Bridging the Lab and the Workforce: New STEM Career Coach Helps Students with Post-SUU Planning

Southern Utah University is building on its commitment to post-graduation success by placing specialized career experts directly within its academic colleges. Joining this effort in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CSTEM) is Amy Thorpe, the dedicated Career Coach and College Liaison for SUU's STEM disciplines.

Before transitioning into this specialized career role, Thorpe worked as a secondary math teacher and adjunct college mathematics instructor. With this experience, Thorpe will be able to assist students in their STEM-centered ambitions more than ever before. Her new role is designed to help students bridge the gap between rigorous laboratory and classroom training and the competitive global STEM workforce.

"STEM students have gained knowledge and technical skills during their education at SUU," Thorpe said. "They need guidance communicating these technical skillsets employers easily recognize and value."

Her work in the College will focus on several key aspects of career preparation, such as professional branding, strategic pathway planning, and industry integration. For professional branding, Thorpe will assist students in crafting technical resumes, CVs, and digital profiles that highlight specialized skills, certifications, and proficiencies. By helping students identify high-growth career trajectories in fields spanning the STEM disciplines, Thorpe will guide students to success through strategic pathway planning. Finally, industry integration will include organizing networking opportunities and events that bring students face-to-face with professionals from regional and national STEM agencies and firms.

"As a K-12 mathematics educator, I emphasized the value of math by connecting instruction to real-world career applications," Thorpe said. "Integrating these real-world connections is a cornerstone of effective teaching, and I am committed to exposing students at every stage of their education to the possibilities of who they can become."

Her approach is rooted in a student-centered philosophy, emphasizing the importance of hands-on engagement. By understanding the academic milestones students must hit, Thorpe is firmly positioned to help them layer professional experiences-like internships and undergraduate research-onto their academic schedules.

The decision to embed coaches like Thorpe directly within the colleges highlights SUU's commitment to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also career-ready. By integrating career coaching into the daily life of the College of STEM, the University ensures that professional development is an integral part of the student experience.

"Career coaches focus on areas of career readiness, such as gaining experiences in workplace environments through expanded internships and co-ops, coaching on workplace and industry adaptability, networking events with industry-specific partnerships, and guidance navigating entry into the workforce," Thorpe said.

Students interested in meeting with Thorpe or attending upcoming STEM career events can find more information on the Career Center website or by following the College at @suu_collegeofstem on Instagram.

The Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CSTEM) at Southern Utah University offers diverse programs across six academic departments that are supported by over 100 dedicated faculty and staff members focused on student-centered, experiential learning. The College hosts events like the annual Research Symposium, maintains specialized centers like the Ashcroft Observatory, and more.

Tags: Student FacStaff College of STEM Academic

Contact Information

Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu