It's Their Job: Danette McGuire

Name: Danette McGuire

Job: Career development coordinator, a new position at the Counseling and Career Services at Eastern New Mexico University.

Background: McGuire attended New Mexico State University and earned her bachelor’s degree in family science and master’s degree in agricultural education. She worked in the youth development field for 15 years.

Time on the job: One month

What does your job entail? I help students find jobs and gain resume and interview skills. Also, if they do not exactly know what career field they want to go into, I help them do some research and use their interests to find the career that fits the best.

What is a typical day on the job like for you? Every day is different. Some days I do workshops, some days I meet with students. This job, compared to my previous one, is more scheduled and less flexible. I have to work with appointments now.

Why did you choose this job? I have always enjoyed college-aged students. It is fun to watch them grow, make decisions on their own, and mature into adults. It is so rewarding to help them find their dream job.

What type of training, if any, do you need for your job? You need the ability to relate with people and have a desire to see them succeed. You also need good interpersonal skills and to be able to work well with others. The ability to be flexible is also a necessity.

What do you most enjoy about your job? I definitely enjoy working with students.

— Compiled by PNT Correspondent Blake Downs