Graduating Class:
Major:
Hometown:
Professional Goals:
Graduating Class:
Major:
Hometown:
Professional Goals:
Graduating Class:
Major:
Hometown:
Professional Goals:
Graduating Class:
Major:
Hometown:
Professional Goals:
Graduating Class:
Major:
Hometown:
Professional Goals:
Graduating Class: 2021
Major(s): Human Services and Sociology
Hometown: Gatesville, Texas
Current Town: Williston, North Dakota
Profession: Deputy Sheriff
What is your current professional role?
[I am a]Deputy Sheriff [that] performs skilled work to protect the lives and property
of citizens. This position performs a variety of law enforcement duties such as patrolling
assigned areas, enforcing state laws, apprehending and interviewing violators, and
responding to calls for assistance.
How did the BHSU Human Services program help to prepare you for your career?
The BHSU Human Services program helped me prepare for this career by equipping me
with the tools necessary to be more personable with the citizens (good or bad) I interact
with daily. Knowing how to interpret the law is one thing, but the BHSU Human Services
program helped to enhance my level of comprehending people I encounter. In my profession
I mostly deal with people who are having a bad day. Being someone who can talk to
a criminal like a normal person and not a bad person can open the door for a magnitude
of compliance/respect not many can obtain from people.
What is one piece of advice you would give current undergraduates?
There’s light at the end of the tunnel, but that is when the journey really begins.
A lot of people have their best and worst experiences in life happen in college. However,
one of the things I can attest to is I did not go through any of those experiences
alone. The students in the Human Services program generally tend to be nice, find
one or a group of students in each class and talk about assignments and when they
are due. You’ll be surprised how you start to look out for each other.
Graduating Class: 2018
Major: Double major in Human Services and Sociology, with a Psychology minor
Hometown: Rapid City, SD
Current Town: Rapid City, SD
Profession: Annual Giving Officer at the South Dakota Mines Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement
What is your current professional role?
I work for the South Dakota Mines Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement (CARA),
as their Annual Giving Officer. In my role at CARA, I am responsible for developing
and executing the fundraising plans for our annual fund, as well as our annual fundraising
programs such “Raising for Rockers,” our annual giving day, as well as the campus
giving program. Gifts to the annual fund allow us to increase the number of scholarships
awarded and provide financial support to departments, academic programs, facilities,
and more.
How did the BHSU Human Services program help to prepare you for your career?
The HMS program helped prepare me for my career. I initially never thought I would
be in health care, and later higher education. The program prepared me to be confident
in a variety of industries, because it can be applied in so many ways. The courses
where I had written longer papers helped with the professional writing components
of the job. There are many organizations worth supporting, and you must write compelling
pieces to continue a donor’s support of an organization. It is also beneficial when
you are trying to communicate with other professionals across different professions.
What is one piece of advice you would give current undergraduates?
I personally practiced interviewing skills with a former professor who had experience
in the hiring process. He taught me a lot of things to adjust on my resume, as well
as talking points to hit while in an interview. It is important to learn about an
organization and tie that information back to experiences and why you are applying
for that position. I would also recommend getting involved in your community and making
a positive impression. Join young professional groups, organizations related to the
field you would like to be in. It pays off to know people in the field you are interested
in.
When prospective students are considering their college plans, what do you think makes
BHSU stand out among other possible options?
I attended classes at the campus in Rapid City. I loved that classes were offered
at night allowing me to work full time during the day. The variety in how Black Hills
State University offers their classes was a big factor in why I chose BHSU. The variety
allows people to choose what will work the best in their busy lives making education
more accessible to students.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Keep an open mind to opportunities even if it isn’t the path, you had seen yourself
taking, you might be surprised. Don’t forget to get out and enjoy the beauty of the
Black Hills and get involved in the community!
