Duck Career Network Alumni Career Advice and Events

Alumni Career Advice and Events

Read alumni career profiles and blogs, watch event recordings, and see what's coming up!


Career Profiles
Ducks with career and job search insight and industry experience are here for you, offering their perspectives and advice to enhance and inspire you in your career path. Through alumni career profiles and blogs, you can access alumni insiders’ perspective on jobs, organizations, and industries.
Zach Blume

From political strategy to digital storytelling: Zach Blume’s journey in the creator economy

January 30, 2025

From his roots in political communications to building a company that produces award-winning content for the world’s most recognizable brands, networks, and platforms, Zach Blume, co-founder and president of Portal A, has built a career defined by creativity and entrepreneurship. In this Q&A with the Duck Career Network, Zach reflects on his time at UO, shares insights on building a creative business, and offers advice for Ducks eager to make their mark in the creator economy.
 

Bryan Caplan

Innovating forward: A journey in entrepreneurship and impact

November 6, 2024

Bryan Caplan, '08 (business administration), CEO of TalentLink, shares insights on how his entrepreneurial journey was shaped by his experiences at UO, emphasizing the power of resilience and teamwork. He discusses TalentLink’s innovative People-as-a-Service model, which helps companies build adaptive, aligned teams. Bryan also reflects on the importance of giving back to the UO community and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Danielle Austen outside CBS Broadcast Center

The inside scoop: From Duck TV to "48 Hours"

October 9, 2024

Danielle Austen, BA ’16 (journalism) shares how her experiences at the UO prepared her for a dynamic career in journalism, from working local news at KEZI 9 to navigating high-stakes breaking news stories at CBS. Learn how she transitioned to New York, overcame career challenges, and now thrives as an associate producer at 48 Hours, shaping true crime narratives and building trust with families to tell their stories with care and accuracy.

Lisa Poliak

Featured podcast episode: "Adversity to Advocacy"

August 2, 2024

Lisa Poliak, BA ‘97 (international studies) was recently featured on the podcast small acts of rebellion. This fascinating podcast focuses on the intersection of professional and personal life and “the things no one tells you about work.” In episode 10, “Lisa Poliak: Adversity to Advocacy,” discusses the importance of doing the work you love, the gift of allowing yourself to be vulnerable, and the power of being authentic.

Sarah Koski

A champion of marginalized communities

April 9, 2024
Sarah Koski's career in nonprofit management and service to marginalized groups has come with many lessons learned, humbling experiences, and opportunities to grow as both a professional and a person. Megan McKinney, associate director of the Duck Career Network, sat down with Koski to learn about her path and what it’s taught her. Koski holds a BA in political science and is a proud graduate of Clark Honor's College, where women mentors and professors impacted her greatly. Recently, Koski was honored with the Emerging Leader award by the Oregon Commission for Women.
Event Recordings
We don’t want our alumni to miss out on our array of webinars. There’s no substitute for meeting in person, but when that’s not possible, or you’ve missed an event, a recording is the next-best thing. Watch these at your convenience, then consider attending a future event!
Do Good, Work Local: Impactful Career Pathways

Do Good, Work Local: Impactful Career Pathways

March 5, 2025

This webinar features inspiring UO alumni who have turned their passion for positive change into impactful careers. These alumni share their journeys into roles that directly benefit their local communities, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of their work. Whether you’re looking to start a community-focused career or seeking ways to incorporate purpose into your current role, this webinar will provide actionable takeaways and inspiration to guide your path.

Ducks in Tech

Ducks In Tech Presents Get Hired in Tech Today: Expert Advice for Landing a Job in 2025

November 13, 2024

Are you looking to break into the tech industry or simply grow where you’re at? Perhaps you're wondering if your non-technical background could lead to a career in tech? This webinar features a panel of UO alumni currently working at top tech companies. Our panelists will discuss their career journeys, guide you through steps to land a job in tech and share valuable insights on how to stand out in this competitive field.

OEMBA webinar

What Your CFO Wants You To Know

October 31, 2024

Join the Oregon Executive MBA alumni group for an exclusive virtual Q&A with Tyler Sloat, CFO and COO of Freshworks. With over 25 years of finance and operations experience, Tyler shares key insights into the CFO’s role as a strategic business partner. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an industry leader!

Legacy of Leadership

A Legacy of Leadership: Reflections From an Experienced Mentor

September 13, 2024

Hear from Vincson Green, BA '83 who spent 25 years as an impactful store director for Target before retiring to focus on building a non-profit organization and serving as a board member with the Black Alumni Network. Vincson shares the key strategies he employed to lead diverse, high-performing teams, while highlighting the importance of diversity, mentorship, adaptability, and resilience in effective leadership.

Securing Tomorrow

Securing Tomorrow: Cybersecurity Trends & Career Paths

June 14, 2024

Hear from a panel of cybersecurity experts from the UO community. Learn about the UO's new cybersecurity major, outreach programs shaping the future of cybersecurity careers, and strategic partnerships that strengthen Oregon’s resilience to cyberattacks. We'll also explore the benefits and challenges of AI in digital security.

Alumni Skill-Share
Both hard and soft skills play equal roles in employment, career success and work-life balance. When seeking the ideal job candidate, employers must consider a diverse set of skills that demonstrate achievements. Whether it's people-oriented skills or analytical data-centered skills, our Duck alumni community is made up professionals eager to share their expertise!
The Duck Career Network is happy partner with volunteers to bring you an ever-growing skill-sharing series, covering a wide range of career topics. Check back often see what's new!
The Business of You: Mastering the Art of Personal Branding for Professionals

The Business of You: Mastering the Art of Personal Branding for Professionals

January 29, 2024

In this informative webinar, you’ll delve into the intricate world of personal branding and learn how to elevate your career. Led by seasoned professionals from the UO community, this session offers a comprehensive guide to building and refining your personal brand. You’ll explore topics such as self-development, communication, decision-making, authenticity, articulating a personal and professional narrative, and more.

Interview With Flair

Interview With Flair

November 3, 2023

Lisa Poliak, BA ’97 (international studies), founder and director of Inner Genius Prep, a career and educational consulting company based in Santa Monica, CA, will teach you how to Interview with Flair. Lisa has been helping her coaching clients authentically shine and land their dream jobs for over a decade, and is sharing her interviewing tips with fellow Ducks.

Grow With Google: Reach More Customers Online with Google

Grow With Google: Reach More Customers Online with Google

December 9, 2022

Where does your business show up when someone searches on Google? Join Bryan Caplan, BA ’07, Trainer for Grow With Google, for this info-packed workshop to learn how you can get your business to rank higher on Google Search.

Intel's Young Alumni Panel

Intel's Young Alumni Panel: Navigating Your Career Path

October 26, 2022

Hear from three young alumni making an impact at Intel Corporation. This moderated discussion covers topics ranging from navigating your first job out of college and avoiding imposter syndrome, to removing the intimidation factor from networking. Laurin Maurer, Vivek Sharma and moderator Max Green look forward to sharing their advice with fellow Ducks, no matter the major or career focus.

Upcoming Events
Duck In and Connect Portland

Duck In and Connect: Portland

Portland, OR
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Connect with fellow UO alumni in Portland at Duck In and Connect. Attend guided networking activities, casually mingle, and support fellow Ducks on their career journeys!

The Rush to Nowhere event graphic

Breaking Free from Hurry Sickness

Virtual
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Tune in for a powerful, research-based session with alumna Kandi Wiens on breaking free from the pressure to always do more—without sacrificing success.

Life Beyond UO
We want to ensure our graduating Ducks are prepared for life after the UO, and our alumni volunteers are here to help. We leverage our alumni as advice givers and storytellers to the benefit of soon-to-be grads. This blog series, completely written by alumni contributors, features a variety of helpful content for students and new graduates. Topics range from setting down roots in a new city to establishing oneself as a professional, from interview and job search tips to the benefits of networking and chapter involvement.
Volunteer delivering groceries

Personal Growth and Career Development Through Volunteerism

May 26, 2020

Life right now can seem unpredictable, but you can use this time to start volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to engage in work you are passionate about, develop new skills, and form a deeper connection with your community.

Woman sitting smiling and looking up

Managing Stress

November 1, 2019

Overwhelmed by stress? You don't have to be. Alumnae Suzie Stadelman and Kyra Ortega-Schwartz are here to offer stress management tips that can help you drastically reduce your stress levels. Through stress management, you can learn how to take charge of your thoughts, emotions, and the way you deal with problems. 

Ariel view of people working outside

Strengthening Your Network

September 25, 2019
We all know that networking is an essential career skill, but that doesn't mean we like it. However, when you look at life as an opportunity to network—and come prepared to turn your everyday interactions into connections—networking is made easy!
Four people sitting on grass talking

Connecting With Your Alumni Chapter

September 10, 2019
Being a Duck means you are part of the Duck community, no matter where you go after graduation. While there are several ways to stay plugged in to the UO, you may find that joining a regional alumni chapter can offer a wealth of benefits!
Man taking a selfie

Personal Branding

August 12, 2019

It’s no secret that social media is a big part of our lives, personally and professionally. While you're looking for a new job, make sure your social media and your personal branding is aligned so you can really maximize reaching out to other people and making sure you're presenting yourself in a professional manner.