In the early stages of his career, Joel experienced an epiphany. Now an English PhD candidate at UConn and a beloved Academic Advisor in the Department of Communication, his path was not always so clear. After earning a dual degree in Microbiology and Christianity and Culture from the University of Toronto, he began working in pharmaceuticals as a chemist before transitioning into the nuclear fuel industry—only to realize this path wasn’t right for him.
As a first-generation student, Joel felt immense pressure to pursue a STEM career and define success in conventional terms. But after several years in the field, he found himself unfulfilled, overstressed, and searching for work he could genuinely take pride in—work that felt morally aligned with his personal values. He made the difficult decision to return to school and pursue a career as a professor. “It was so hard,” he admits. “I didn’t have enough English credits, so I had to spend a full year focused just on writing and literature.”
Still, the challenge didn’t deter him. For the first time, he had found something he truly loved.
Joel’s path, like many others, was far from linear. It took years of exploration for him to discover his passions and ultimately shift his career. Through that journey, he learned that “the biggest contributor to anxiety is not knowing”—and the only way to gain that clarity is by navigating the trials and tribulations of different roles and new experiences.
“Movement is life—you have to find the things that make you happy.”
– Joel Nebres
He encourages students to explore widely and step outside their comfort zones, whether that means taking an unexpected course, joining a new club, or considering career paths they would have never imagined. In his words, “Movement is life—you have to find the things that make you happy.”
As a Communication advisor, Joel has many conversations with students about their fears for the future. His advice to them? Keep going and don’t give up, “Keep doing what you’re doing—and if you’re not doing anything, get going!” With a major like Communication where career opportunities seem endless, it can get overwhelming for students to narrow down their options. Joel urges COMM students to explore, be curious, connect with professionals, and put themselves out there, “Failure will not kill you.” The only way to truly learn what you like and what you hate is to try everything.
Joel went to school in a period where advisors were not a thing, and Career Readiness was not taught. When the opportunity to become a Career Champion arose, he leaped at it, “Before, I felt like I was an imposter. How can I do my job properly and have these conversations with students if I don’t know what’s involved?” Being a Career Champion has given him the opportunity to speak with employers and gain more knowledge of what the outside world is truly like for college graduates. He actively feels the anxiety of students worried about life after graduation but is glad he has resources he can provide them with and help point them in the right direction. His message to faculty and staff not in the Career Champion program? Take advantage of what’s in front of you— “I don’t know how you could do this role without having these resources and important conversations.”
As for the skills students should be developing, in true Department of Communication fashion, Joel emphasized the importance of people skills—regardless of the field, “I was promoted at my pharmaceutical job not because of my science skills, but because of my people skills, writing ability, and my capacity to connect with senior staff. I was good with people others struggled to talk to.” In an age of digital communication, students should not underestimate the value that genuine human connection brings to the workplace.
You don’t need to have it all figured out; you just need to start. Take the risk, try something new, and trust that every experience—even the bad ones—brings new knowledge and is shaping a path that’s uniquely yours.
