  Grocery bagger, was also his worst job. He says, “I hated the winter months, dragging carts through the snow. Taking out the garbage was the smelliest thing I have ever had to do…” (Of particular note since he’s a chemist!)

Most significant training/education beyond high school was earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.

A Career Highlight … Stephen admits that he prefers “being in charge of people,” and – apparently – he is good at it, since he has achieved a management role in every job he has held so far.

Advice to students: Pick your favorite subject in school and find a related career. “Nothing is more important than enjoying what you do for a living…”

PERSONAL CAREER BRIEF

Introducing… Denise Cook

A graduate of … Cyprus High School

Now working as … A Office and Dental Clinic Manager

Of … Swanson Dental Clinic

Check out this website … www.bountifuldentistry.com

Science courses were her favorite high school classes because … she says loved learning about living things and what is necessary for them to function.

Denise graduated with high honors from a technical college with a degree in Dental Assisting and Management.

Denise’s first job – was working as a Collections Representative for a financial card services corporation.

The worst job?  Denise also worked as a Collections Representative for a large education services company. Her manager was totally ineffective, and Denise found it impossible to be a motivated and efficient employee in the oppressive environment.

A career highlight … “My current position has taught me so much! I have not only learned what it takes to run an office, but an entire dental practice. The dentist I work for is a brilliant man. Plus, who wouldn’t love to work for someone who gives you Valentine’s Day and Halloween off – with pay?!”

Advice to students … “Go to college; it is so much fun!” Denise waited until she was in her 30′s to go to college and says she feels that waiting that long resulted in her missing out on the full college experience.