Michelle McNamara
About Me:
Post-undergrad I started my career in Residence Life, helping students navigate the ups and downs of college life. After earning my Master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration, and a brief stint in animal welfare, I made my way into the world of Career Education. I love being a Career Educator because I get to mentor folks through the self-discovery process and into a job they love!
My Focus:
I work with students from all fields of study, and have developed a special partnership with Opus College of Business. While many folks think of our services as just resume and cover letter help, there’s a lot more I can assist you with. From job searches and career fair prep, to networking, optimizing your LinkedIn profile, and even exploring different majors — I’m happy to help!
Ultimately, I’m here to make your journey to a successful career a little less daunting and a lot more exciting. Let’s team up and uncover your full potential together!
Career Pathways
Business / ConsultingStakeholders
Faculty & StaffUndergraduatesAnna Smith de Yoma
My specialty is supporting liberal arts and education students. I work with students to explore majors, create resumes, cover letters, find internship and job opportunities, improve networking and interviewing skills, and more! I am so excited to work with you on accomplishing your goals and achieving your dreams!
A Little About Me: I grew up in small town Wisconsin and went far away for school to San Antonio, Texas. When it wasn’t quite the right fit, I transferred to Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and studied psychology. After graduating, I took a gap year and did a term of service with College Possible through AmeriCorps. A career pivot of my own lead to my work in Career Services. I am in the middle of pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Leadership in Student Affairs. When I am not at work, I spend my time exploring the Twin Cities with my husband Victor (UST ’18) and dog Eloise. I am also getting back into running with the hopes of completing my second marathon.
StrengthsFinder Top 5: Maximizer, Ideation, Arranger, Includer, and Positivity
Childhood Dream Job: Wedding Planner
First Job: Ski Instructor at Trollhaugen
Favorite Quote: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” -Frederick Buechner
Advice for Tommies: It’s never too late to pivot or change your mind! Don’t let others define your path.
Affinities / Identities
InternationalStudents with DisabilitiesUndocumented/DACA StudentsCareer Pathways
Arts / Media / CommunicationsLaw / Government / PolicyNon-profit / Social Services / EducationStakeholders
Faculty & StaffUndergraduatesTamar Celis
STEM Career Educator
My journey has taken me through roles as a teacher, a principal, a reporter, and, more recently, a career advising specialist. These days, I serve the School of Engineering (SOE), the Morrison Family College of Health (COH), and the College of Arts and Science (CAS) Division 3 as the dedicated STEM Career Educator. What I most appreciate about my role is that I get to partner with faculty and staff all across St. Thomas to bring career education to students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Where To Find Me:
You can find me at different places on campus depending on the day of the week. Check back in October to learn when you can catch me on the second floor of the Schoenecker Center or the Summit Classroom Building, where I’ll be open to have a career chat with anyone who comes through. (I hope that’s you!)
Reviewing resumes makes up the majority of my conversations with students, but as a Career Educator, I’m here to support you at any stage of your career journey. I especially love helping students grow their confidence when preparing for interviews and career events!
Affinities / Identities
First GenerationStudent VeteransStudents of ColorCareer Pathways
EngineeringHealth ProfessionalsPhysical & Life SciencesTech/DataStakeholders
Faculty & StaffUndergraduatesMarit Aaseng
Assistant Director of Alumni and Graduate Career Services
Marit supports the career needs of St. Thomas graduate students and alumni, empowering job seekers to harness their strengths, make networking connections, and advance in their career paths. She provides impactful opportunities for students to connect with alumni, both on the St. Thomas Connect platform, the Student Alumni Board, and other programming. She is passionate about helping people build social capital and navigate career transitions.
Marit started her career at College Possible as an AmeriCorps coach, after graduating from St. Olaf College with psychology and art degrees. She next brought this college access expertise to Genesys Works, where she delivered professional and technical training, career coaching, and post-secondary planning services to high school seniors in year-long corporate internships. In 2018, she established the Genesys Works Talent Development Pipeline, which expanded services to provide professional development, mentorship and internship experiences for college students underrepresented in the business and tech industry. In all of her work, Marit loves to build partnerships and connect people to one another and to career opportunities.
Stakeholders
AlumniGraduate StudentsGraduating StudentsMary Graf
Associate Director, Alumni and Graduate Career Services
Experienced career coach with business change leadership and finance industry background. I enjoy helping people to identify their strengths and potential career paths while connecting them with resources to aid their journey.
Career Pathways
Arts / Media / CommunicationsBusiness / ConsultingEngineeringHealth ProfessionalsLaw / Government / PolicyNon-profit / Social Services / EducationPhysical & Life SciencesTech/DataStakeholders
AlumniFaculty & StaffGraduate StudentsGraduating StudentsVioleta Lara
Associate Director, Career Education
Stakeholders
Faculty & StaffUndergraduatesMark Sorenson-Wagner
Director, Career and Corporate Engagement