Tar Heels Signing Day – UCS Spotlights Seven Spring 2022 Graduates and Their Career Paths

An initiative started by Executive Director Dr. Tierney Bates in 2021, Tar Heels Signing Day, highlights graduates who have secured employment or acceptance into graduate school. Britney Burns, Alexis Campbell, Miyah Lockhart, Jamison McDaniel, Caroline Presley, Sarah Ward, and Mason Wilfong are Spring 2022 graduates who have utilized University Career Services (UCS) during their Carolina experience. The seven graduates were selected by UCS staff members because they exhibit personal growth and followed the Four Steps to Career Success model. UCS is celebrating their accomplishments and exciting career paths lined up after graduation. 

Britney Burns ‘22 studied Political Science and minored in Media Journalism. She took EDUC 211 Career Planning and Job Searching, a UCS one-credit course that helps students discover the necessary tools and skills to make their job search effective. “I learned the value of a great interview and making a good first impression. It is important to treat interviews as conversations so the interviewer can really get to know you” says Burns. After Carolina, she will be working as a full-time Consulting Analyst for Accenture in their NYC office in Hudson Yards.  

Alexis Campbell ‘22 studied Biochemistry. She became a mentee of Dr. Bates during her Junior year. Alexis says “Dr. Bates pushed me to become a better public speaker as well as a more confident networker.” She will integrate her refined skills into her Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Vanderbilt University this Fall. She will pursue a PhD and will explore research in Immunology or Pharmacology.  

Miyah Lockhart ‘22 studied Psychology and Exercise and Sport Science. She took EDUC 311 Life-Career Design, a UCS three-credit course which design thinking and self-awareness is applied to create an individualized life action plan. Miyah reflected on her lessons learned from EDUC 311 and stated “it is important to be confident in interviews and to focus on building relationships no matter the outcome. I also learned that having a backup plan is a major key to designing your life.” After Carolina, she will work as a Campus Recruiting Coordinator at AlphaSights at their NYC office. 

Jamison McDaniel ‘22 studied Communication with a concentration in Media and Technology Studies and Production. He was a student in EDUC 311 Life-Career Design and learned the “importance of relationship currency and utilizing Carolina’s resources and network.” He will attend Wake Forest University this Fall to pursue a Master of Science in Business Management. He plans to use his degree to go into consulting or financial advising.  

Caroline Presley ‘22 studied Psychology and minored in Social and Economic Justice. She worked at UCS as a Career Peer during her senior year and one of her priorities was to create engaging Instagram posts. Caroline’s reels and videos on office updates and resume tips gained traction on Instagram and boosted the number of followers and likes. “Working as a Career Peer has been one of the highlights of my Carolina experience. It was nice to help fellow Carolina students and teach them resume and cover letter skills” says Presley. She completed 92 resume and cover letter appointments. She will attend East Carolina University this Fall to pursue a Master of Arts plus a Specialist in School Psychology.  

Sarah Ward ‘22 studied Economics and Human Development and Family Studies. She worked at UCS for two years as a Career Peer and provided resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile reviews and Handshake assistance. Sarah appreciated the connections she made with students and assisting them to achieve their career goals. “I appreciated being able to meet students from all across campus, hear what they were passionate about, and help them prepare for the future” says Ward. She completed 110 resume and cover letter appointments. She will remain at Carolina working full-time as the Student Services Manager in UNC’s Department of City and Regional Planning. 

Mason Wilfong ‘22 studied Sport Administration and minored in Advertising & Public Relations. As a student in EDUC 311 Life-Career Design he developed a new perspective on the job interview process. Making a good impression, being prepared, asking questions is crucial during an interview but Mason learned to “picture what life would be like with each respective opportunity and picking one that aligns with my goals, passions, and wants.” After Carolina, he will complete a one-year fellowship with Ohio-based Haslam Sports Group. During his fellowship, he will work in Marketing and Public Relations for the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew. 

Congratulations graduates! If you have accepted a job or attending graduate school (or something else) take a few minutes to complete University Career Service’s annual First Destination Survey. By completing the survey, you will have the chance to win a $250 Amazon Gift Card and YETI coolers! All personal information is protected, and results are only shared in aggregate form.  

If you are still looking for a full-time job, reach out to University Career Services! UCS is available to support you during the summer months. Please access Handshake to schedule a Zoom or in-person appointment. UCS alumni services are free for 6 months after graduation to students who have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from UNC‐CH (with the exception of alumni from the MBA, Law, Medical, or Dental programs; these students should contact their programs directly)