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