Career Prep

Transcript

Next we’re meeting up with Jordan at the Southern Utah Museum of Art, which is part of the Beverly Center at SUU. Also home to the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Jordan is working on his master’s of fine arts in arts administration which blends his passion for the arts with professional business skills, preparing him for a future career. Jordan it’s all yours.

– Thanks Alex. I first came to Cedar City to work a contract at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. While working at the festival, I had an amazing opportunity to participate in an educational tour where we offered to all of Utah’s public district high schools, performances of a play addressing mental health, suicide ideation, and the importance of openly discussing depression, mental illness, and suicide. Heavy, I know, but it was an impactful experience. During that time I worked alongside graduate students in SUU’s arts administration program. I watched as they worked in professional arts organizations, gaining crucial experience while also earning their master’s degrees. I was intrigued, I decided to apply and was quickly accepted into the program. I never thought I would end up at SUU, but I’m grateful for the shift that brought me here and for the opportunities that have come thus far. Currently, I have an assistantship in SUU’s institutional advancement office, where I help fundraising and development staff meet with potential funders, plan events, raise money, and build meaningful relationships with important state leaders and donors. This year, I had the privilege of attending Utah’s legislative session with SUU’s executive director of development and government relations, Donna Law. It was such an incredible opportunity to meet with different state legislators, watch committee hearings, and speak about the goals and needs of the university. I witnessed Donna’s mentorship about advocacy and stewardship, having direct applicability to a very important high stakes political arena. It was truly a unique experience that enhanced my career trajectory and marketable skills. I’ve also learned a lot by watching Donna’s ability to build relationships and network with people. My brain thinks in the ways of systems, patterns, and processes, so to be paired with a mentor who can teach me how to view the world from a different perspective, gives me an opportunity to stretch and grow beyond my comfort zone. She’s so proactive and interested in my success, always looking for ways to increase my responsibilities and ownership over my projects. It’s really reassuring to know that my work matters and has an impact on the university. Where I once focused exclusively on theater, I now have training in administration, higher education, politics, fundraising, and stewardship. All of these real-world experiences, in tandem with my coursework, have opened up new paths for my career. SUU’s focus on experiential education has led to my own personal growth, civic engagement, and professional excellence. I’m now prepared to take the next step in my professional career. No matter what your chosen field of study is, as an undergraduate or a graduate student, you’ll be given opportunities for professional advancement and excellence at SUU. Take it away, Alex.

– Thank you so much, Jordan. What an incredible opportunity it must be to work on campus and advocate for the arts in a political setting. You definitely will have the skills and competitive advantage for the job market. Cheers Jordan.