Meet a Recent Graduate

Meet a recent graduate by clicking on the links below.

For the graduating class of 2006, 70% are working full-time, 19% are pursuing further education full-time, and 4% are engaged in full-time volunteer service.

Find out more about alumni satisfaction by reviewing the results of the 2005-2006 College of Liberal Arts Alumni Survey.

 

Profiled Majors

Profiled Careers

Anthropology Biology Chemistry Communication Studies Criminal Justice English Environmental Studies Global Studies History Legal Studies Management Management-International Mathematics Modern Languages Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religion Social Justice Sociology Theatre Women's Studies Consider a Career Outside Your Major

Careers Admission Possible--Americorps Volunteer Campaign Committee of Max Baucus (D.C.) Research & Fundraising Environmental Health Services Center (USC) Community Outreach and Education Coordinator Florida Democratic Nominee for Attorney General--Finance Director General Mills--Trade Payment Specialist Merchant & Gould--Withdrawal/Transfer Specialist (Intellectual Property Law Firm) MinuteClinic--Physician Management Coordinator National Youth Leadership Council-- Program Coordinator Penumbra Theatre--Scenic Carpenter Photophile Stock Photography--Owner Rifle Middle School--Band Director Target Corporation--Bilingual Benefits Specialist Target Corporation--Financial Planning Specialist Thomson West--Editor United Methodist Church--Director of Children’s Ministry Walden University-- Coordinator of Academic Residencies   Attending Graduate School Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Industrial Organizational Psychology Georgetown University, Law School Harvard University, Master of Public Policy Ruhr-University of Bochum, Germany, Master of Arts in European Culture and Economy University of Minnesota, Masters in Human Resources University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry University of California-Berkeley, Ph.D. in Chemistry University of Minnesota, Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering William Mitchell College, Law School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anthropology

Katie, 2005 Graduate
Anthropology &
Criminal Justice

While at Hamline, I studied forensic science, anthropology, and criminal justice.  In fact, one of the reasons I chose Hamline was because of the Forensic Sciences Certificate (FSC) Program.

I am currently working for a company called MinuteClinic in downtown Minneapolis.  I am the Physician Management Coordinator. I wanted to take some time off from school after graduation and get into the workforce. My current job doesn’t have anything to do with my college majors – but that’s ok! Hamline taught me so many things that are useful in my day-to-day operations at work even though none of these things came directly from classes I took.  My ultimate career goal is to become a biological anthropologist while also working in forensic anthropology.  For this, I will need to continue my education by going to graduate school. 

During my four years at Hamline, I was able to gain experiences that have already set me apart from the average student interested in forensic science.  Specifically, the FSC Program allowed me to learn techniques from practicing professionals and to even participate in real casework.  I was able to apply knowledge from classes directly to active forensic cases while assisting my advisor in her professional consultations.  I feel lucky and honored to have done this since very few undergraduate students have the opportunity to work on real cases.

In addition to this, I enhanced my techniques in biological anthropology by being a teaching apprentice for the Human Osteology course and working on a research project.  I learned more about forensic anthropology while interning at the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory at the University of Florida after my junior year.  My co-curricular activities included leading the Forensic Sciences Society as Co-President, participating in the Anthropological Society, attending the national conferences of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences for 3 years, and supporting the Minnesota Innocence Project.  All of these were fabulous experiences that have already helped me excel towards my career goal as a biological and forensic anthropologist.

I would highly recommend that students get involved in organizations on campus and take as many opportunities to learn as possible. Just remember that learning is something you can do everywhere – jobs, internships, volunteering, organizations, study-abroad trips, and of course classes. Get as much experience as you can and set yourself apart from the rest. Hamline is a great place for all of these things, so take advantage of it!

 

Biology

Mary, 2005 Graduate
Biology, Psychology Minor
My time at Hamline has prepared me to enter the University of MN school of Dentistry’s class of 2006.  My interest in dentistry surfaced in high school, but I didn’t seriously consider becoming a dentist until I started at Hamline.  My curiosity intensified as I looked up dentistry information online and talked to my own dentist.  I then discussed my options with my academic advisor and pre-dental advisor Pres Martin in the biology department.  Dr. Martin helped me devise and stick to an academic plan.  Following his advice led me to contact Midwest dental schools and fit the dental schools’ required classes into my coursework (alongside Hamline plan courses and Psychology minor courses).   

Hamline science courses challenged as they prepared me for scoring well on the Dental School Admissions Test and gave me the foundation to someday receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.  Pursuing a Hamline Bachelor of Arts degree allowed me to experience a rigorous scientific course load and a broad range of liberal arts coursework. Instead of pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree from another university, Hamline allowed me to experience Psychology, English, Economics, Religion, Music, and athletics in a close-knit atmosphere.  I especially enjoyed my Culture and Power in American Humor First-Year Seminar because as a First Year, I was able to learn why I laugh when I laugh.  I also had the opportunity to participate in multiple social activities, vocal lessons, The Hamline University Women’s Chorale, The Oratorio Society of MN, and the Hamline University Gymnastics and Track and Field teams.

Hamline Chemistry, Biology, and Physics courses helped me to obtain a research position as a technical laboratory research assistant at 3M in the ESPE Dental Products Division.   There I am part of a team conducting dental materials research and new product development testing.  I was hired in part because the Career Development Center helped me practice interviewing skills and polish my resume. 

If you are a prospective student; good luck with your academic and career decisions.  Some helpful advice to prospective students would be; get to know your academic advisors, visit the Career Development Center often, get involved in campus activities, and early on in your career search be sure to contact and visit graduate schools or employers and find what best fits you.  Most importantly, follow your dreams!     

 

Chemistry

Joe, 2004 Graduate

Building elaborate contraptions with Legos all day long, remembering the names of every dinosaur known to man, capturing countless backyard creatures, and collecting bugs and rocks at an early age were good indicators that I was destined for a life in the sciences.  Fifteen years later, I have narrowed my primary area of study to biophysical chemistry; I am conducting research on protein dynamics as I pursue my Ph.D. at the University of California - Berkeley.  With the burgeoning of countless new fields in science, and constant progression of existing fields, it’s really difficult to figure out what you want to do, whether it’s discovering new things through research, teaching, or applying new principles through engineering or medicine.

Hamline played a crucial role in allowing me to explore different areas of science while at the same time helping to narrow my focus to subjects I was most interested in pursuing.  I came to Hamline decidedly a pre-med biology major, but quickly learned I enjoyed chemistry equally so I changed my major to biochemistry.  During my four years at Hamline I participated in a wide variety of activities, including Tri Beta – a national biology honor society (also served as chapter president), resident assistant in the residence halls, scholastic intern at 3M Company in the Business Technology and Innovation sector, intramural athletics, tutor, and an independent research project (developing techniques to measure intracellular ion concentrations of mutant yeast cells).  All of the academic opportunities were alerted to me by faculty in the chemistry and biology departments, as they always played an active role in guiding my academics both inside and outside the classroom.  They ultimately encouraged my decision to go to Cal for grad school, which has turned out to be the most exciting and rewarding decision I’ve made yet.

One of the most important aspects of my Hamline education was its breadth; I learned to “think outside the box.”  Being exposed to many different subjects causes you to make associations between them in an effort to understand them.  It is this skill that has allowed me to be successful at Cal, and distinguishes a good thinker from a great one.  Innovation is the hallmark of society, and the most innovative thinkers are the most successful.  Taking courses outside my major was extremely valuable.  Introduction to Psychology with Prof. Charles LaBounty (Uncle Charlie) opened my interest in neuroscience, one of the many fields I actively learn about today.  My career advice to you is simple:  keep an open mind and don’t narrow your focus until necessary.  That means take a wide variety of classes early, and read science magazines!  Scientific American, Science, Nature, and Sciencedaily.com are all great.  They’ll keep you up-to-date on the frontiers of science in all the different fields.  Plus, the material makes fantastic conversation on dates – that’s why I’m still single!   

 

Communication Studies

Emily, 2005 Graduate
My college and career experience is a story of risks.  My first risk was when I came to Hamline, since I had no idea what major was the right fit for me.  I decided I needed to take classes in a variety of areas to determine what major I wanted to pursue.  One of the first classes I took was Introduction to Communication Theory. The theories were interesting to me, and the class really helped me develop good study habits for the rest of my college career. After taking a few more communication studies classes, I decided that was the perfect major for me.

Before deciding on a career, I knew that completing an internship in the communication studies field would be very important.  I always thought that my communication studies degree would lead me into a public relations field, so I began my internship search in that field.  The career development center counselors and job postings on their website helped me find an internship at a public relations firm in Burnsville. The internship went well, but it made me realize that a career in public relations was definitely not for me.

After my internship, I knew I needed to become serious about deciding what type of career would be the best for me given my skill set and interests. During my senior year, I completed an honors project in communication studies.  Working on that project gave me the confidence and knowledge that I could take risks in my life and be successful.  In the winter of my senior year, I was granted the opportunity to purchase a stock photography agency.  I decided that this opportunity was something I really wanted to try even though it was a significant risk.  I purchased “Photophile Stock Photography” in the spring of 2004; I use my communication skills to buy and sell photography to publishing companies.

The best advice I can give to Hamline students is to try different classes and careers to see where you will fit, even if doing so goes against your original plans. I look back on my college and career experiences and know that following a preset major and career path from high school would have limited my personal growth.

 

Criminal Justice 

Juanita, 2005 Graduate
Hello my name is Juanita and I graduated from Hamline University Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Criminal Justice and Sociology. I am continuing my education at William Mitchell College of Law in the fall 2005. During my time at Hamline University I was involved in many student activities and organizations. I played varsity women’s basketball, was the President and Treasurer of PRIDE Black Student Alliance, the Black history month Coordinator, a member of HUSC, I worked closely with the MISA office, I was a founding member of the Brooks Osnes Leadership Honorary Society, a member of Alpha Kappa Delta, Pi Gamma Mu, Phi Beta Kappa, the liaison to the Black Grad Student Alliance and more.  Being involved in student organizations is a rewarding experience that teaches you a lot about time management, working with others, and about the world in general.  I interned at Hennepin Powderhorn Partners Juvenile Probation for a year and the relationships that I was able to gain have really helped me as I continue to plan my future. 

When I entered college I researched many careers and the one career that I felt fit most with who I am as a person, my future goals and how I could be most influential in this world was law.  I read books, magazines, articles, and any literature I could get my hands on to find out more about what path I needed to take to achieve my goals.  I began networking in all different aspects of my life, including at my employment, at church and volunteer sites and of course here at Hamline.  

The one thing that I feel really prepared me the most for my career choice is all the meetings and interaction I had with professionals whom had traveled down similar paths. I had numerous lunch meetings and conferences just talking with lawyers and judges about the positives and negative of entering the legal profession.  I also sought assistance from the career development center for practice interviews and resume building workshops. The Career Development Center (CDC) staff was very helpful and always willing to assist me whenever I had a stumbling block. Along with the CDC, faculty and staff on the Hamline University campus were very helpful.   

The advice that I would give students beginning their career search is to keep an open mind, exhaust all your resources, meet as many people in various disciplines as you can, begin a business card collection through networking, volunteer, stay active on campus and in the community and most importantly follow your heart.

 

English

Anne, 2005 Graduate

I graduated from Hamline in May 2005 as an English major and a Creative Writing minor, and I am now working as an editor at Thomson West, a legal publishing company in St. Paul.  My job covers the process of receiving laws passed by state legislatures and publishing them in print and online.  I decided that I wanted to be an editor in the publishing industry during my senior year at Hamline.  Before that point I had not considered what I needed to know to get a job in the "real" world; as an English major I was simply doing something I loved.  So when I set my career goal, I knew I needed to be true to my interests and skills, just as I had been when choosing a major.

With my goal in mind, I asked my English professors about finding jobs and went to the CDC.  My professors helped me name the skills I had that prepared me for the publishing industry; for example, I was a critical reader, a confident writer, and an organizer of information.  My senior year I completed an honors project in English, and this project was also instrumental in highlighting the skills I had learned.  At the CDC I did a mock interview, received advice on my resume and cover letters, and got answers to questions about job-search protocol.  I was told to build contacts with people connected to publishing, to check the newspapers for jobs, and to call companies I was interested in to see if they had any job openings.  One such "cold call" led to a part-time freelance editing job with a small publishing company in the Twin Cities.  And after all this searching, I learned about the opening at Thomson West through a family friend.  I advise anyone beginning his or her career search to try all of these methods of looking for a job, because I know that jobs are found in many different ways.

Now that I am working I see that the whole process of majoring in English, which encompassed reading for hours, writing and re-writing, and examining words and their meanings, prepared me to be an editor.  I believe a career is an educational process, like college, and some day, after getting more experience,  I plan to move on to creative editing.  But for now I'm well suited to my job.  I have to read carefully, notice details, and enjoy the nitty-gritty of grammar.  Perfect for an English major!   

        

Environmental Studies

Carla, 2005 Graduate
Environmental Studies, Psychology Minor
I was in Girl Scouts when I was younger and that taught me the values I have about stewardship, conservation, and being a good citizen.  I love being outdoors and interacting with wildlife and nature.  In high school I learned more about environmental issues and knew that was what I wanted to do with my life.  For me, environmental studies was about my passion for the field. 

I read some books about careers in the environmental fields and talked to many professionals, and really found that almost any career can have elements of environmentalism in it.  It is such an interdisciplinary field, having elements of ecology, political science, economics, biology, physics, and many more.  The complex problems of our world require solutions that take into account all these aspects. 

What prepared me most for my career was my campus job at the Center for Global Environmental Education and my off-campus environmental studies program with the Higher Education Consortium of Urban Affairs (HECUA).  The HECUA program introduced me to many professionals in the field, as well as providing a great framework for studying environmental issues.  It was invaluable to my development and experience.  I also completed an internship with Windustry, a non-profit that does wind energy education and advocacy.  It helped me see the application of my skills and studies. 

On campus, I was involved in Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG), many committees as a Resident Assistant, the Environmental Studies Club, the Hamline Winds and Orchestra, the Osnes-Brooks leadership honor society, and went to many events held by the student organizations.  The Career Development Center was extremely helpful as I began my job search.  They helped me craft an effective resume and cover letters that highlight my skills and experience.    I strongly recommend everyone utilize the Career Development Center all their years at Hamline.  My favorite classes that were not part of my major were Introduction to Anthropology and General Psychology.  It was very interesting to get a taste of different fields and develop the breadth of my knowledge. 

I recently got a job at the Environmental Health Sciences Center at the University of Southern California.  I am a coordinator in the Community Outreach and Education Program, working with community groups to educate the public on air pollution and influence policy.

 

Global Studies 

Carla, 2000 Graduate
I consider my time at Hamline as some of the best years of my life.  I often remember fondly a particular activity, a fellow classmate, or an inspiring professor.  I was involved in student government, residential life, and community service projects.  I also participated in Model United Nations, which turned out to be one of the best decisions I made.  Through Model United Nations, we planned and organized a Hamline Model United Nations Conference for high schools around the area. We traveled to Chicago and to New York as Model United Nations “delegates” in regional and national college conferences.  It was a tremendous experience and gave me the opportunity to travel with my classmates and professor, research UN-related topics thoroughly, and speak publicly to hundreds of people from U.S. colleges.

I majored in political science, history, and global studies.  I worked with wonderful faculty and had dynamic classes in which people offered numerous perspectives and points of view.  I met people from all over the world, many of whom I am still friends with today.  I learned the importance of understanding different cultures and how to deal with a variety of situations.  I studied abroad my junior year at the University of Oxford in England and Salamanca University in Spain; I also had the opportunity to travel across Europe.  I completed internships with the late Senator Paul Wellstone and the United Nations Association of Minnesota ; I volunteered at the American Refugee Committee and Chicanos Latinos Unidos en Servicios.  Near the end of my time at Hamline, a professor informed me of an opportunity to become involved in an educational development project in China.  I thought it was the perfect opportunity to experience a new culture. For three years, I spent my time in one of the most challenging – and rewarding – experiences of my life:  living in a village in China, learning the language, grasping the culture, and helping to create a new private university.

At the end of my third year in China, I sought to place my experience into a larger academic framework to understand better both the successes and challenges of my time abroad.  With the support and guidance of Hamline faculty and administrators, I was accepted to a dual degree program to receive a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University and a law degree from Georgetown University.  I plan to work in international law in New York City. 

Hamline has become a part of who I am.  Recently, I was on campus to meet a former professor for lunch when I saw another professor whom I had not seen for years.  He called me by name, inquired about my sister (she also attended Hamline), and asked me about my experiences at Harvard and Georgetown. I had not contacted this professor since I left Hamline; rather, other faculty members kept him updated—and that makes Hamline truly unique.  The fact that Hamline faculty remains supportive and interested in their students after graduation is remarkable. After I ran into the professor that day in the Learning Center, I felt as if I had truly come home.

 

History

Emilyn, 2005 Graduate
For as long as I can remember I have always been interested in issues of racial and economic justice.  My parents were very politically active and this influenced me.  I remember campaigning with them and going to different fundraising events.  In 1992 I eagerly watched the election returns hoping that Bill Clinton would win.

I saw politics in an idealistic way.  It was a way to empower people and create social change.  When I got into high school  I saw history as a story of past struggles, and social triumphs.  I also discovered the importance of studying another language (Spanish) and saw it as a way to connect with people of other cultures.

As a young girl my parents were great role models.  My father is a lawyer and I admired his passion and desire to work for social and economic justice.  I knew I wanted to do something similar, but was not exactly sure of my career goal yet.    

I had some incredible experiences during my Hamline years.  I completed an intense three-week study of the Holocaust in Germany, Poland and the Netherlands in January 2003.  In the fall of 2004 I studied at American University in Washington D.C.  My best experiences were taking a foreign policy seminar and interning in my Senator’s Capital Hill Office.  This was perfect for me as I was able to learn about all kinds of international relations issues and implementation.  My semester in Washington, D.C. helped me realize my goal.  I want to work for immigrants in this country who have established legal status, but face other struggles including housing discrimination, sexual harassment in the work place, and other civil rights obstacles.

My professors at Hamline University were absolutely wonderful.  They helped me pinpoint my career interests.  They were always there to listen to my dreams or write letters of recommendation.  They became mentors and friends.  As I reflect on my history and political science classes, I know the heavy reading assignments prepared me well for the work I will face in law school.  Right now I'm working in the Campaign Committee Office of the Hon Max Baucus in Washington DC. I help coordinate fundraising events and do research on businesses and CEOS.

My advice to students:  be patient and find your passion.  If things don’t work out the way you planned them, there is something else better along the way.  Take advantage of the wonderful professors at Hamline.  They will go the extra mile.  You just have to show them that you care and that you will work hard!

 

Legal Studies 

Nakida, 2004 Graduate
Legal Studies

The legal world always excited me, so in the fall of 2000, I decided to major in Legal Studies and obtain a Paralegal Certificate at Hamline University.  When I attended Hamline, I wanted to take advantage of every opportunity offered to me.  In my first year I participated in Mock Trials, where I, along with my classmates, learned the basic techniques on how to prepare an argument and present an argument in front of mock judges.  I also participated in the National Mediation Tournament, where we as a team learned to developed techniques on how to solve disputes without going to court, and competed against other schools to demonstrate the effectiveness of my technique. 

The experience gained from these activities caused me to want to expand my knowledge in other areas that interested me.  I remembered how I enjoyed taking the Religion & Literature: Theatre and Social Change class with Professor Theresa Mason.  In this class I learned how different plays, movies and literatures promoted social awareness.  This class inspired me to become involved with promoting social awareness and equality, so I interned at the Attorney's General Office working in their Consumer Division Department Promoting awareness for Senior Citizens Awareness about fraud and scandals.  I also interned at Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) where I helped encourage youth to become more involved in their communities. 

As I prepared for graduation, I started searching the Career Development Center (CDC) website to see what jobs were available in the legal studies field.  I remember Professor Rita Johnson,  suggested that I attend the CDC mock interview and resume session.  Although, I had worked all through college and had gained an advantage of knowing how to set a resume and prepare for interviews.  I truly appreciated the counselor, who reviewed my resume and interview skills;The positive feedback helped me to discover new ways I could improve my resume and interview skills.  I used the CDC job posting website to sort through jobs that interested me.  In June of 2004, I noticed Merchant & Gould job posting for a Withdrawal/Transfer Specialist position, and saw this as an opportunity for me to expand my knowledge in Intellectual Property law.  Since I had gained knowledge about IP law in several classes I attended, I decided to apply for the position. In July of 2004, I became employed with Merchant & Gould, and since my employment with Merchant & Gould.  I have gained valuable knowledge about trademarks and patents and have been given the opportunity to expand my knowledge in the legal world.

As a graduate, I would encourage students, who are starting their career search, to keep an open mind to various opportunities available at Hamline University and jobs in the legal field. Being able to branch out into different areas of law helped me gain more experience in the legal field and has helped me settle into the career I have today.

  

Management

John, 2005 Graduate
Management &
Political Science
Attending Hamline in the fall of 2001 I knew that I had an interest in politics.  Hamline’s political science program is strong and one of the reasons I came. At the same time, I knew that an economics or management degree would be good for a wide variety of jobs. Starting out my first year, my First-Year Seminar became an important class because I was taught the basics of the Hamline community, but it also served as my first group of close friends on campus. I never did an internship because I was so busy with on-campus activities and working in the Bush Library. I think that my internship experience was being a student leader involved in student congress, serving as president of the Hamline Inter-Residence Council, and working for Residential Life. I started to get serious about my life after Hamline when some of my close friends graduated in 2004; seeing them enter the job market made me realize how important it is to have some direction during your senior year. 

I started to pay more attention to the Career Development Center’s email announcements and took part in their resume workshops. In the fall of my senior year I attended a presentation on campus by General Mills and submitted my resume.  I soon had multiple interviews for a few positions and was offered a job in November of my senior year as a Trade Payment Specialist. The faculty in the management and economics department were very supportive and were great resources in preparing me for the interviews.

Looking back, an internship was something that would have been beneficial for me, but I would have had to sacrifice some of my favorite activities and doing things that I loved. I believe that my involvement in a wide variety of activities showed that I was well rounded, and that is an important feature for employers. One of my loves is politics, and even though I am not currently active in that area, the business world is all about politics. My advice to current students is to become involved in student groups at Hamline, it’s a great way to build lasting friendships and see your hard work be enjoyed by other students. Before your senior year, get serious about looking at employment and figuring out what you would be happy doing!

 

International Management

Abdi, 2005 Graduate
International Management & Mathematics
My name is Abdi and I am originally from Somalia.  I graduated from Edison high school in Minneapolis and started my college career at Hamline University. I always wanted to be a doctor but after my first years at Hamline, I took Management and Economics classes and I fell in love with them. I wanted to go back home to Africa and teach economics as an important tool that can provide stability and instill the practical skills and knowledge that can help break the cycle of poverty. I begin my career search after I took different economic development courses such as Labor Economics and International Economic Development. I liked these courses because they trained me to think analytically and critically.  They also taught me to solve complex problems and trained me to recognize human behavior in relation to work, production, distribution and consumption.

I was involved with Hamline African Students Association, where I was the founder and the first president. I also was a part of the MISA Office, Habitat for Humanity, and Pride Black Students Alliance.  I was a Resident advisor for two years; I worked at the Somali community of MN as a Youth Organizer, Admission Possible, Office of Service Learning and Volunteerism and attended the Spring Break Service trip to Philadelphia in 2005. The Career Development Center was very important in terms of helping with my resume and cover letters. I attribute all of my success to wonderful professors such as Martin Markowitz, Fahima Aziz, and Hossien Akhavi-bour.  They really helped and guided me along the way.

One of my favorite classes was intro to Sociological Thinking. Being an immigrant from Africa, I was able to learn about race in America and what it means to live in a melting-pot nation.  This was one of my first classes as a freshman.  Professor Martin Markowitz said my name and asked where I was from. I told him I was from Somalia. "Welcome, glad to have you here" he replied. This made me feel at ease with myself and I felt right at home. For the rest of my life I will never forget those words. 

In my four years at Hamline, I did different internships and the two most memorable ones were working with Admission Possible and Wells Fargo. Both helped me explore what I wanted in life. They taught me about for-profit and non-profit organizations and how they go about doing business. I learned a great deal about business execution, ethical responsibility, and change in this dynamic and rapidly changing world. Overall, Hamline University and its faculty, administration, students, and community helped me grow as a person and made me become a good human being who will make a mark on the world and the lives of others. I will continue to grow as I attend Economics school at the University of Minnesota and start my career at Target Corporation.

 

Mathematics

Patrick, 2002 Graduate
Mathematics & Spanish
During the Spring Semester of my junior year, I studied abroad in Sweden and lived with a Latin-American immigrant family -- a perfect combo for a Math and Spanish liberal arts student!  I finished those degrees in the spring of 2002.  In the late fall of my senior year, I decided to look for careers related to both degrees, and I was open to exploring all available options.  On campus, I was involved in the Student Activities Board and Habitat for Humanity, so I wanted to find a workplace that had various volunteer opportunities and room for growth.   

I started my career search by meeting with both of my academic advisors to see what advice and guidance they could offer.  I had interned at 3M the year previous, so I had some exposure and experience in a technical work environment.  Both advisors offered insight to career paths pursued by recent graduates.  Not long thereafter, I began meeting regularly with a counselor at The Career Development Center.  As the year passed, my counselor at the Career Development Center really became a mentor.  I took skills-set analysis surveys, practiced my interviewing skills, and read materials concerning potential careers.

I certainly valued my liberal arts education.  Without it, who knows if I ever would have had the chance to take Art and Anthropology classes I really came to appreciate!  A liberal arts education prepares us to be open to post-graduation opportunities. The week after I graduated, I started working at Target Corporation Headquarters as a Bilingual Benefits Specialist.  I am currently a Business Analyst in Menswear, and I hope eventually to become a Buyer.

 

Modern Languages

Julie, 2002 Graduate

I am currently working on my Master of Arts degree in European Culture and Economy through an international degree program at the Ruhr-University of Bochum, Germany.  In this program, all aspects of Europe are covered: one half of the required credits are in economics (i.e., European competition policy, European economic integration) and the other half comes from the humanities (i.e., European politics, history, and sociology).  The students are expected to be fluent in German and English, and must have knowledge of a third European language.  At the end of the program, each student must pass two oral exams and complete their Master’s thesis.  I came to Germany as a Fulbright Scholar after graduating from Hamline.  I won a full scholars grant to study at the University of Mainz with Professor Jürgen Wilke, one of the leading German media historians.  During my research year I focused on the American military government’s role in rebuilding the German press after World War II (which served as a basis for my thesis, which I am now writing) and the development of a popular German tabloid.  I enjoyed my time as a Fulbright Scholar enormously, and elected to earn my Master’s degree in Germany (for reasons including the personal relationships that I had developed in Mainz, experiencing a university setting much larger than Hamline, and the possibility of bringing a unique experience with me when I apply for jobs).  After completing my thesis in January 2006 I will move to Brussels, Belgium, where my fiancé lives.  There, I will start my job hunt.  I would like to work in a field where I can act as a “liaison” between Europe and the USA, be it in communications, commerce, or politics.

I decided to major in German after visiting Germany on a two-week exchange program my junior year of high school.  I was fascinated with the different culture, country, and customs and decided I wanted to learn more about it in college.  I elected to come to Hamline after having visited the campus the fall of my senior year.  The lovely campus facilities, the small class sizes, and the cultural and economic opportunities of the Twin Cities appealed to me.  I met with some of the German professors from the modern languages department and learned that Hamline had produced an impressive number of Fulbright scholars.  I decided I would come to Hamline with the goal of someday becoming a Fulbright Scholar.  I made the right choice, and I believe my goals were personally supported by the German professors.  Professor Russ Christensen was a huge help for me with my Fulbright application, nurturing it from the beginning conception to the final application.  While at Hamline I was active in MPIRG, the German Club, Hand-in-Hand (mentor program with elementary school children) and I also wrote for the newspaper, The Oracle.  Professor Kari Richtsmeier helped me as I completed a two-semester study abroad at the University of Trier (Germany) and further aided me in finding an internship at Deutsche Welle, a German radio news station.  Hamline also allowed me to branch out beyond my major.  My favorite Hamline Plan class was Introduction to Art History II (Renaissance to Modern).  Having lived in Europe so long I’ve been able to see many of the great works of art I studied and really appreciate this background. 

My time at Hamline served as excellent preparation for the path that I have chosen to take.  Through challenging classes from Professors Christensen, Richtsmeier, and Ralf Schirg, my language skills have reached a level of near-fluency.  Not only can I write (and pass!) economics finals and history papers in German, and do translations as a part-time job, I also have no problem negotiating the day-to-day life activities such as looking for an apartment, communicating with the dentist, and talking with my friends who are native German speakers.  I find that my life is an interesting mix between the exotic (academic conferences in Berlin, spring break in Italy, a weekend in Paris) and the “mundane” (taking the subway to campus to meet with my thesis advisor, riding my bike to the grocery store, having a picnic on the Rhine River).  I have developed a much deeper understanding of the people and life of Germany than anyone could ever gain through a summer backpacking trip.  My advice to future Hamline students is to not worry about majoring in something “practical.” Having a liberal arts degree in German does not lead to a job as clear cut as a degree in law or medicine.  However, it is important to focus on what you enjoy, and the rest will fall into place.

 

Music

Krista, 2001 Graduate
I've always loved music; that was my "outlet" when I was growing up.  My older brother was the science and math whiz but I was the more creative, artistic one.  When I got to high school I had an excellent band director who had a great relationship with the students and could bring out so much in us musically.  I was selected to be in the Great Lakes Ambassadors of Music tour to Europe during the summer after my junior year in high school.  That experience, and the inspiration and encouragement of my great high school director, helped me realize what I really enjoyed and what I wanted to pursue for my career.

Student teaching is where I learned the most, hands down!  I did my elementary student teaching at Sheridan Global Arts Elementary and my high school student teaching at Minneapolis South High School.  All the education classes really didn't and can't prepare you for the reality of teaching students in a classroom setting.  With education, it's not something you can read about and study – you just have to be thrown into it and do it.  After my student teaching I worked hard to get my name known in the teaching community.  Gaining job experience after college was easy.  After a year and a half of substitute teaching, being a part-time choir director, and giving private lessons, I decided to attend the education job fair at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  That's where I ran into representatives of Colorado.  I am now the Band Director at Rifle Middle School in Rifle, Colorado. 

 I wouldn't be where I am now if not for Janet Greene and Kathy McLane.  Both of these wonderful music professors helped me learn music and how to teach music.  Many of the education classes are focused on the standard classroom teacher (i.e. English, math, etc.) and do not include theory for teaching a specialized subject.  In one class Professor McLane adjusted the course content specifically for the music ed students which helped us immensely!  Both Kathy and Janet wanted me to have an excellent student teaching experience and helped me "scope out" different schools and supervisory music teachers to find the best match for me!  They also came to observe me and give me feedback, in addition to my education department advisor.

 Talk to people and network! Sometimes it can really come down to "who you know," instead of "what you know!"  Get your foot in every door you can and be open minded to taking small steps to reach your goals!

 

Philosophy

Michelle, 2001 Graduate
I began my career search in college taking full advantage of the program that allows you to use your workstudy money to do a paid internship with a non-profit organization.   I did my internship with MPIRG, and fell in love with the idea that you could be paid to do public policy advocacy and grassroots democracy. I was a philosophy and political science double major, and the praxis of the two for me is working as a public policy advocate. This fall, I'm pursuing a Masters in Public Policy Degree from Harvard University's JFK School of Government to hone the theory I learned in my classes at Hamline and the experiences I gained from service learning opportunities and MPIRG. 

College is an amazing chance to explore and find your place. The Hamline Plan helped me realize I love sculpture, and should never consider a career in computer programming. The philosophy department at Hamline is a tremendous asset, and I strongly recommend taking a philosophy class regardless of your major. For me, it was Hamline's commitment to continued learning outside of the classroom that had the biggest impact. I was able to do a service learning trip to India, chair a statewide non-profit board of directors, connect with employers in the non-profit community, and train in grassroots organizing as part of my education at Hamline. These opportunities along with my solid classroom education gave me (and many of my classmates) the opportunity to find jobs (that don't feel like jobs) with non-profit organizations in Minnesota.

Since graduating in 2001, I have worked as MPIRG's YouthVote coordinator, Transit for Livable Communities Organizer, and for the past three and a half years as the Clean Air Organizer for the Sierra Club in Minnesota.

 

Physics 

Chris, 2005 Graduate
The physics department, along with a handful of faculty and staff from other departments, were instrumental in helping me realize and achieve my goals of pursuing an advanced degree. I’m currently in a PhD program for aerospace engineering at the University of Minnesota. While at Hamline, I strived to take every physics course available so that I could be as prepared as I could for graduate school. It was in these classes I realized that the areas of physics which I most enjoyed were practical applications and engineering.  Combined with my love of aeronautics and engineering I decided to pursue a graduate degree in aerospace engineering.

In addition to my physics work, I was able to take a number of classes from other departments which served as a wonderful change of environment from being in lab most of the day. I especially enjoyed taking a few music courses which allowed me to express of my creative side as well as my intellectual side.  The liberal arts curriculum not only helped round my education, it also kept me sane.  

The greatest factor in helping me prepare for my PhD program was my summer research experiment. This project eventually turned into my senior honors project. This experiment gave me the chance to experience working with a faculty member for about a year and a half on a single project and gave me a taste of what real research feels like. If there was any advice I could give to future student it would be to do an honors project or a research project within their major. It will greatly help in determining if the field they have chosen is right for them.

 

Political Science

John, 2005 Graduate
Political Science & Religion
In high school I wanted to get active in politics so I went on a class trip to Washington D.C. I was given a tour of the capital and fortunate to be able to spend some time discussing politics and policy with the late Senator Paul Wellstone.  I had always entertained the notion of working in Government, but I knew after my trip to D.C. that politics was what I wanted to pursue a career in. 

On campus I was the Board of Elected Representatives Chair in Student Congress, I was a thrower on the Track and Field team, I was an orientation leader for new students (SOS), I was active in the Chapel, I was Chair of the Hamline University Democrats, I was Chair of the Student Alumni Board, I participated in FMLA, I was a tour guide, and I played football my first year. 

I was very lucky to be selected to study abroad in Stockholm, Sweden.  This was by far the best experience I have had in the last four years of college.  Although studying European Union Integration and Nation-State Building in Central and Eastern Europe was fascinating, the cultural experience was one I would not trade for anything.

I was also able to intern at the Minnesota International Center as a Development Intern.  This was a wonderful time as well, and although I don’t see myself working directly in this field, I did gain a better understanding of not only how to raise funds but how a non-profit is able to function.

I am currently working in Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, Florida as the Finance Director for the Florida Democratic Nominee for Attorney General.  My basic duty is raising enough funds so that my candidate can get on T.V., spread his message, and ultimately become the next Attorney General of the State of Florida.  Having quarterly deadlines and goals keeps me constantly stressed, but it also makes my job one of the most exciting on the campaign. I spend most of my time right beside my candidate flying around the state, going to fundraisers, making contribution calls, and developing quarterly fundraising strategies.  I have aspirations of developing what I have learned on the campaign trail by attending Law School in the near future.  I value the education that I have received at Hamline and look forward to the new challenges that present themselves.

Advice I have for students beginning their career search would be intern, study abroad, get involved and do it early.  Basically do as much as you can to gain experience, even if you change your mind on what you want to do, you will still have that experience that will help you in the future.  I feel as though I was one of the more active students at Hamline in terms of doing as much as I could, but I still feel as though I could have done more.  You simply can’t do enough…

 

 

Psychology

Raychelle, 2005 Graduate
Psychology (Major), Philosophy (Minor)
I am a first year industrial organizational psychology student (I/O) at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.  I decided that I wanted to be an I/O psychologist during the middle of my senior year.  As a psychology major, I developed a passion for the field; I knew I wanted to pursue a career in psychology, but I did not know what specific career paths were available.  To get ideas I did a Google search and found I/O psychology.  I took a class at Hamline in this specialty area and knew I’d found my career path.

Preparing for graduate school was no easy task, but I received great support.  The Career Development Center helped me write an outstanding personal statement and resume.  Kim Guenther, Matthew Olson, and Duane Cady wrote strong letters of recommendation.  Dorothee Dietrich provided encouragement and enthusiasm every step of the way.

Even though I am in Chicago, I still think about Hamline and how instrumental it was in preparing me for graduate school.  The classes that I took at Hamline really helped me; experimental psychology and statistics have been especially important.  In experimental psychology, I learned to write a good American Psychological Association (APA) paper, which is critical for an I/O psychology student.  Statistics was a valuable class to me because I use statistics regularly.

My advice to any Hamline student is to start your career search early, so you will have enough time to prepare for your potential career.  Take classes, learn as much as you can, and complete internships related to your potential career.  Moreover, let your heart be your guide, as well as your mind.

 

Religion

Sarah,2000 Graduate
Religion
Upon graduation from Hamline in 2000, I didn’t exactly pursue any specific kind of career.  However, thanks to my degree work and the professors who guided me along the way, I had a firm foundation and was prepared when certain career doors opened for me.  Most importantly, I believe, many of the professors who had challenged and tested me during my time at Hamline had become father- and mother-figures, mentors, and friends.  These relationships didn’t end on graduation day and continue to make a lasting impact in the decisions that shape my career and my life. 

My Religion professors, especially, taught me the importance of living an integrated life.  That is, I was not expected to drop everything and pursue solely my Religious studies.  They encouraged my passions in other areas, as well, and guided me as I learned to join together seemingly unrelated passions into one coherent lifestyle.  I loved working with children and enjoyed being involved in music.  I was able to remain active in children’s educational opportunities, as well as being encouraged to immerse myself in the local band scene.  I also enjoyed on-campus employment opportunities both with the Chaplain’s Office and Church Relations.   

I began my time at Hamline as a Pre-Med student.  Thanks, in part, to some caring professors, I was able to combine my interest in medicine and religion by pursuing an honors thesis in the area of biomedical ethics.  Two of these professors introduced me to Yale Divinity School, where I will be studying this fall.  They shared their own experiences as YDS students and got me excited about the prospect of being able to pursue a Masters degree in the area of Ethics and the opportunity for interdisciplinary study. 

Throughout the past five years, I have been serving as Director of Children’s Ministry at a large United Methodist Church, where I have been able to continue integrating my interests in Religion, Children, and Music.  Though I am now a teacher, caregiver, and guide, of sorts, I am still searching, still learning, and still discovering who I am.  And, I am thankful for the continued support and friendship of my Hamline “family” as I continue along this journey.

 

Social Justice

Julie, 2005 Graduate
Social Justice &
Global Studies
At Hamline, I majored in Global Studies and Social Justice.  These two majors seemed perfect for me because I plan to have a career working with international nongovernmental organizations.  I have always been interested in traveling abroad; and coursework and service projects throughout my education encouraged my passion for social justice.  During the fall of my junior year, I had the opportunity to study in Geneva where I learned about the work of international governmental and nongovernmental organizations.  The following semester, I studied in Senegal so that I could learn about one of the many countries where development programs are instituted. 

Embedded as they were within my coursework at Hamline, these study abroad experiences helped me to apply theories to actual events and learn about the types of work I could pursue.  While on campus, I was consistently involved with Amnesty International. Through these activities, I became prepared for my career search.  I went out and did things that I enjoyed and I was simultaneously exposed to organizations that address issues that matter to me.  As I have been in contact with these organizations I have learned the types of skills necessary for the work as well as the sorts of programs in which I can study in graduate school.

Last summer, I completed an internship with the Senegalese Association for School as an Instrument of Peace and I currently work as an AmeriCorps volunteer with Admission Possible.  Over the past ten months I have been responsible for organizing more than 30 events that enrich the experience of more than 600 Admission Possible students. These include: a kickoff event and college fair for Admission Possible students, more than 25 campus visits throughout the Midwest region, four practice ACT exams for Admission Possible juniors, the largest Admission Possible Community Service Day in the history of the organization, coordinating the planting of 4,500 trees by 350 students in conjunction with Saint Paul's Great River Greening, and the largest graduation ceremony in Admission Possible history, attended by over 650 students, staff, and community supporters.  Because of my hard work, this year I was named "AmeriCorps Member of the Year." In recognition of this honor, Mayor Chris Coleman of Saint Paul has declared Wednesday, June 14 "Julie Blaskowski Day" in the city of Saint Paul.

 

Sociology

Christina, 2005 Graduate
Sociology & Criminal Justice
While most of my career search was conducted on my own, the faculty at Hamline helped me by being supportive and making sure that I was focusing on finding a career that would fit my personality and lifestyle.  Sociology professor, Maggie Jensen, required all of her Senior Seminar students to participate in Career Development Center activities.  I honestly don’t know if I would have known about all of the services the CDC has to offer had it not been for Maggie’s class.  When I was having doubts about social work as a career, Criminal Justice professor, Jerry Krause, encouraged me to pursue a career I felt was right for me and to not let other people discourage me from doing something I wanted to do.

Since I was a full-time student, wife, mother, and part-time Hamline employee, I honestly didn’t have time to get involved in any extra-curricular activities.  Being that I’m not a big science person, it is surprising that my two favorite Hamline Plan classes outside of my majors were “Energy, Economy, and the Environment” with Jerry Artz and “Biology of Women” with Cynthia Bauerle.  They were probably two of my most stressful classes, but I really enjoyed the way in which they were taught and I really loved both of the professors.

My career search has been full of exciting discoveries as well as disappointments.  At first, I wanted to be a child protection worker, but I discovered through my internship with the Ramsey County Guardian Ad Lethem Program that due to personal reasons, it wasn’t the best career choice for me.  I recently started volunteering as a Rape Crisis Advocate with the Sexual Offense Services program in St. Paul.  Though I’m just beginning, I know that I would like to pursue a career working with crime victims.  Within the next couple of years, I plan to go to grad school and obtain a Masters in Social Work. 

Of the services offered by the CDC, I found the practice interviews to be the most beneficial for me.  I am a terrible interviewee, so it really helped me to build some confidence in my interviewing skills.  I definitely recommend visiting the CDC and/or its website to help you find the kinds of jobs that are available and appealing to you.  I think it is definitely important to get some experience in the field you are interested in before you fully commit to a specific career path.  Get at least one internship under your belt.  It looks great on the resume and it provides you with some great experience and excellent references.

 

Theatre

Jordan, 2005 Graduate
Theatre & Anthropology
When I started at Hamline as a first-year student, I had planned to either major in biology or political science.  At the end of my first year I realized neither of those majors was a good fit for me and I decided I would major in anthropology.  While working through my Hamline plan requirements in my sophomore year I realized my true passion was in technical theatre.  I combined my class work with a student worker staff position in the scene shop as I took the departmental classes. I am drawn to theatre for two reason.  The first reason is because of the technical challenges theatre creates.  I love building a set from scratch and getting to use all of the fun power tools.  The second reason is because theatre is such an amazing art form and such a necessary voice in our culture.  Theatre challenged us to use our auditory and visual senses all at the same time while engaging our minds and souls. 

Through my junior year my responsibilities in the department grew as I took on opportunities for a main stage scenic design and work as a rental events manager. This lead to professional work in conjunction with my final year at Hamline. Through Hamline I had an opportunity to work with Penumbra Theatre, the company where my employment continues as a Master Carpenter/Assistant Technical Director.  Even as a college student my skills and knowledge were on par with professionals in the field. Into my senior year I was working half time professionally and maintaining a shop position. Upon graduation I have continued to work professionally with several area theatres and production houses.  In the fall I will be on the road with Penumbra’s national tour of “Grand Children of the Buffalo Soldiers” in conjunction with Trinity Repertory Company of Rhode Island.

As a professional using my major I am tremendously grateful for the deep and broad education I received at Hamline.  The professors at Hamline taught me how to think critically instead of what to think.  Theatre is a mixed bag of challenges and success requires broad knowledge and deep skill.  Hamline provided me with the opportunity to prepare myself for the profession by engaging me as an individual and giving significant opportunities to practice and shape my craft.  I hope to one day attend Cal Arts or the Yale School of Drama to further my education in theatre.  Eventually, I would like to teach theatre at a liberal arts college…..who knows, maybe even Hamline.

 

Women's Studies

Debbie, 2005 Graduate
Women's Studies & English
I spent my last two months at Hamline preparing for life beyond Hamline.  I did practice interviews, job shadowing, everything but actually go to the office 8:30 – 5:00.  But, now, after immersing myself in the working world, I realized that I had actually spent all four of my years at Hamline preparing for a career. 

I was very involved on Hamline’s campus—I was a resident assistant, an orientation leader, tour guide, cheerleader, dancer, member of countless student organizations—and through these experiences I learned where my skill sets lied.  I learned that I loved the linking of event planning and academics . . . I loved making learning fun.

I really honed into this interest the fall of my senior year when I conjured an internship opportunity on Hamline’s campus; I created the Women’s Leadership Retreat.  The retreat stemmed out of my experience as an RA on an all-female floor and the admiration I had for my women’s studies major.  Much of what I was seeing on my floor created juxtaposition with what I was learning in my classroom.  I wanted to create an atmosphere where a group of young women could take a moment and analyze their current situation as women who have always enjoyed the emancipatory rights fought for by their ancestors. 

It is this keen interest in the bridging of academia and events that lead me to my chosen career as the Coordinator of Academic Residencies at Walden University.

 

 

Consider a Career Outside Your Major
Shannon, 2005 Graduate
Anthropology & Spanish, Sociology Minor
As a Hamline student, I completed an internship at Global Citizens Network (GCN), a non-profit organization that organizes service-learning trips rooted in cross-cultural exchange in the United States and around the world. I also completed two short terms abroad: I spent January of my junior year studying law and literature in Puerto Rico, and in January of my senior year, I studied the ancient and modern Maya in the Yucatan Peninsula.

I also became involved in a number of student organizations at Hamline. I served as president of HEAT (Hamline Entertainment & Activities Team) and was a member of White Students for Racial Justice, Alma Latina, and Students for Tsunami Relief. I was also vice president of the Anthropological Society, a member of the Student Activities and Leadership Team, and an SOS (Students Orienting Students) leader.

During my senior year at Hamline, I helped organize and lead a Spring Break Service-Learning trip with the OSLV. I now work in Professional Development at the National Youth Leadership Council, a non-profit in St. Paul that is a leader in the field of service-learning. I am the coordinator for the National Service-Learning Exchange, a technical assistance program for service-learning practitioners. A main focus for service-learning is diversity, espcecially the inclusion and engagement of kids who are branded "underpriviledged." I learned a great deal about culture and opposing ideologies in my Anthropology and Spanish majors at Hamline. In my current position, I have been able to expand that knowledge to work on solutions to these problems in educational settings.  I also use my background in Anthropology and Spanish in my continued work with Global Citizens Network. GCN organizes volunteer teams to work with indigenous communities in the U.S. and around the globe at the individual community's invitation and direction. Since the end of my Hamline career, I have spent time in communities in Thailand and Kenya with GCN. These journeys have been the most rewarding and humbling experiences imaginable! 

My advice to to students is to never let fear or others' hesitations keep you from taking an unfamiliar path or from having your own adventures. Be bold. Push your limits. Open up your world. Doing so will inspire others to do the same. Indeed, this is the only way we truly learn.