Kim Matteson can empathize with students who haven't identified a professional goal. That's why she works so hard as director of the St. Ambrose University Career Center.
Matteson creates programs and searches for experiential learning opportunities for students so they become fully prepared, confident professionals. She and the Career Center staff also help students who are undecided on a major or career field identify their passion and professional goals. The resulting ‘Ah-ha!' moments are something Matteson treasures.
"You can just see the load lifted off their shoulders," she said. "I was in that place in college and it can be stressful to not know what you are working toward, why you are studying so hard. When you know what your end goal is, you are so much more motivated."
Her Own ‘Ah-ha!'
As an undergraduate psychology major, Matteson knew she wanted to enter a helping profession, but hadn't identified the right fit. She discovered it while working as a student in the academic advising office.
"I really enjoyed helping students, so I told my supervisor, ‘This is what I want to do. What do you think?' He suggested I get a master's degree in higher education administration and student affairs," she said.
As a graduate student, Matteson got hands-on experience in almost every division of student affairs - orientation, advising, financial aid, campus ministry, and in the registrar's office and career center. "I really enjoyed what I did," she said.
Goals Front-And-Center
Matteson began guiding and preparing St. Ambrose University students to achieve their own professional dreams in 2005. Today, she works with employers to create opportunities for students to expand on their classroom education through internships and other programs.
And, she always keeps her goals front-and-center.
On her desk, tucked under the glass are two pages of paper.
"It is our strategic plan for the year and we have a lot of goals, including increasing internships and the number of students who are employed when they graduate. To do that, we are trying to create new programs and offer services to ensure students are engaged in their professional development," she said.
Silence Or Chaos?
Asked what she prefers, Matteson said it depends. She's a mother of two girls and, at home, she would enjoy some silence. But at the career center, "I'd rather have chaos because then I know students are coming in and using our services."
That ‘chaos' is very rewarding because Matteson knows it often leads to successful career outcomes, as demonstrated by the students who come into the office to announce, "I got the job!"
"When a student you've worked with throughout their education gets a full-time position, it feels incredible," Matteson said.
More Valued Than Chocolate
Matteson does some ‘light' reading when she needs to recharge. A file bin on a shelf in her office is overflowing with thank you cards, emails, letters and notes of appreciation - even one written on a Goodbar wrapper - from students, colleagues, and employers.
Such tokens of appreciation are never expected, "but help make our work even more rewarding," she said.
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