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 in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Humanities, emphasizing Business Administration, along with minors in Spanish and Marketing, I began my career with Pinal County as a Customer Service Specialist. In that role, I discovered how much I enjoyed public service and supporting my department. I was eager to learn new skills, take on additional responsibilities, and grow professionally within the organization.
Today, I serve as an Administrative Supervisor, where I have the opportunity to lead an amazing team while continuing to serve the residents of Pinal County. My role includes overseeing customer service operations, processing public records requests, intake of permits, assisting with department projects, and managing department website updates. I enjoy the variety of work my position offers and the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community every day.
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 gave me valuable real world preparation. I developed professional skills such as resume and cover letter writing, interviewing techniques, transferable skills, and intercultural competence. The program also helped me build self-awareness and confidence through tools like Enneagram assessments and collaborative learning. These were skills and insights I had not learned in high school, and they helped me feel prepared to enter the workforce after graduation. I continue to use these skills in my career and often help friends and family with resumes, interviews, and professional development.
What is a benefit you see now in studying your area of emphasis and the Applied Humanities?
A benefit from studying Applied Humanities with an emphasis in Business Administration is how well it prepared me with both professional and interpersonal skills. I gained experience in leadership, collaboration, project management, and relationship building, all of which are important in the workplace. I value the flexibility of the emphasis, because it gave me skills that can be applied to many different career paths and work environments.
What advice would you give to Applied Humanities students as they approach graduation?
Career paths are not always linear, and it is normal for plans and interests to change over time. It’s okay if you do not have a clear career path figured out right away. Keep an open mind and remember that transferable skills like adaptability, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking are valuable in a wide variety of careers and professional environments.
Also, if you have the opportunity to travel, take it! Traveling gives you perspective on how other people live, expands your understanding of different cultures, and helps you realize how big and diverse the world truly is.
