Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - As Sharon Becker settles into her new position as director of the Career Center at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, her goal is to optimize the relationships with potential employers, alumni and faculty while continuing to keep the focus of the center on students.

"It's all about the relationships you have," she said.

Becker began as director of the Career Center, formerly University Placement Services, in May. In her new role, she wants to continue to develop contacts with potential employers while strengthening the cooperation between the center and UWP faculty and staff members. But the commitment to students is still priority one. Becker would like to work with student organizations to help bring in industry professionals to campus, and she hopes to hire and train some students to work in the Career Center.

"One of the goals is to get students more involved with the office," Becker said. "We want this to be a student-centered office. The resources for students are going to be key."

Computers will play an integral role. Becker is looking into the feasibility of purchasing an online database listing businesses throughout the United States as well as a web-based skill assessment program. With distance education in mind, Becker hopes to make all of the office's resources available online.

Of course, the office will continue to do the things they do best. Fall and spring employer fairs give students a chance to meet with employers face to face. And the office will continue to help students write resumes and cover letters. Students can prepare for the job interview process with programs like "Dinner with Ms. Manners" and mock interviews put on by Career Center personnel.

"They've worked hard to make the office visible to students," Becker said. "I think we're going to take it to a whole different level. I'm the type of person that really enjoys the development of programs and services."

She wants to promote the concept of experiential learning. Becker believes most employers want a "well-rounded candidate." While academic success is still important, companies are interested in students' involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership experience, community service and job experience, oftentimes through co-ops or internships.

"When you look at internships, for many companies that is the primary recruitment tool," Becker said. "They are making an investment in you."

Becker is also exploring the possibility of extending career services to alumni who are considering career changes. Furthermore, enthusiastic graduates may find avenues to employment through relationships with alumni.

"They're such a rich resource. They have a lot of expertise," Becker said.

Becker has worked at the Menominee Chamber of Commerce and in career services and minority programs at North Dakota University, the University of Wisconsin-Stout and, most recently, UW-Eau Claire. She likes working in a university setting because of the students.

"When you look at students and their whole development process, you really see them grow professionally, academically and personally," she said.

Though Becker lives in Platteville during the week, she makes her permanent home in Red Wing, Minn., with her husband who is a pastor and her 16-year old daughter. Additionally, Becker has three adult children scattered throughout the United States, and one grandson. When she's not working, Becker has spent time restoring old Victorian homes and weaving rugs, and she also enjoys gardening in her backyard.

Though she's been at UWP for less than a month, Becker is already beginning to development meaningful relationships with cooperative people at the university and in the area.

"Everybody seems friendly and genuine. Sometimes you won't find that at other campuses," she said. "And everybody that I've talked with is willing to collaborate."

The Career Center is open 7:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m., Monday-Friday in the Ullsvik Center. Career Center personnel can be reached by phone at (608) 342-1183.