The BYU Political Science Department had the privilege of welcoming many incredible professionals to campus to address students in the department last semester. Each gave wonderful career and general advice as they relayed their field experiences related to government.
The lectures were carefully planned to highlight the vast range of employment possibilities for students of political science, from local government involvement to NGO work to communication jobs.
Director of LDS Charities, Sharon Eubank, acknowledged the unique nature of a BYU education. She maintained that the aims of the university should be a priority throughout students' lives.
“What can I do to relieve suffering?” she told students to ask themselves. “What can I do to build self-reliance and mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort?” Eubank's own attitude about service enriched her personal and work life, which she credits, in part, to her time at BYU.
Deputy chief of staff in the governor’s office, Mike Mower, advised students to “magnify” their internships and to volunteer for those internships, if necessary. He also urged students to keep an open mind and entrepreneurial spirit as they finish school and look for jobs.
“As you start your careers you’re going to have the opportunity to do things that were not part of your plan or what you expected,” said Mower. Like Eubank, he noted the unique perspective and skills students often leave BYU with, insisting that these factors often lead to unanticipated opportunities.
However, as the course instructor, Kellie Daniels, introduced the class to her students, she quoted Bill Waterson who said, “I don’t think I’d have been in such a hurry to reach adulthood if I’d have known the whole thing was going to be ad-libbed.” She challenged students not to simply look for job training, but to take advantage of their education by enjoying the rich learning opportunities made available to them. Courtesy of the Kennedy Center, this particular learning opportunity is also available to anyone with an internet connection. Below is the collection of 2015 lectures.
Allison Pond - Editor, Deseret News National Edition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkbD-1OvjHk
Peter Valcarce - Campaigns and Direct Mail
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v_oXW_R4nk
Mike Mower - Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor's Office
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trF9Ll97vSg
Sharon Eubank - Executive Director, LDS Charities
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5UyPumW8cI
Jennifer Hogge - Executive Director, Engage Now Africa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjbn8Xiv-iQ
John Dinkleman - Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs, U.S. State Department
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACuy8MI9h-s
Patricia Dorff - Editorial Director, Council on Foreign Relations
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJjHLwiS020
The career lecture series is a one-credit class available every fall semester. It functions as a networking and career guidance resource for students, exposing them to different careers available to students of political science.