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Nolan Yaws

Nolan Yaws

Washington State University Vancouver

Career Roadmap

Nolan's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

Career Counselor

I assist university students and alumni with their job and internship searches.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

    Union Mine High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies

    University of the Pacific

  • Graduate Degree

    College Student Counseling and Personnel Services

    Miami University-Oxford

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors:

High School

Bachelor's Degree: Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies

Graduate Degree: College Student Counseling and Personnel Services

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    I hadn't even considered college as an option until a project in High School required us to look.

  • 2.

    To get my family on board with my going to college, I entered as an accounting major.

  • 3.

    I joined a student Ambassador group and met the Dean of the School of Education.

  • 4.

    I changed majors to Education and got further involved and learned about Student Affairs.

  • 5.

    I went to graduate school and worked in Residence Life.

  • 6.

    Working with staff teams and upper division students, I learned about Career Services.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Parents:

    There is no need to go to a fancy, private school. There is no need for college really, unless you are going to choose a major that will make you money. We will not support you financially in this endeavor.

  • How I responded:

    Never let someone slow you down and detour you from your goals! Had I not gone to Pacific, I would have never got involved, made new connections and found a career path I am passionate about. Had I not gone to Pacific I would not have grown both personally and professionally in great ways. Sometimes you have to risk losing some support in the moment to find a whole new network of support that will never let you down. For me, I might have frustrated family a bit but I gained my Pacific family.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • College wasn't cheap! That being said, there are a ton of scholarship programs out there. I started applying early in my senior year and truly saved a ton because of it. Work with your HS career counselor to learn about local scholarships!

  • Family doesn't always understand why you want to go, what you are learning and why it matters so much to you. That being said, it is important to remember that your roots helped you grow too. You'll be stretched but that is a great feeling.

  • I first came out in college. It was the support of my Pacific family that got me through it all... It wasn't easy talking with family at first but they've slowly come around! Now I am engaged and very happy with who I have become.