As part of National Career Month last November, AU’s Career Services office asked students to share one of their career goals and to explain what inspired their choice. Here’s a sampling of what they had to say.
To unapologetically be myself and lead others to do the same. — Karime Dominguez ’22, Social Work
To teach young children and to see their “aha” moments. — Elizabeth Lueck ’23, Early Childhood Special Education
No matter the career path, to help people that don’t have the same opportunities I have. — Aaron Wahrman ’23, Marketing
To work as a nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit and help premature babies. — Madison Etheridge ’24, Nursing
To help to protect everything living on Earth. — Samuel Brown ’25, Criminal Justice, Psychology
Being an only child with many younger cousins inspired me to choose elementary education. — Anyssa Guerrero ’24, Elementary Education
After volunteering at a pet expo, I knew my calling was to be a veterinarian and help animals. — Valeria Garcia ’23, Human-Animal Studies, Health Science
Going through physical therapy due to multiple injuries inspired me to study to become a physical therapist. — Antonio Perez ’23, Exercise Science
To have a healthy work/life balance and encourage others to do the same. — Isabel Schultz ’22, Accounting
To become a medical social worker. — Leslie Barrera ’23, Social Work, Psychology
Pass the CPA exam. — Carmen Bibian ’22, MBA AU Online
To be involved at my future school. — Bethany Billips ’23, Elementary Education
I suffered chronic pain and went to physical therapy for years. I want to help those who are in a similar situation. — Katelyn Byerley ’23, Exercise Science
To participate in an accounting internship so I can get experience with my major. — Alyssa Dalicandro ’25
To be successful and one day become my own boss. — Alyson Haegele ’25, Nursing
To help adolescents who are going through a difficult time who might be scared to ask for help. — Megan Harner ’22, Social Work
My community inspired me to pursue a degree in criminal justice. — Kyaw Htike ’25, Criminal Justice
To have a positive impact on people, either in law enforcement or in psychology. — Chiara Pfosi ’22, Criminal Justice Plus One
Pass the CPA exam. — Luke Schramme ’22, Accounting, Finance
Become a Certified Public Accountant. — Jack Schramme ’22, Accounting, Finance
My career goal is to help people no matter what. — Alexandra Vanderaa ’24, Business Administration
To become a marketing director for a beauty company. — Viviana Vazquez ’22, MBA Digital Marketing Plus One
Receive my master's degree in pathology, and become a pathologist. — Heather Wilkes ’23, Therapeutic Recreation