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… 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… 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.

PERSONAL CAREER BRIEF

Introducing… Samuel K. Sondrup

A graduate of … Chattahoochee High School (Georgia)

Now working as … A Certified Technician

For … REI (major outdoor retail store) “I work in a repair shop for bicycle and skis at major outdoor retail store. I have to organize, control, and perform repair work for customers. I also have to do ordering of merchandise for special orders as well as needed inventory.”

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

Yearbook was his favorite high school class because … he says he learned how to work effectively as a member of a team to create a great product.

Samuel’s first job – was as a worker at a small shipping/copy center.

The worst job?  Call Center Representative because the hours really dragged and there was nothing stimulating about dealing with a stream of disgruntled customers.

Advice to students … “Work hard at whatever you do, and if you don’t like what you are doing then find a way to change in order to be happy. Making money is great, but life is short and being happy with yourself and with what you do every day is more important.”

And more …

• About Samuel’s high school experience: “I was part of the Yearbook staff for a couple of years as an elective. I learned more about managing and performing to meet a deadline in that class than I did in most of my college courses. I had to be on time with my edited work and follow strict guidelines in order to have our year book published. It also allowed me and my classmates to use our creativity to create what we wanted as a team. As a team we had a diverse group of people that worked together whether they wanted to or not because the project as a whole was way more important than the personal issues that could arise during stressful deadlines. Seeing a finished product great and knowing that you and your classmates worked an entire year to create it was so rewarding.
• About his college experience:  “I would say my Global Marketing Strategy class at USU was my overall best college course for preparing me for real job challenges. The professor was Edwin Stafford and the entire course was a project. It was more or less considered our final project in order to graduate. It was a project that required us to work in groups with people that may or may not be your first choice to work with, and also required communication with people outside our college to complete. It was literally making a marketing proposal for a major corporation.
• About his current job:  ”Although I did not plan on working in retail for as long as I have, it has been great to start out at REI as the lowest man on the totem pole, and become the Certified Technician for one of the largest and most successful REI’s in the country.

PERSONAL CAREER BRIEF

Introducing… Sarah Buttars

A graduate of … Sky View High School

Now working as … A Marketing Director, where she has oversight of marketing budgets and plans, and community relations activities, including ad design and placement, quarterly newsletter writing and design, and administration of the scholarship program. She also represents Western Ag Credit at various industry-related events.

For … Western Ag Credit

Check out the website … http://www.westernagcredit.com

Yearbook was her favorite high school class because … this helped Sarah develop interview and writing skills

Sarah’s first job – milking cows.

Sarah listed milking cows as her worst job as well – though she recognizes the role that early job played in motivating her to get additional education, and the agriculture background continues to be an advantage in her current job. In her words, “I enjoy the opportunity my current job gives me to work in agriculture without the 4:00 a.m. milkings.”

Advice to students … Make sure you choose something that you love doing. Take pride in your work and do it to the best of your ability for your own sense of accomplishment and to ensure you are giving your employer your best work.

And more …

• “Getting up at 4:00 a.m. to go to the milk barn where a plethora of un-pleasantries were possible (getting kicked, crapped on-literally, and freezing in the winter) oftentimes made it [milking cows] something to be endured from my perspective.” 
• My first job after college was “Communications and Special Projects for a company that installed commercial stone exteriors.”
• “Get advanced education! You are limiting your future potential by not receiving additional training/education.”

NOW is the time to apply for a Career and Technical Education Scholarship and Tuition Award. This year, approximately 102 college scholarships are available. These scholarships are for one year of college or ATC tuition only. Don’t delay! Check with your CTE teacher or school counselor today to prepare your application.

WHAT: CTE Scholarships and Tuition Awards

WHO: All Utah high school SENIORS seeking an associate degree or less and/or seeking to be a school teacher in a CTE area—Agriculture Education, Business Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Health Science Education, Information Technology Education, Marketing Education, Skilled and Technical Sciences Education, and Technology and Engineering Education.

WHERE: Scholarships and tuition awards are available at the following institutions:

Utah System of Higher Education
Utah State University College of Eastern Utah – Price Campus*
Utah State University College of Eastern Utah – San Juan Campus*
Dixie State College
Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)
Snow College (SC) – Richfield Campus*
Southern Utah University (UVU)*
Utah Valley University (UVU)
Weber State University (WSU)

Utah College of Applied Technology
Bridgerland Applied Technology College (BATC)
Davis Applied Technology College (DATC)*
Dixie Applied Technology College (DXATC)
Mountainland Applied Technology College (MATC)
Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College (OWATC)
Southwest Applied Technology College (SWATC)
Tooele Applied Technology College (TATC)
Uintah Basin Applied Technology College (UBATC)

*Note: CEU-Price, CEU-San Juan, DATC, SC, and SUU scholarships are for a specific amount less than a full year’s tuition.

WHEN: Applications are due Monday, February 27, 2012

HOW: For more information about the CTE Scholarships and Tuition Awards visit UtahCTE.org.

Gary Wixom, Assistant Commissioner of CTE, Utah System of Higher Education, presents BriAnne Shipton with a CTE Scholarship and Tuition Award.

Steven Shumway has had his SEOP meeting with his parents.* How About YOU?

The parent/student meeting with a school counselor is a key activity that is part of the individual planning component of the Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Program (CCGP).  Sometimes referenced as an “opportunity to celebrate the student,” the focus is definitely on you and the progress you’re making toward your education and occupation goals.  

Prior to the meeting with your parents, you will have had opportunities to establish future goals and develop future plans. Your counselor and others will have helped you understand the connection between your high school program of study and opportunities beyond high school.

The meeting with parents is a chance to share your goals and to discuss some topics related to plans you are making, such as:

• Test scores.
• Progress toward high school graduation.
• Career development and decision-making.
• Four- or six-year plans.
• Career interest inventories.
• Occupational information.
• Work-based learning opportunities.
• Financial aid.
• College selection.

Reviewing SEOP: Plan for College and Career Ready

* Larry K. Shumway, Ed.D., State Superintendent of Public Instruction
* Mary Shumway, State Director of Career and Technical Education

The release of the ACT report on the latest group of Utah seniors who participated in testing last year (original ACT report and State Office of Education News Release) prompts Utah Career and Technical Education to remind everyone that today’s definition of “college” includes 1-year (certification, etc.), 2-year (Associate degrees), 4-year (Bachelor’s degrees) or more (professional degrees).

More Utah students than ever before took the ACT last year and the average composite score held steady at 21.8. For those students who scored 21.8 or above, congratulations! For those who scored lower, here is some information to encourage you. 

1. Average ACT Scores of Freshman Classes at Utah’s Public Universities

First, for comparison’s sake, check out the ACT scores for the middle 50 percent of freshman admitted to a sampling of Utah public postsecondary schools:

In other words, there are many freshmen who have been admitted to Utah public universities with scores below 21.8. Even at Utah’s more competitive universities, 25 percent of incoming freshmen scored below 21. 

2. Your High School Grade Point Average (GPA)

“The best predictor of future performance is past performance.” A high cumulative (grade 9-12) GPA can help convince college admissions staff that you are bound for a successful college experience, even in the face of a low college entrance exam score. In fact, the “Admission Index” (a table formulated to predict how likely you are to be accepted to a particular college), the GPA is weighted more heavily than the ACT/SAT. Do your best in all your classes, and do everything you can to excel in those that interest and challenge you. 

3. Other Factors Important to College Success

Have you ever heard of “soft skills?” These are characteristics that are often listed by employers as important to success in the workplace. These very same characteristics contribute to your success in school, and help to predict college success. For example, 

• Maximize your strengths and interests, and find ways to overcome weaknesses – both academic and personal. (In short, be aware of the range of characteristics you “bring to the table.”)
• Be an active participant in the classroom and other school-related activities.
• Make a commitment to learning new skills. Find ways to utilize your skills in school and beyond.
• Make friends of all ages. This is a foundation of a healthy network of people who can support each other through the ups and downs of life!
• Learn to manage your resources, not the least of which are your time and money. If you’re successfully managing your resources, managing the associated stress will be easy.
• Know what “success” means to you and define the steps to get there.

Whether you’re headed for “1, 2, 4 or more,” best wishes for success in high school and beyond!

It is graduation time, and the discussions about college and careers grow increasingly intense.  That intensity may be a reflection of a common view of “career” as a one-time decision to be made, rather than the lifelong progression that it really is.  This is not to diminish the important role that planning plays in that progression, but to help you understand that a good plan will accommodate change over time in response to new knowledge and changing life circumstances.  As such, climbing a mountain offers a better comparison than a one-time choice of which mountain to climb.

To increase one’s chances of successfully ascending any mountain takes preparation.  You’ll want to start with a destination in mind, and you’ll need the right tools and supplies to make the journey.  This preparation might be compared to your K-12 school experience, designed to help you learn the basic skills, and give you the knowledge you need, to launch your life beyond high school.  

As you begin an ascent up a mountain, you are bound to encounter unexpected challenges – perhaps a sudden change in the weather, a boulder that blocks your way, or even the discovery that you need to make more frequent stops than you originally anticipated. These challenges offer opportunities to evaluate, learn, and adjust your plan all along the way.  You might even re-define your path to take advantage of vistas unseen from your initial perspective, or to participate in an unanticipated adventure.  Successful careers are similarly a whole series of evaluating your steps along the way, applying your current knowledge and skills, and developing the additional knowledge and skills that will help you meet the next challenge.  You might re-define your plan to accommodate changing life circumstances (e.g., marriage, the birth of a child), or to hone the skills that will enable you to take a bigger “leap” in your career than you initially planned.

Whether climbing a mountain or embarking on a career, it all starts with a plan; just be open to adjusting the course in light of new information and lessons learned.

Your first step beyond high school is worth serious consideration. Framing it as just the first of many choices you will be making might reduce some of the associated stress.  There are more opportunities that will come your way, more skills to learn, more insight to achieve – across your entire lifetime.  You need not have your entire journey mapped out with every contingency defined, you need only get started!

Where do you want to be in the year 2020? Do you have a dream? Can you visualize what you will be doing? Do you have a plan? Through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways you can See the Vision of the possibilities and the map to get to your dream.

Recently, the Utah System of Higher Education released a Higher Education 2020 Plan that calls for more of Utah students to go to college, enroll in high demand programs such as CTE and complete the degree. Get started by visiting with your school counselor. He or she should be your ally in planning your personal education and career goals and will assist you in creating a Student Education Occupation Plan (SEOP). An SEOP is an important tool that will map out your high school classes. Through individual and classroom activities, rigorous academic study, CTE and work-based learning, you will learn decision making and planning skills. CTE Pathways save time and money and will assist you in making good choices.

Taking CTE classes, completing a CTE Pathway, preparing for college and taking concurrent enrollment classes is a critical part of this map. CTE Pathways will give you the skills you need to be successful in the technology and information driven economy of today and tomorrow. Be involved in Pathways. See the Vision. Make your dreams a reality. Become college and career ready by signing up for a CTE class today!