How did you get your current job, and what kind of work do you do in your role?
I am proud to say I reached and attained my current job by exploring and remaining diligent and confident on career sites by navigating through companies I know I could resonate with and thrive in their environments. I am a Product Support Specialist at Garmin where in my efforts of combining emotional intelligence, analytical thinking, and technical troubleshooting I can deliver exceptional customer experiences and help support Garmin's fitness and health products and much more! I am passionate about my opportunities of transforming customer interactions into actionable insights that drive product process improvements, development, and long-term satisfaction amongst Garmin's customers.
How did your Applied Humanities major coursework help prepare you or give you unique insight for the “real world” of work?
My coursework gave me a great deal of experiences with collaboration and insight that helped me develop confident systems of organization for myself as well as when working alongside with my peers. This has helped me prepare and expand on transparent and effective communication in my daily work life and responsibilities.
What is a benefit you see now in studying your area of emphasis and the Applied Humanities?
A benefit of my emphasis has been my ability to understand and confidently work with the relevant topics of the business I am a part of in that I can create relevant and beneficial impacts to report and inform on for future business decisions. The transferable skills I developed through my emphasis have translated into everyday use with the reward of being able to feel curious and confident in pursuing and gaining new responsibilities within my role as I advance in my career.
What advice would you give to Applied Humanities students as they approach graduation?
One piece of advice I can give is stay true to your passions and genuinely do not give up on the roles you are looking to pursue. Many companies and businesses alike are very diverse and can offer so many opportunities to guide and lead you to your goals. I feel confident that I can fall back on and rely on my education with the techniques and strategies I developed in my time with the program to help me maintain and improve my soft and hard skills even after graduation.
With hindsight, what do you appreciate about your Applied Humanities education?
In hindsight I appreciate the support systems throughout the Applied Humanities Program I found myself a part of and leaning on. Taking the opportunity to meet with those who offer help is one of the best steps you can take in paving your way to success. Whether it is your professors, counselors, fellow students, or people in your professional life you are developing relationships with, there are individuals willing to help, educate, facilitate, and create a foundation for your future with the same passion you have for it yourself.
