Morty Ortega was a first-generation college student who had navigated his career journey on his own, never blinking at an opportunity that presented itself on his journey. Being a first-generation student, he had no idea where to look for careers and jobs until his high school teacher inspired him in his senior year to investigate the world of ecology. At the time, his teacher had a master’s degree and was pursuing a PhD which exposed Morty to this path and it was then he realized the direction he wanted to pursue. His parents had no knowledge of what a university was, but he continued to pursue this dream. Morty took advantage of the opportunities that presented itself, such as interning for the whole summer, and continued to network with other colleagues in the field. Morty was on the road to his dream career when a shortcut was presented to him and Morty did not blink to take it. That opportunity has led him to his career now as an Associate Professor for the Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, where he teaches, does research, and is a committed academic advisor to his students. In addition to his work with students, Morty actively serves on the Career Champion Advisory Board.
Morty also serves as an academic advisor to students at UConn. During his academic advising, Morty highlights two aspects: professional advising and academic advising. His goal is to help guide students on their own career roads, helping them identify the appropriate tools, resources, and skills needed to help them get to their career destination. He begins by asking students “What is your dream job?” and then provides students with a tool that he entitles “look at your future.” This tool introduces students to job boards where their dream job is posted. He encourages students to look at postings regardless of the level of experience needed. By doing this, students become aware of what competencies and experiences it might take to land their dream jobs. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of experience within the field rather than focusing on just the coursework. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ 2024 Job Outlook, 79.7% of employers who do not screen candidates by GPA consider “having completed an internship within your industry.” Morty helps students recognize and meet this requirement by supporting them in planning for related work experiences during their summers and semesters.
He believes that the biggest challenge for students is not having a clear sense of purpose in college. To help close this gap, he helps students map out potential career paths and the highways necessary to get to their destinations. This analogy illustrates for students a career road map where their destination is in sight, however, they must navigate and figure out the directions needed to get there. The directions and highways are the experiences, courses, and competencies that students must take to reach their destinations. In many cases, shortcuts may appear on this career road, such as an opportunity that pops up. He advises students to never give up on an opportunity that may provide a shortcut even if an alternative route is planned. He encourages students to make a stop at the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills and believes that he is a stop on the road to help students tailor the resources they have learned at the Center to their own individual career paths.
In addition, Morty has the unique opportunity to connect and mentor first-generation students. Morty encourages first-generation students to continue to pursue their dreams and follow their aspirations. He notes that students from minority groups may face addended burdens on their journey. He helps students’ pressures by showing them alternative routes. Together they look at the opportunities and continue to learn how to adapt to the new changes with DEI and the careers.
Ultimately, Morty’s commitment to shaping his students’ futures through a Career Roadmap that fuels their potential, serves as a compass to guide each student toward success and fulfillment in their professional path.
