Finding a job takes hard work and determination – especially that first job right after college graduation. It's common for students to spend months in the job search process, and that’s why people like Nolan Brunnworth are valuable resources. His job at Southeast Missouri State University’s St. Louis Outreach office in Chesterfield, Mo., is two-fold: helping graduates find work, and helping companies find employees.
“I am proud to be part of such a great program at Southeast,” said Nolan. “I am rewarded every day when finding career opportunities for students, and at the same time, filling positions for companies around St. Louis.”
Nolan, a Southeast graduate and St. Louis native, works full-time in St. Louis with alumni and employers throughout the area to identify internship and career opportunities for Southeast students. His philosophy is “make it happen,” and the thing he most enjoys is helping students realize their potential and find their way in the “real world.” His favorite moments are any time a graduate or student calls or writes to tell him he or she landed that first job.
“I recently worked with a student who was about to graduate, and was completely unsure of how to utilize his degree,” Nolan said. “As a result of our discussions, I recommended several employers in the St. Louis area that fit aspects of his skill set and personality. By connecting the student with the company, and helping him prepare for the interviews, he was able to compete and win the job at a growing company offering an extensive training program and a structured career path. I heard from him just last week, and he is excited about representing the employer at St. Louis Interview Day this year.”
Prior to rejoining the University community, Nolan served as director of marketing for Lawrence Paper Company, a packaging manufacturer in Lawrence, Kan. This position allowed him the opportunity to learn about various industries and career fields. However, Nolan said applying for the job in Chesterfield was a “no brainer.”
“Representing my alma mater and marketing our talented students to the St. Louis employer community means that I can drive home knowing I made a difference,” Nolan said. “Challenge and variety are natural by-products of serving a large student body representing all of Southeast’s degree programs.”
Nolan graduated from Southeast in 2000 with a bachelor of science degree in marketing management. He said he chose Southeast because of its innovative business program.
“Every business opportunity requires a clear understanding of both the customer and the competitive landscape,” Nolan said. “I wanted a degree program that blended the elements of creativity and entrepreneurship with good old-fashioned business strategy.”
As an undergraduate, Nolan was active in the Marketing Club and tutored high school students in the Upward Bound program. He currently is pursuing a master of business administration degree through Southeast’s online program. He admits that a quality education can hone critical thinking skills, but there is no substitute for experience. Nolan said Southeast’s emphasis on internships and project work prepared him for the business arena.
Nolan’s St. Louis position is not the only admirable feature of the Southeast Career Linkages program. Southeast has a history of bringing students to St. Louis employers, especially through the annual Harrison College of Business St. Louis Employer Interview Day. The event provides an opportunity for St. Louis-area employers to interview Southeast business students for entry-level positions and/or internships in the St. Louis area. Prior to the event, the résumés of business students are sent in catalogue form to participating companies for review and selection of candidates to interview. The students then travel from the Cape Girardeau campus to a metropolitan hotel site where rooms have been set aside so St. Louis employers can conduct interviews.
Participating companies have complimented the format of the event, and students encourage each other to participate in Interview Day, either for opportunities at internships or full-time jobs.
“The format of St. Louis Interview Day is very efficient,” Nolan said. “Positive word-of-mouth has permeated throughout the talented Harrison College of Business student body and has helped grow participation to more than 100 students. Simply put, students are sharing their success stories. It is a win-win situation. A lot of my contacts have either utilized the Outreach Office, or are Southeast alumni. Most of them actually prefer to hire students who have graduated or will graduate from their alma mater.”
As a St. Louis career specialist, Nolan also is responsible for assisting Southeast alumni who wish to change career paths, and 15,000 of those alumni live in the St. Louis area.
“In this day and age of changing career paths and people seeking new employment challenges, I’ve found that more and more alumni come back to their alma mater to connect through career services,” Nolan said. “I’ve had many alums contact me when they’re contemplating changing jobs, starting their own business or are affected by downsizing.”
A few fun facts about Nolan: in his free time, he loves kayaking and hiking with his wife, Laura, his 20-month-old son Baron, and his 2-month-old daughter, Amelia; or, you might find him throwing frisbees to the family dog, Semo. His favorite most recent book is “A Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold, what Nolan describes as containing “timely lessons about conservation” despite its publication in 1949. He is developing a new passion for photography and admits to being a sports addict.
“Baron kept me from being at Game Five of the 2006 World Series – he was born shortly after Wainwright’s last pitch. Oh well, he owes me,” Nolan said.
Nolan said he would love to help write any student’s career success story, and his advice reflects his own success.
“Gain leadership skills and build a compelling resume from Day One,” Nolan said. “Recognize and seize opportunities; they are all around you. Network. Tap your curiosity, and step out of your comfort zone. Oh, and there is nothing wrong with the five-year plan.”
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