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!

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.

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.

Charting career success: navigating diverse paths with Boise's parks and recreation maven

Bonnie Shelton graduated from the UO in 2010 with a degree in journalism & electronic media. A former news reporter, Bonnie successfully weaved her talents and aspirations to pursue an exciting career at the City of Boise Parks and Recreation department. In this wide ranging interview, Bonnie credits UO faculty mentors for guiding her path and shares how she advocates for the spotlighting of diverse perspectives in her community.

Leveraging the alumni network—a finance manager’s advice on using opportunities to craft your career trajectory

Leadership through service—A business and project management leader's tips for success after graduation

Kāneali‘i Ng-Osorio earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the UO in 1998. He is now an enterprise business analyst for Kamehameha Schools, serves on the board of directors for the UO Alumni Association, and is the Hawaii Ducks regional UOAA chapter president. Kāne shares what motivates him to stay so involved supporting current and future Ducks, along with advice for current students and recent graduates.

Building connections — An HR leader's tips for creating a professional network and cultivating relationships

Making an impact—Double Duck applies business operations experience in the nonprofit sector

A communication leader's essential tips for students navigating higher education and beyond

Finding fulfillment in PR by servicing minority entrepreneurs, wellness experts, and founders

A childhood passion for storytelling, now a mission to highlight underrepresented communities

Pursue "parallel paths" to your career destination

A passion for food and business savvy: how one UO alumnus is helping to tackle the climate crisis

Solving real world problems started in the UO classroom

Inspiring others to go after it, no matter what the goal

Grit and resilience carried beyond the UO

Impacting the community through entrepreneurship

Kevin Yamaka, owner and founder of Soko Coffee in Eugene, started his business venture in March 2020 with his wife Leslie, a UO alumna. Thanks to a successful Kickstarter drive, what started as a coffee cart is soon to become a permanent shop. Graduating in 2012 with a B.S. in Economics and Business and Society, Kevin held several jobs in finance and accounting, before a layoff in 2020 motivated him to start his own coffee company.

Building relationships through leadership and volunteering

Tomas Flores is the Director of Financial Services at the Oregon Department of Education which provides leadership for all elementary and secondary students in public schools and education service districts. He is responsible for the accounting and fiscal grant management of the department. Tomas is a certified public accountant (CPA) and has 25 years of governmental accounting experience. He has volunteered as a board member of the Latino Educational and Recreational Network, serves on the advisory board of the State Employees Credit Union, and is a member of the UOAA Board of Directors.

Leadership through Relationship Building and Communication

Being Successful in a Diverse, Intercultural Work Environment

From a young age, John Branam always knew he had an interest in the intersection of social change, justice, public policy and education. He is now the Executive Director at Get Schooled, an educational nonprofit organization that is the nation’s only all-digital college, and career counselor, helping young people across America create successful pathways to their academic and professional future.

Critical Thinking and How it Can Support Your Career Path

After graduating from the University of Oregon in 2002 with a degree in educational leadership, Amy Radochonski began recruiting students in educational programs at UO. She is now the VP of Programming for College Living Experience, where she engages with instructors across the U.S., helping plan programs for students with disabilities who are attending higher education. The skillset she gained from her time at UO can be attributed to her effective methods of critical thinking and problem-solving when tasked with individualistic, student-based needs.

Being an Influential Leader and Expanding your Experience

The Power of Listening: Communication As a Key to Professional Success

As an undergraduate at UO, Rosa Chavez-Jacuinde studied both international and environmental studies and decided to continue her education further, receiving a law degree soon after with the aspiration to be of service to others. With her extensive knowledge in these various fields, she worked as an attorney where she successfully maintained relationships between herself and others throughout her career.

Meeting Goals Through Teamwork And Collaboration

After completing her degree at the UO, Teresa Hoffman moved back to southern California to further her career as a consultant with various executive firms and Disney, before becoming a corporate staffing manager for City National Bank in Los Angeles. Read on to learn how Teresa relies on teamwork, collaboration and relationship building to ensure her colleagues are well-versed and comfortable in their roles.

Change in Technology and Communication

Stay Curious and Put Yourself Out There

Shirley Hancock received a degree in journalism from the UO, with a focus on newspaper and broadcasting reporting. After graduating, she spent over 25 years in the television news business. Now a PR consultant, writer and speaking coach, Shirley encourages undergraduates to network within their own campus community, where the connections found right at their fingertips can lead to new opportunities down the road.

Reaching Outside of Your Network

Putting the "Work" into Networking

Applying for jobs online isn't the way to go. Start with networking.

You make your own luck. It’s like baseball.

Build Relationships to Build Your Network

An Open Mind and Patience Lead to a Rewarding Career

Ski Slopes to Start-Ups: How an Athlete Turned Pro in Sports Marketing

Shoes, Handbags, and Many Hats

Entrepreneurial Artist in a Realm All Her Own

Shannon is someone who doesn’t just get involved with things –she fully commits. It’s impressive, refreshing, and the foundation for her career (and personal) success. She has made changes when she needed to, focused on her talents, and committed to her choices in a way that has allowed herself and her business to thrive. During a tour of her studio, Shannon offered this advice, “… who does what you do? Follow them.”

Spark, Spontaneity, and a "Stick with it" Attitude Lead to Success

Relational Networking: Empowering a Community

Ducks in Tech: a Preview of Four Upcoming Panelists

Prescription for a Good Life and Shaping the Medical Profession (Dr. Allen pt.2)

The Many Paths to Success

The Start of a Medical Journey (Dr. Allen pt.1)

A Career in Politics Provides Diverse Opportunities

Values, Community and Career Come Together

An Open Mind Opens New Career Paths

All Signs Pointed to a Career in Law

Success Built on Equal Parts Hard Work, Relevant Experience and an Excellent Education

Interest in Health and Wellness Initiates Career Path to CEO

For a Career to Expand and Flourish, Take Risks and Embrace the New

Life Lessons Learned while at the UO, and Reaping the Rewards Well Beyond Graduation

A Career Fueled by a Desire to Fill Needs in the Community

Having Paid His Dues, Alumnus Gets to Live and Breathe Sports

From Dumpster Diving to Making Caltech (and points beyond) a Better Place

From Oregon to DC and Back: Alumnus shapes public perceptions

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.

INAUGURAL POST: I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now…

INAUGURAL POST: A Career Takes Flight - The Early Steps

INAUGURAL POST: Letters from Silicon Valley

INAUGURAL POST: Taking Risks and Using Resources - a few tips for current students

INAUGURAL POST: "Networking is..." Then and Now

INAUGURAL POST: Executive Coach to Coach You

Emotional Intelligence

How to Embrace Uncertainty: Awesome Tools for Transition

Often, It’s How You Say It

The Importance of Personal Branding - Developing Your Voice & Making Your Mark

A Mindset is a Terrible Thing to Waste

Networking for Career Success

The Cisco Kid

by Humberto Chacon '87
Recently I participated in a UO multicultural conference for students and alumni about being of service, where I gave a talk entitled, “How to Start a Social Movement, Without Really Trying.” I met some great people who shared wonderful stories. James Chang, Director of the Duck Career Network, mentioned that I should tell the story of the Mexican boy who went to college and then on to a successful career in Silicon Valley. So here goes.

First-Job Struggles Lead to Self-Awareness

Inner Peace, Padawan

Duck Advice

Using Facebook to Further Your Career

Co-opetition to "Grow the Pie"

Happy New Year! Reflections on Happiness

Overcoming Mental Barriers

Who's Going to Take Care of You?

Removing the Mystery from Patents and Trade Secrets – How they protect differently

I Caught Your Behavior, Among Other Things

Crush Your Interviews

Fail Fast for Success

What's That You Said?

Networking, the Human Kind

Hiring, Happiness, and Gratitude

U.S. Copyright—How a Misunderstood Law Benefits Authors and Artists

The Benefits of Focus

Moving Up Means Speaking Up

Prototype Your Career

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.

Personal Growth and Career Development Through Volunteerism

Managing Stress

Strengthening Your Network

Connecting With Your Alumni Chapter

Personal Branding

Negotiation and Knowing Your Worth

Working Outside of Your Major

Your First 30 Days on the Job

Interview Prep

Moving to a New City

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!

Ducks in Finance: Navigating the Corporate Financial Landscape

4/18/2024

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

1/29/2024

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.

Ducks in Tech Presents: AI Everyday @ Work

11/29/2023

Interview With Flair

11/3/2023

Ducks in Tech: Climate Tech - The Sustainable Economy Transformation

5/3/2023

Ask a Recruiter: UO Alumni Panel

4/19/2023

Hear an expert panel of recruiters share honest and effective approaches to making the job search a little easier! You'll gain tips and strategies on how to stand out as a top candidate in your job search, how to connect with recruiters, and even what it takes to break into the recruiting field. With our panelists' insights and real-world advice, you'll be armed with the skills to pursue the job you want.

Women's Leadership in Business Panel

4/12/2023

Ducks & DEI: Workplace Equity in Action

1/26/2023

Tune in to a virtual discussion featuring Duck alumni and allies for change who are leading workplace initiatives in the areas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Representing various industries and career stages, our panelists will share how their diverse professional and personal experiences have influenced them to acknowledge the impact of DEI and take action to change their workplace communities.

Grow With Google: Reach More Customers Online with Google

12/9/2022

Grow With Google: Improve Your Resume with Practical Strategies

11/1/2022

Intel's Young Alumni Panel: Navigating Your Career Path

10/26/2022

The Creator Economy: From TikTok Stars to Business Leaders

10/14/2022

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make it big in content creation and social media entrepreneurship? Join us for this skill-sharing workshop where we’ll learn from two recent grads turned TikTok entrepreneurs. Adam Faris, BA ’20 and Connor Bussey, BS ’19 will discuss their early beginnings in startups and the path they have taken to scale a social media side hustle into a successful business, now partnering with brands like Sports Illustrated, Road & Track, and the Seattle Seahawks.

Grow With Google: Use YouTube to Grow Your Business

10/7/2022

Embracing a Growth Mindset

10/1/2022

Together, we will learn how the phrase 'not yet' can change your mindset. In a flourishing culture that embraces a growth mindset, the word 'no' is replaced with 'not yet.' Just because you or your team have not yet accomplished something, that doesn't mean it's impossible! When we embrace this shift in mentality, we are more willing to explore new possibilities and outcomes, and create an environment where everyone is supported in gaining new skills, insights, and perspectives.

Grow With Google: Power Your Job Search With Google Tools

5/2/2022

Say "Buh-Bye" to Burnout at Work

4/23/2022

Make Shift Happen In Your Career

3/24/2022

Grow With Google: Learn The Basics of Google Ads

3/21/2022

Consumers no longer “go online,” they live online! In fact, 49 percent of shoppers surveyed said they use Google to discover new items or products, and each search is an opportunity for your business to connect with potential customers. Are you showing up? Join UO alumnus Bryan Caplan, BA '07 your dedicated trainer for Grow with Google, as he walks you through the ins and outs of Google Ads. In less than an hour, you’ll learn how Google Ads work and walk away with a plan to create your own text ads to attract more customers.

Ducks in Tech: Equitable Hiring, Diverse Teams, Successful Companies

1/27/2022

How to Win on LinkedIn with Merryn Roberts-Huntley, MBA '06

10/2/2021

Building Your Resilience: An Interactive Workshop with Mariko Lin, PhD

6/25/2021

Career Stories: Embrace Your Journey

6/8/2021

Representation Matters: Ducks In Entertainment

2/10/2021

Ducks in Tech: Hard Reset for 2021

2/9/2021

Portland Duck Lunch and Learn

2/6/2021

Entrepreneurship During Covid-19

7/8/2020

Rise Above: The Job Search During Down Economies

6/10/2020

Up Your LinkedIn Game

4/21/2020

LinkedIn is a powerful tool that can help you build your professional network, learn what you need for career advancement, and even find new opportunities in your next job search. You know that, but so does everyone else. James Chang, Director of the Duck Career Network, teaches you how to maximize your LinkedIn profile, connect with fellow UO alumni using powerful search tools, and navigate the world of online networking.

C-Suite Breakfast featuring CEOs/Presidents/Founders

6/1/2019

C-Suite Breakfast featuring CEOs/Presidents

1/14/2019

C-Suite Breakfast featuring CIOs

1/14/2019

C-Suite Breakfast featuring CEOs/Executive Directors

1/14/2019

Duck Insider: Unconventional Routes for Career Success

6/12/2017

Duck Insider: Careers for the Social Good

12/1/2016

Personal Finance: 101

9/27/2016

Beyond the Pond

5/25/2016

Ducks in Tech: Live Webinar Broadcast from 942 Olive

5/19/2016

Duck Insider: Careers in Politics and Public Policy

2/22/2016

Duck Insider at LinkedIn with David Ecker

10/23/2015

Duck Insider: A conversation with Mark Pilkenton '79

1/26/2015

Alumni Connect: Veterans Career Panel

12/31/2014

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

1/29/2024

Interview With Flair

11/3/2023

Be confident, comfortable, and charismatic in any interview! 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." Poliak has been helping her coaching clients authentically shine and land the jobs of their dreams for over a decade and is excited to share her interviewing tips and tricks with fellow Ducks. 

Grow With Google: Reach More Customers Online with Google

12/9/2022

Grow With Google: Improve Your Resume with Practical Strategies

11/1/2022

Intel's Young Alumni Panel: Navigating Your Career Path

10/26/2022

The Creator Economy: From TikTok Stars to Business Leaders

10/14/2022

Grow With Google: Use YouTube to Grow Your Business

10/7/2022

Embracing a Growth Mindset

10/3/2022

Together, we will learn how the phrase 'not yet' can change your mindset. In a flourishing culture that embraces a growth mindset, the word 'no' is replaced with 'not yet'. Just because you or your team have not yet accomplished something, that doesn't mean it's impossible! When we embrace this shift in mentality, we are more willing to explore new possibilities and outcomes, and create an environment where everyone is supported in gaining new skills, insights, and perspectives.

Grow With Google: Power Your Job Search With Google Tools

5/2/2022

Say "Buh-Bye" to Burnout at Work

4/23/2022

Make Shift Happen In Your Career

3/24/2022

Grow With Google: Learn The Basics of Google Ads

3/21/2022

How to Win on LinkedIn with Merryn Roberts-Huntley, MBA '06

10/2/2021

Building Your Resilience: An Interactive Workshop with Mariko Lin, PhD

6/25/2021

Up Your LinkedIn Game

4/21/2020

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!

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.

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.

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!

Join a chapter or network near you!

Members save big on all things fun

Embrace Your Journey

Drive in style

Cheer with the Ducks

News to Shout About

Creating a more inclusive UOAA

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!

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.

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.

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!

Join a chapter or network near you!

Members save big on all things fun

Embrace Your Journey

Drive in style

Cheer with the Ducks

News to Shout About

Creating a more inclusive UOAA

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