Kristen Soprano

Career Consultant | she, her, hers

I manage the Career Center’s undergraduate student intern program. Having previously been called “the intern mom” by one intern, I truly enjoy building relationships with our interns and designing thoughtful and engaging opportunities for them to build confidence in their personal and professional skillsets. I also oversee the department’s Undergraduate Résumé Critique and Practice Interview Programs. I am a Certified Professional Résumé Writer through the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC) and meet with students one-on-one for coaching on various topics including résumés, cover letters, career/major exploration, interviewing, and general career development. Before coming to UConn, I spent almost a decade working in corporate recruiting which is where my love of career and career-development started. My current position allows me the opportunity to combine two of my professional strengths and interest areas (Human Resources and student/talent-development) while still being able to learn and grow my own personal interests as well. I have successfully made a career out of careers and I absolutely love it!

Being a Career Consultant though is only my professional identity, there is still so much more for me to share. When I’m not performing the day-to-day functions of my role, I also identify as a UConn alum (CLAS ’04), a working mother, a widow, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a mentor, a PTO board member, an athlete, a Baltimore Ravens fan, a music lover, and more. Come stop by the Center for Career Development and get to know me; I’m always excited to meet with students and build connections!

 

Bio

Hometown: Vernon, CT

Work Interest Holland Code: SAE (Social, Artistic, Enterprising). Why is this important for me to include even though you may not know what it is?  It speaks to my personality perfectly! I am extroverted by nature and truly enjoy talking with people and helping them as much as possible. I also have a great sense of humor and incorporate that into everything I do, including presentations, training sessions, and career coaching appointments.

(To discover your top three occupational interests and/or learn more about the Holland Code, visit the Focus2 resource on our website.)

Things I enjoy: I love playing “host” and bringing people together to have fun by planning various events and gatherings. Be it professional team building activities or backyard picnics, there is nothing I can’t plan or theme I can’t organize! I also enjoy crafting, spending time with my sons, hanging out with my dog, and watching HGTV! I’m an avid volleyball player, I live for football season, and enjoy going to as many fairs and carnivals as possible during the Fall.

Advice to students: It’s OK not to have all the answers. It’s OK not to know what tomorrow looks like. All that matters is that you set goals for exploration! Remember, it’s OK to ask for help. That is often the hardest things any of us have to do in life but opening the door for others to offer guidance might make the paths ahead look a little clearer. Lastly, and most importantly, HAVE FUN! Don’t get too caught up in “fitting a mold”, make the journey your own and don’t look back saying “I wish I had…”.  Nothing is ever so finite that you can’t adjust your course of direction along the way.

Education University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT Bachelor of Arts, Journalism

Most memorable academic moment: Editing video footage for a class project only to realize that the interview audio was not there; I forgot to check the batteries in the microphone before the interview! I managed to put something together, but it was a lesson I will NEVER forget. ALWAYS check the battery levels!

UConn Activities: WHUS (board member and DJ) and Women’s Club Volleyball

Previous Roles

  • Career Consultant – UConn Center for Career Development, Storrs, CT
  • University Relations Specialist – The Hartford, Hartford, CT
  • Sr. Staffing Coordinator – The Hartford, Windsor, CT
  • Staffing Coordinator/Receptionist – The Hartford, Windsor, CT
  • Service Specialist – The Hartford, Simsbury, CT
  • Public Safety Dispatcher – East Hartford Police Department, East Hartford, CT
  • Case Specialist- General Securities Systems Corp.- West Hartford, CT
All Posts

Career Center Interns Tell All: Why you should consider an internship with us!

Did you know, the Center for Career Development conducted 1,635 undergraduate résumé critiques, facilitated 219 practice interview appointments, hosted over 570 events and presentations, and developed content that generated over 600,000 website pageviews during the 2019/2020 school year? Did you …

By Kristen Soprano
Kristen Soprano Career Consultant | she, her, hers
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How You Can Help Combat Anti-Asian Racism at UConn and Beyond?

The increase in senseless acts of violence, harassment, and bias against the Asian community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic is alarming and intolerable. According to AAPI Emergency Response Network (a collaboration between the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) and …

By Kristen Soprano
Kristen Soprano Career Consultant | she, her, hers
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What to Do With a Psychology Major: 8 Jobs You Should Consider

If you already have or are thinking about pursuing a degree in psychology, you’re not alone. According to the American Psychological Association’s Center for Workforce Studies, about 3.5 million people in the United States held a bachelor’s degree in psychology …

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The Center for Career Development Stands in Solidarity with the Asian Community

The increase in senseless acts of violence, harassment, and bias against the Asian community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic is alarming and intolerable. The Center for Career Development does not tolerate discrimination or violence of any kind and stands in solidarity …

By Kristen Soprano
Kristen Soprano Career Consultant | she, her, hers
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Use This Trick to Enhance Your Job Search Strategy and Become More Visible to Recruiters!

“Finding a job is easy!”- said no job seeker ever. Whether you are just entering the workforce or looking to make a career change, the job search process can be difficult and time consuming.  With so many positions to choose …

By Kristen Soprano
Kristen Soprano Career Consultant | she, her, hers
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Disclosing Criminal Records on a Job Application

Finding a job or internship can be difficult for anyone, but it can also be very challenging for individuals with criminal backgrounds. While discussing such a history in an interview can be difficult, it can also be intimidating to address …

By Kristen Soprano
Kristen Soprano Career Consultant | she, her, hers
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Increase Your Chances for Career Success with the Concept of Jeong

In  South Korea, the concept of jeong plays a critical role in the formulation of relationships and bonds; these bonds can often help aid in the job search process. Jeong is quite similar to the United States practice of networking, …

By Kristen Soprano
Kristen Soprano Career Consultant | she, her, hers
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How to Start Building Your Cross-Country Network

For many UConn students, whether they be Connecticut residents or not, The Nutmeg State may not be their final destination when it comes to considering careers. Searching for out-of-state job opportunities might seem confusing and daunting, but one way to …

By Kristen Soprano
Kristen Soprano Career Consultant | she, her, hers
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What is an Arts Major and is it Right for Me?

Did you love art class as a kid? Do you use every inch of paper to doodle? Do you love visiting interesting museums and exhibits? Do you look at the design of a website or graphic and wonder how it …

By Kristen Soprano
Kristen Soprano Career Consultant | she, her, hers
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Interview Q&A | “What Did You Do During Quarantine?”

As some of us begin to inch into the next phase of the pandemic, slowly figuring out how we may move forward once we’re able, new questions have started to bubble up. Google searches like “how to set up a …

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