The Pomerantz Career Center values campus partners who invest in their growth to better support students, and we are proud to highlight Career Connectors who demonstrate leadership and dedication to student career success.

Meet Kristen Stradt-Johnson 
Associate Director, Orientation and Transition Experiences in the Undergraduate Program Office in the Tippie College of Business

How long have you been working at the University of Iowa, and how does supporting students’ career development show up in your role? 

"I’ve been working at the University of Iowa since December 2020 supporting undergraduate students in Tippie. In the academic advising side of my role, career conversations and questions show up often, as students typically are considering how their major will fit into their long-term professional goals. Given the close relationship between academics and career planning, I often assist students in determining how their academics can align with their career goals. This often involves a lot of referrals to career services on campus and in Tippie, as well as helping students determine what questions they need to ask to ensure they get the answers they need. " 

How has Career Connectors helped you feel more prepared to turn everyday conversations with students into meaningful career conversations? 

"Career Connectors is an amazing opportunity for anyone who works with students directly! When I first heard about the program, I took advantage right away—we can never have enough resources at our disposal. This program has helped me better understand the types of questions students are coming to career services with, which then allows me to better prepare my students for these conversations. Although I’m not an expert on career planning, students often look to their advisor first to start the conversation, because that’s where they feel most comfortable or they’re just not sure who to ask. When I feel confident in my suggestions and referrals, I know my students feel more comfortable taking that first step to connect with the career resources on campus—it’s a win-win!"

What is one Career Connectors strategy, resource, or takeaway that you have been able to put into action with students? 

"The biggest takeaway from the Career Connectors program for me has been understanding what skills employers are seeking from students. In the third session in the Career Connectors program, I learned about employment trends and employer needs during the hiring process and this information was put into use immediately. In Tippie, we are often talking with students about their specific major-related skills; however, it is just as important for us to emphasize how the rest of the coursework students take in undergrad prepare them for their career and help them to build the soft skills that employers desire, such as working in a team and problem-solving independently. The Career Connectors program has given me the receipts to show students the importance of these skills."

What advice would you give to faculty or staff who want to start more career-related conversations with students? 

"My advice would be to check out all there is to offer at the University of Iowa and connect with the individuals that run these resources! We don’t have to be the experts in everything on campus—in fact, that often isn’t what students need. What students do need is the confidence to take your referral and feel assured they are headed in the right direction. Taking advantage of programs such as the Career Connectors has allowed me to meet different staff in the career center and build strong connections that have helped me better connect my students to the support they need."

How has your own perspective on career development evolved since participating in Career Connectors? 

"Since participating in Career Connectors, I have learned that the careers world is constantly changing and evolving. Due to this, it is more important than ever for me to consistently engage with my peers in other offices at the University of Iowa to ensure I know who to connect with when my students bring me new questions. I don’t have to know every answer, but I do think it helps when I am better connected to the individuals on campus who do have the answers so I can set my students up for career success."