In this episode of Career Cafe, Bobby and Karl chat with Nate Marble, HR Director at Discovery Ranch South, about his unconventional career, from managing the Tiki Shack to earning a degree in acting and running a theater company. Nate shares how acting shaped his approach to HR, emphasizing empathy, body language, and communication. He also gives insights into working at Discovery Ranch South, building strong teams, and developing an owner’s mindset. Packed with practical advice, Nate offers tips for students on networking, interviewing, and sharpening relational skills.

From the Olympics to Starbucks to the world stage, SUU alum and National Alumni Council President Jamie Shaw has seen it all. In this episode, Jamie joins hosts Bobby Hodge and Trekker Burt to talk about how students can stand out before graduation by saying yes to new experiences, taking bold leaps, and actually using LinkedIn for more than just scrolling. Jamie shares stories from her incredible global career. From helping host the Salt Lake Olympics to jumping on a plane to Brazil with only three weeks’ notice, and explains why building relationships, volunteering, and getting involved outside the classroom often matter more than a perfect GPA. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn small-town roots into a worldwide career (or how to make group projects slightly less painful), this one’s for you.

Justin Wayman, Director of Human Resources at Cedar Band Corporation, discussed the transition from college to the workforce, emphasizing the significant shift from structured academic life to the real world. He highlighted the importance of a college degree as a launch pad for careers, noting it shows commitment, teachability, and a foundation of skills. Wayman advised students to gain practical experience through internships or real-world projects. He also addressed the misconception that a high GPA is crucial, stating it's more about performance and teachability. Lastly, he noted that job hopping can be a red flag, and staying with a company for at least two years can enhance career growth and stability.

From weather-girl dreams to hotel budgets, Markell Haslem’s career path proves you can pivot anywhere. Karl and Trekker dive into how a communications major became a financial analyst, why networking matters more than GPA, and why those so-called ‘crappy’ first jobs aren’t so crappy after all. Oh! And don’t forget to stick around to hear how Bigfoot may not be of this world? All this and more on the Career Cafe Podcast!

This week on Career Café, hosts Bobby and Karl sit down with Sierra Johns, recruiter at Brian Head, to uncover how an outdoor recreation grad turns seasonal jobs into a mountain dream career. Sierra shows why those “temporary” gigs are actually career cheat codes! They’re loaded with skills, connections, and even paths to full-time roles. Plus, she shares why working for a company that matches your vibe can change everything.

Kicking off Season 2 of the Career Cafe, hosts Bobby Hodge, Trekker Burt, and Karl Rostron debunk common career myths and share some workplace horror stories. Drawing from their own diverse career paths and professional experiences in alumni relations and career services, they offer invaluable advice for students and recent graduates navigating the job market. The hosts discuss the fallacy that your major dictates your career, the often-overlooked value of "menial" jobs, and why success isn't always defined by a big paycheck and a fancy title. They also share cautionary tales about job interviews and the importance of managing your digital footprint, reminding listeners that an interview is a two-way street. Tune in for an episode packed with candid advice, personal anecdotes, and practical wisdom to help you confidently launch your career journey.

Hypothetically, what if your luck is through the roof, and you’ve been offered multiple positions but have to decline some? Or what if you just got rejected, and you don’t know how to respond to the employer professionally? Brandon, Jerry, Clara, and McKinley tackle these issues in the final episode of Career Cafe. Thank you for stopping by—stay until the end for a Career Center dad joke, and make sure to share the podcast with your friends on your way out.

What happens when you’re offered the job you’ve been waiting for, but the pay or benefits aren’t as great as you hoped? You can either reluctantly accept the job as-is, decline, and start the job search all over again, or you can listen to this episode of Career Cafe, where Brandon, McKinley, and returning special guest Madalyn Swanson will teach you how to negotiate fair compensation in a professional manner. We don’t recommend these tips to negotiate the price of a sandwich at your favorite cafe…. but we do recommend staying until the end for a Career Center dad joke!

The interview is finally over, and now you have nothing to do until you hear back about a job offer… or do you? In this episode of Career Cafe, Jerry, Clara, and McKinley discuss the importance of follow-up and how to keep your name in an employer’s head after the interview without annoying them. It's time to get a yummy bowl of soup and prepare for a Career Center dad joke at the end!

You’ve made it through the application process, and you’ve been offered an interview! Congratulations on making it this far! It’s normal to be nervous, and that’s why Brandon, Jerry, Mackenzie, and McKinley are here to discuss all things interviews—etiquette, preparation, and even the dreaded “About Me” question. Sip on some warm tea to calm your nerves, and tune in until the end for a Career Center dad joke!

Unfortunately, we live in a society where it is not appropriate to wear your comfy pajamas to a job interview (even if they have cute puppies on them). So what is a college student with a closet full of sweatpants supposed to do? In this episode, Jerry, Clara, and McKinley will discuss etiquette when you meet an employer in person and dress to impress. Stay until the end for a famous Career Center dad joke!

With so many careers and positions out there, how do you find an employer that values the same things you do, fits your aspirations, and also needs your skills on their team? Brandon, McKinley, and special guest Madalyn Swanson will go over how to find potential employers you’ll feel great working for and the importance of researching employers before you apply to them—kind of like scouring Google Reviews before deciding what cafe to eat lunch at. Listen until the end for a Career Center dad joke!

Phone calls and emails: mastering these simple forms of communication is imperative to your success in a career, but they still manage to put everyone in a cold sweat. How do you navigate these communication methods effectively in the job search and application process? Brandon, Jerry, Mackenzie, and McKinley teach you how in this episode of Career Cafe. By the end, you’ll be a whiz at emails and phone calls, and you’ll even hear a great Career Center dad joke!

Social media is a powerful tool for job searching and networking, but if you aren’t careful, the way you use it can put your future career at risk. In this episode, Brandon, Jerry, and McKinley spill the tea about managing your digital footprint and show you common pitfalls to avoid when creating an online presence that is both professional and authentic to who you are. Pull up a seat and listen to the end of a Career Center dad joke!

Did you know that employers will call people you’ve worked with previously so they can tell if you’re the real deal before they decide to hire you? This is called a reference check, and you get to tell the employer who to contact! In this episode, Brandon, Clara, and McKinley dive into everything references—their importance, how to select them, and how to create your reference document. Gather a group of friends, and listen until the end for a Career Center dad joke!

So you’ve written your resume, but the job application requires a cover letter as well. “What the heck is that?” you ask… and then you find the answer in this episode of Career Cafe, where Brandon, Clara, Jerry, and McKinley are determined to help you master the art of writing the perfect cover letter, so employers will know if you’re a good fit even before an interview. Pour yourself a cup of water (because we know you’re probably dehydrated), and tune in until the end for a Career Center dad joke!

More and more often, employers are using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline the application process. This changes how you should write your resume. In this episode, Brandon, Clara, and McKinley will teach you about ATS and how to tailor your resume so you don’t get overlooked by employers who use these systems. Make sure to settle in with a yummy sandwich, and listen until the end for a Career Center dad joke!

Research shows that, on average, employers spend 7 to 30 seconds looking at a resume. Join Brandon, Jerry, and Clara to learn all about resumes—why they’re important, how to write one that’s effective, and what formatting is appropriate. They may also show you how to imbue your resume with magical qualities to really grab an employer’s attention. Cozy up with your favorite soup or salad, and listen until the end for a Career Center dad joke!

Do you ever feel you’re not qualified to apply for your dream job—or any job? You’re not alone. In this episode, Brandon, Jerry, and McKinley discuss overcoming imposter syndrome relating to the job application process, understanding job qualifications, and developing a growth mindset. Think of it like a therapy session for your career, but completely free. Grab a coffee, juice, or tea, and tune in until the end to hear a Career Center dad joke!

Brandon, Jerry, and McKinley tackle the ins and outs of job searching in this episode of Career Cafe. They go over common mistakes, the importance of goal setting, and strategies that will help you experience the best job search possible—using their expertise as staff at SUU’s Career Center. Prepare yourself a sandwich, and listen until the end to hear a Career Center dad joke!