By Micaela Myers
Obtaining a good job tops the list of reasons to attend college for most students.
To meet this need, the Peter M. and Paula Green Johnson Career Center opened in 2008 to provide College of Business students with the right tools and connections.
As coordinator of the center, Jennie Hedrick plays a key role.
“The Johnson Career Center is so important to students because we provide a customized service, and we’re located right in the College of Business building,” Hedrick says. “We help employers find students and students find the right employers. Fit is everything in career services.”
A passion for UW: Hedrick attended Casper College and then completed her bachelor’s degree in communication through the UW Outreach School. She loved the people-oriented field of communication and moved to Laramie to earn her master’s degree in communication. But she says she didn’t fully realize everything UW offers until she began working for the UW Admissions Office. There, Hedrick learned the extent of UW’s impressive state funding and low tuition compared to other universities, as well as the breadth of groundbreaking research and world-renowned faculty.
When the opportunity to work as coordinator opened up three years ago, Hedrick jumped at the chance—a role that’s allowed her to continue spreading the good word about UW while helping students on a deeper level. “My position is unique because in addition to career services, I also handle the prospective student visits for the College of Business, allowing me to meet students before they choose to attend UW,” she says. “I feel this simple added step in a student’s path to UW helps to get them thinking about why they are getting a college degree and then, further, what they are going to do with that degree.”
Connecting students and employers: “Meeting with students is the No. 1 priority. I meet with them individually and in groups regarding cover letters and resumes, job searches and career exploration.”
The center also coordinates internships, which Hedrick says are extremely valuable for letting students test drive career options.
“Working with employers is another way that we’re helping students. We’re bridging the gap between employers and students.”
Hedrick seeks to make connections with a diverse set of businesses—from large firms to small businesses and startups.
“The most rewarding part of my job is when students come back and are happy with their first career choice, and I know that I was a part of that.”
