Connecting Students to Careers:
Employer Meet-and-Greet Events Bring Opportunities to Campus
This semester, the College of Humanities hosted three dynamic employer meet-and-greet sessions in the Jewel Box of the Carolyn Tanner Irish Humanities Building plus a series of career workshops. Through a collaborative effort between the College of Humanities and U Career Success employers are able to connect with students and help students see what a Humanities degree can achieve. These sessions featured representatives from Gray Media, the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team. These events provided students with unique opportunities to engage directly with industry professionals, learn about career pathways, and explore internships and job opportunities tailored to their fields of study.
Students with Gray Media
Gray Media: Behind the Scenes of a Media Powerhouse
On September 4, Mass Communication alum, Jennifer Rigby, Senior News Consultant at Gray Media and Nicole Carros a Recruiter from Gray Media captivated students with an inside look at the fast-paced world of news and media. Representing one of the largest media conglomerates in the country, they shared insights into careers in journalism, marketing, and advertising.
Aspiring journalists asked thought-provoking questions, sparking discussions on news reporting, production, and digital storytelling. Rigby and Carros also emphasized opportunities on the business side of media, highlighting roles in marketing and advertising. In addition to the Q&A session, Gray Media hosted a lunch with Student Media and PRSSA members, where student leaders discussed their ongoing projects. Several students left the event with valuable connections, internship information, and even interview opportunities.
Anthony Rossi presenting.
APMP: Unlocking Careers in Proposal Management
On October 16, Anthony Rossi, a Writing and Rhetoric Studies graduate, introduced students to the lucrative and versatile field of proposal management. Speaking on behalf of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), Rossi detailed how students from disciplines like Writing, English, Communication, and History can excel in this growing industry.
Rossi’s presentation highlighted the strategic, creative, and leadership opportunities in proposal management and provided professional development tips. One Writing and Rhetoric student even secured an informational interview, marking the first step toward a career in the field. Rossi’s advice underscored the importance of leveraging Humanities degrees in business-oriented roles, inspiring students to explore nontraditional career paths.
Leann Bentley and Lara McKee presenting.
U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team: A Window into Professional Winter Sports
On November 20, representatives from the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team—Leann Bentley, Communication Manager & Press Officer, and Lara McKee, Creative and Content Coordinator—shared their experiences in the action-packed world of winter sports. The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team, the national governing body for Olympic skiing and snowboarding in the United States, is responsible for supporting athletes, promoting events, and creating compelling content to engage fans worldwide.
Bentley and McKee described their career trajectories, the challenges and rewards of working in winter sports, and the creative strategies behind their roles. From coordinating press coverage to developing engaging multimedia content, their stories showcased the breadth of opportunities available to students interested in combining communication skills with a passion for sports.
Students meet with Career Coach.
Student Career Preparation Workshops
Throughout the fall semester, students in the Humanities Career Compass course and other interested students participated in workshops designed by U of U career coaches to encourage students to think about and plan for careers early in their education. These skills workshops inspired students in multiple ways and helped with networking and creative ways to think about career planning.Sessions had topics such as:Career Well-Being, Collaboration Café, Design Your Lifeand Career Fair Preparation.
Looking Ahead
These events were more than just meet-and-greets—they were bridges connecting Humanities students to the professional world. Each session included snacks, engaging discussions, and actionable takeaways for students eager to carve their career paths.
The College of Humanities is excited to continue this successful series into the spring semester, offering more opportunities for students to connect with employers eager to tap into the talents of Humanities graduates. For more information, contact Cameron Vakilian, Associate Director, Internships and Career Success at cameron.vakilian@utah.edu