By Dr. Elise Carrier
We have already seen many success stories from the class of 2024. Here are a few of our standout stars, each exemplifying excellence, determination, and innovation in their respective fields. Their achievements inspire us and set a high standard for future classes.
Haley Clark '24: Bachelor of Arts in Education
Early Intervention Developmental Specialist
Thom Marlboro Area Early Intervention | Marlboro, MA
Career Advice: My advice would be to make connections with people throughout your educational experiences. You never know when one person could write you a recommendation or connect you with someone they know who has job opportunities. Stay professional in your dress, your actions, and your treatment of others. Think about what impact you want to have on the world and where you think you can achieve your goal.
Hanna Jane Kilduff '24: Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Summa Cum Laude
First Grade Teacher
Swift River Elementary School | Belchertown, MA
Career Advice: "My advice to any undergraduate hoping to secure their dream job would be to apply, apply, apply! Even if you feel under-qualified, even if it’s outside of your comfort zone, even if there are a lot of other applicants, just put yourself out there! You’ll never know if you don’t try, and every interview brings you one step closer to where you’re meant to be. Also, trust yourself and your abilities - you’ve worked hard to come this far, and you should feel so proud of yourself! You got this!"
Mick Mandeau '24: M.Ed Social Justice Education
Director of The Center for Education, Policy, and Advocacy
University of Massachusetts Amherst / Amherst, MA
Career Advice: "Your identity outside of your career is equally important and shapes who you are within your profession. Investing time in yourself, cultivating supportive relationships, and building community will help you be successful both professionally and personally."
Lucia Navarro Saenz '24: Bachelor of Arts in Special Education & Psychology
First Grade Teacher (Inclusion Classroom), Bilingual School
Amigos School / Cambridge, MA
Career Advice: “I highly recommend gaining as much experience as possible, it's never too early for anything when in college! Internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities in your field of interest provide valuable hands-on experience and will make your resume stand out. They can also offer networking opportunities as well as a chance to understand the industry better. Lastly, please ask career services for any help you might need in the process of job searching, they have been extremely helpful since day one".
Mia Zarkadas '24: Bachelor of Arts in Special Education
Instructional Support teacher, Grades 3-5
J.R. Lowell Elementary School / Watertown, MA
Career Advice: “Use the resources at UMass and gain as much experience as possible. The more experience you have, the more confident you will be entering the career field. With that, don't be too hard on yourself; you are doing much better than you think you are!”
Dr. Elise Carrier is an experienced higher education professional with an unwavering passion for empowering individuals to realize and achieve their professional aspirations. In her role as the Associate Director for Career and Professional Development at The Career Hub, Elise is instrumental in the creation and implementation of a diverse spectrum of career programs.