CAHSS Hosts Stay in Duluth Panel

Panelists from left to right are Noah Hobbs, Andrea Chartier, Betsy Hill, Anna Bailey, Amber Mickie, Sara Cole, Aubrey Hagen and Jill Kolodnze. Photo by Brandon Kwateng

The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) hosted a panel for UMD students called “Stay in Duluth” on Wednesday, March 26th. The goal of this event was to get UMD seniors to consider staying in Duluth after graduation. Employers, housing, networking and job coaching resources from across the city were available to provide information and insight.

The panelists included Noah Hobbs, Andrea Chartier, Betsy Hill, Anna Bailey, Amber Micke, Sara Cole, Aubrey Hagen and Jill Kolodnze. All the panelists are from this part of the country and have found jobs working in the Duluth community.

“All young professionals who are job searching should consider Duluth a place to stay,” Hagen said.

The panelists all spoke about how the Duluth aesthetic and scenery makes a person feel like their’re meant to be here and how the community is perfect for building a family. 

“I never thought I would come back after leaving and I’m grateful that life brought me back here. The saying that Minnesotans are nicer definitely shows,” Chartier said.

“It’s small enough where you can make a mark and advance and it's close enough to St. Paul to see attractions and events in the cities,” Hobbs said.

Most of the panelists felt that the job they're doing now is not what they would’ve thought they would be doing years later. Nonetheless they felt like the job they're in is where they were meant to be.

Jill Kolodnze mentioned that she traveled a lot doing service opportunities and would not change it for the world. She loved traveling all over the country and being in student organizations before coming to work at UMD.

“Do something out there. I entered UMD when I felt like I had gained enough skills from my service activities and job experiences, so I would be able to work here,” Kolodnze said.

They all noted that there were several resources in Duluth that young professionals should all be taking advantage of.

“As a working mom you should use all the resources you have in front of you. There are so many scholarship opportunities for people in school and if you don't feel like you can afford it,m it’s always okay to ask someone,” Micke said.

“Not everyone likes to talk to strangers but it is worth your while if you’re more driven. Use the networks that you have and continue growing them,”  Hill said.

The panelist gave a few tips on what to do if you want to pursue a non-traditional career and said they are more common than one might think

If you have or don’t have a college degree, you should always use your skills. There are many opportunities for everyone.

“You should never limit yourself to your major. It will always feel like a drag,” Cole said.

Noted in the panel was the use of technology and writing to help support your abilities. AI can be a good tool to utilize. 

“Sit down before your interview and think if you were the interviewer and think what skills you would want the person to have,” Hill said.

“We’re trying to improve our diversity, equity and inclusion and multiple people here and outside are working on it too,” Hagen said.

Betsy Hill mentioned that the old school job techniques work really well in Duluth. 

“This is a city where people want to hear what you have to say. It's a big enough city that you can actually talk to the people you want to,” Hill said.

Bailey and Hagen mentioned that they think Duluth is the city of dreamers. There are people who have innovations and people who are following their business dreams. A lot of dreams start in Duluth.

“We need you guys to stay here so you can help all of us transform this city,” Bailey said.