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Bastian Family Center for Career Success
2 East South Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
The Bastian Family Center for Career Success is located at Alumni Hall 222. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Executive Director of Career Development
Scott has 26 years of experience in career services at a variety of colleges and universities including Johns Hopkins, George Washington, Wabash College, Adrian College, Wichita State, Valdosta State and U Missouri Kansas City. A University of Arkansas grad, for both his bachelors and masters degrees, Scott enjoys planting things, fixing up old houses, traveling, and entertaining his 3 rowdy dogs. Scott lives in Galesburg.
Career Success Advisor
Kelsey has lived in Central Illinois for over 30 years. Her favorite part of working at Knox is being able to get to know students and what their career interests are and hearing about the career paths they take after Knox. When she is not at Knox, she enjoys being around family and friends as well as coming up with new projects for her house.
Assistant Director, Student Employment and Knox Experiences
Lindsey Steele grew up in Knox County and returned here 13 years ago with her husband to live and work on the family farm. She and her husband have two children, one cat, three dogs, and about 300 cows. In her free time Lindsey enjoys being outside, going to her kids' activities, and volunteering at their school. Lindsey graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Finance.
Hometown:
Plainfield, Illinois
Academic Area of Interest:
Double Major in Business and Economics
On-Campus Involvements:
Football Team, Beta Theta Pi
Nickname and How You Got It:
Arty. People just started calling me that.
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
I picked business and economics because I wanted two majors related to accounting.
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
Police officer.
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
Make a LinikedIn profile and learn to search for Alumni.
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sprite.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
Career Fair.
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
Florida.
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Jobscan.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
BUS 340-Managerial Finance.
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
Outer Banks.
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
Iron Spike.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pizza.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
Football, Chicago Bears.
Hometown:
Brooklyn, New York
Academic Area of Interest:
Economics and Philosophy Double Major
On-Campus Involvements:
Student Senate, Entrepreneurship Society, CTL Tutor
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
I am double majoring in economics and philosophy. I picked economics because I like the perspective it gives on the functions of the world, as so much of our daily lives relates to economics. I love philosophy because it answers some of the toughest questions in life, and after every philosophy class I feel like I have learned something new and important.
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
I wanted to be a baseball player.
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
Keep an open mind, ask lots of questions, and remember that no experience is insignificant!
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sprite.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
PIE Trip.
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
Florida Keys.
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Focus2.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
Probably one of my philosophy classes.
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
Rick and Morty.
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
Landmark Cafe.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pizza.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
The New York Yankees.
Hometown:
Chicago, Illinois
Academic Area of Interest:
Public Policy Major, Creative Writing Minor
On-Campus Involvements:
2023 Senior Committee, TRIO Student
Nickname and How You Got It:
My childhood nickname is Mil-Mil. I don't really know how I received the nickname, but my family just essentially dropped the 'J' and 'A' from my name.
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
I was originally going to major in political science but I soon realized that public policy fulfilled all of my interests in terms of what I wanted to do for my career.
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
I always wanted to be either a secret agent, a police officer, or a lawyer when I was a child.
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
Always check emails that are from the office! There may be some cool events that you may miss out on if you don't check emails from the office when they pop up.
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sprite.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
My favorite event would have to be Coffee and Careers. I like that it opens the office up for the student body and makes the office more approachable.
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
My favorite vacation spot would have to be the beach house in Michigan.
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Big Interview.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
AFST 208-Black Lives Matter with professor Yannick Marshall.
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
Indian Matchamaking.
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
I would encourage all new students to go to Innkeepers Fresh Roasted Coffee. It has really great small town coffee vibes and is a great place to study.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pancakes.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
The Chicago Bears.
Hometown:
Bartlett, Illinois
Academic Area of Interest:
Environmental Science Major, Economics and Psychology Double-Minor
On-Campus Involvements:
President of Beta Theta Pi, IFC President, member of the football team.
Nickname and How You Got It:
Liam.
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
I'm in love with the environment and I feel that my generation has a duty to make the world a better place.
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
Pro football player.
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
Utilize our resources!
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sprite.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
Career Fair.
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
Querétaro, Mexico.
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Jobscan.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
PSYCH 277-Psychopathology.
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
South Park.
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
Masa Sushi Restaurant.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pizza.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
Football, Chicago Bears.
Hometown:
Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Academic Area of Interest:
Psychology Major, Educational Studies Minor
On-Campus Involvements:
Enharmonic Fire, OISS, CTL
Nickname and How You Got It:
Nope! My family likes my Vietnamese name, which is Hạnh Nhi. I don't think there's any meaning behind it, but my dad did put a lot of effort in going through the family tree to make sure the name doesn't overlap with another's.
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
Psychology (at Knox) is a great interdisciplinary field to look at human psyche scientifically. And I just genuinely like Ed classes :D .
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
Singer/Actress.
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
Be willing to just ask questions.
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sierra Mist.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
The trips!!
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
Washington, D.C.
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Focus2.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
FILM 124-Introduction to Film.
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
Notting Hill.
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
The Beanhive.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pancakes.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
Badminton.
Hometown:
Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Academic Area of Interest:
Economics
On-Campus Involvements:
The Center for Career Success is my first official involvement on campus.
Nickname and How You Got It:
My family calls me Bông (which both mean flower and cotton in Vietnamese). I don't know where they got that name, it just stuck with me ever since I was a child (it's even weird to hear my parents call my real name at home).
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
It's still too soon for me to decide, but I'm kind of leaning toward Economics right now. I simply enjoy reading and watching videos about the financial industry in general.
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
Teacher. I used to find writing on the board (using chalk) so cool as a kid.
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
Come to Career Closet to chat 1:1 with the people from PCL.
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sprite.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
PCL Power Hours. I received several great tips to edit my resume.
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
Definitely Japan. I am craving for some authentic matcha ice cream and eel rice.
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Big Interview.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
CS 141-Introduction to Computer Science.
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
Singing in the Rain (1952).
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
The Beanhive - a cozy coffee shop with great beverages and pastries.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pancakes.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
I don't really like sports in general :( the only exercise I do is going to the gym.
Hometown:
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Academic Area of Interest:
Psychology Major, Economics Minor
On-Campus Involvements:
Football
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
Psychology because I am very interested in how people think and why they think the things they do.
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
To be in the NFL.
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
Ask questions.
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sprite.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
The Community Fair.
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
Orlando, Florida.
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Jobscan.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
PSYCH 277-Psychopathology.
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
The Walking Dead.
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
Jimmy's Pizza.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pizza.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
Football, Chicago Bears.
Hometown:
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Academic Area of Interest:
Biochemistry Major, Economics and Health Studies Double Minor
On-Campus Involvements:
Knox College Choir, Student Senate, Health Services Peer Educator, International Club, aaina
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
Biochemistry, because I am interested in genetics and chemistry in context of living organisms.
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
A singer.
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
Drop by the Career Center whenever you have a few minutes to spare in between classes so you can get to know the PCLs and staff and be motivated to work more consistently on your career exploration!
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sprite.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
Gateway2Galesburg, Community Fair.
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
Nice, France.
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Jobscan.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
MUS 145-Music Theory I.
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
River Monsters.
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
Koreana.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pizza.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
Swimming.
Hometown:
Whittier, California
Academic Area of Interest:
Design
On-Campus Involvements:
Football Team
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
I am still undecided.
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
When I was little I wanted to be an astronaut.
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
Get involved in our events and don't be afraid to ask for help!
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sprite.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
Career Fair.
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
Mazatlan, Mexico.
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Focus2.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
Any of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) classes with John Haslem. He's a great professor and an even better person!
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
John Wick 4.
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
Pizza House.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pancakes.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
Los Angeles Rams.
Hometown:
Manila, Philippines
Academic Area of Interest:
Neuroscience Major
On-Campus Involvements:
International Club, Alpha Phi Omega, Terpsichore Dance Collective, Student Senate, Admissions Ambassador
Nickname and How You Got It:
Miju. My friends just started calling me that one day and I think it's cute.
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
Neuroscience! I love learning how the brain works on a more biological level and how that shows on the outside. I also love looking at slides of brain slices and analyzing them.
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
Performer!
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
Ask questions and visit us often. We can get to know you that way and create a more personalized experience.
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sprite.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
I like Professional Power Hour. I like that is was 1-on-1 with a student and we can really help them out.
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
Philippines!
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Focus2.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
PSYCH 276-Behavioral Pharmacology.
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
Ginny & Georgia and I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
Wordsmith Bookshoppe.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pizza.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
Volleyball, Ateneo Girls Volleyball.
Hometown:
Pakistan
Academic Area of Interest:
Data Science
On-Campus Involvements:
International Club, Badminton Club, Water Polo Club, Audio-Visual On-Campus Job
Nickname and How You Got It:
Polly since I was referred to as 'Pal' by all my friends and for some reason people started calling me 'Polly' because polly actually means "parrot"? So, whenever someone calls me Polly, I can tell them that I am a talkative bird with colorful feathers!
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
Well, if you're a fan of puzzles, data science is like solving a giant puzzle with millions of pieces, but instead of making a picture, I am discovering valuable insights and patterns hidden within the data. Plus, I can get to call myself a data detective!
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
Doctor because both my parents were doctors and I thought it would be cool to maintain the legacy.
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
Unlock your career potential and make your dreams take flight with the Center for Career Success! Plus if you need a job when you graduate, associate yourself with the people who can help you get one.
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sprite.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
The bubble tea, pizza, and conversations about Career Paths.
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
Puerto Rico, I went for there for this spring break and it felt like heaven. I wish I could go back again :( .
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Jobscan.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
BUS 280-Business and Society.
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
House of Dragons.
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
Baked.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pizza.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
Pakistan's Cricket Team.
Hometown:
Da Nang, Viet Nam
Academic Area of Interest:
Computer Science Major, Economics Minor
On-Campus Involvements:
Vietnamese Club, ASA, Student Senate, 2024 Resident Assistant, CTL/Red Room Tutor
Nickname and How You Got It:
Jessie.
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
It's because I can make more money.
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
I used to be very ambitious about me becoming a president lol.
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
Accompanying with a PCL.
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sprite.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
The upcoming Nicole Havelka event with bubble tea.
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
Chinatown either in New York or Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Jobscan.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
ECON 120-Principles of Macroeconomics and ANSO 103-Introduction to Sociology.
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
Black Adam.
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
Innkeepers.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pizza.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
Football.
Hometown:
Columbia, Missouri
Academic Area of Interest:
Business and Management Major, Art History Minor
On-Campus Involvements:
Tri Delta
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
I picked business because I hope to go into marketing after graduation.
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
I wanted to be a pilot when I was younger.
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
You do not have to make an appointment, so come into the office whenever you have time.
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sprite.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
I liked Career Fest.
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
I went to Arizona for spring break and I would love to go back soon.
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Jobscan.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
FILM 241-Religion and Film.
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
Love is Blind "Live" Reunion.
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
Baked for sure.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pizza.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
Hockey, St. Louis Blues.
Hometown:
Muskego, Wisconsin
Academic Area of Interest:
Political Science
On-Campus Involvements:
Knox Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Union Board
Why Did You Pick Your Major?:
I chose Political Science because I want to create social and political change that will improve the lives of oppressed/minority groups as well as general society.
What Occupation Did You Want When You Were Little?:
Fashion Designer.
#1 Tip for Students Using the Center for Career Success:
Make sure your resume is both informative and aesthetic so it catches the eye of employers.
Sprite or Sierra Mist?:
Sprite.
Your Favorite Event with the Center for Career Success?:
Coffee and Careers.
Place You Have Been that You Would Love to Go Back To?:
Lima, Peru.
Favorite Resource We Provide Students With:
Jobscan.
Favorite Class You Have Taken at Knox:
JOUR 222-Media and Politics.
Last Movie or TV Show You Watched:
The Last of Us.
One Place Within Walking Distance of Knox that You Would Recommend a New Student Visit:
The Landmark Cafe.
Pizza or Pancakes?:
Pancakes.
Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
Football, but only because it has marching band/other halftime shows
https://www.knox.edu/offices/career-success/meet-the-staff
Printed on Saturday, June 10, 2023