How did you get your current job, and what kind of work do you do in your role?
After graduating from the University of Arizona, I began working in healthcare recruiting. I was drawn to the role because it allowed me to combine my interest in healthcare with my strengths in communication and relationship building. In my current position, I recruit and connect healthcare professionals with clinical roles by sourcing candidates, conducting phone screenings, coordinating interviews, and building relationships with both candidates and hiring teams. A large part of my work involves outreach, communication, and understanding people’s goals so I can match them with the right opportunities.
How did your Applied Humanities major coursework help prepare you or give you unique insight for the “real world” of work?
My Applied Humanities coursework helped me develop strong communication, critical thinking, and people-focused skills that are incredibly valuable in the workplace. Many of my classes focused on understanding different perspectives, analyzing complex problems, and communicating ideas clearly. In recruiting, I use those same skills every day when speaking with candidates, building trust, and helping people navigate important career decisions. The program also encouraged adaptability and creativity, which has helped me feel confident working in a fast-paced professional environment.
What is a benefit you see now in studying your area of emphasis and the Applied Humanities?
One of the biggest benefits of studying Applied Humanities with a Public Health emphasis is that it gave me a broad and flexible skill set. The humanities helped me understand people, communication, and culture, while public health gave me insight into healthcare systems and patient-centered work. In healthcare recruiting, that combination allows me to better understand the field I’m recruiting for while also connecting with people on a personal level.
What advice would you give to Applied Humanities students as they approach graduation?
My advice would be to stay open-minded about the different career paths available to you. The skills you develop in Applied Humanities—communication, critical thinking, adaptability, and understanding people—are valuable in many industries. I would also encourage students to explore internships, networking opportunities, and roles that allow them to apply those skills in a professional setting. Sometimes your first job after graduation may not be something you originally imagined, but it can still be an amazing opportunity to learn and grow.
With hindsight, what do you appreciate about your Applied Humanities education?
Looking back, I really appreciate how versatile my Applied Humanities education was. It taught me how to think critically, communicate effectively, and understand people from different perspectives. Those skills have been incredibly valuable in my professional life, especially in a role like recruiting where relationships and communication are key. It also gave me confidence that the skills I developed in college could translate into many different career paths.
