Understanding the importance of engaging in growth opportunities early on in their academic careers, Julie Hutt, the College of Information and Communications’ career services manager, seeks to nurture student success during a critical period in their lives.

“I call it planting the seed and then watering it,” Hutt says.

Her own career journey, from a prospective occupational therapist to an accomplished higher education professional, serves as a testament to the idea that pathways can sprout in unexpected places.

After receiving her bachelor’s in recreation and community health and master’s in sports administration from Western Michigan University, her interests led her to The Walt Disney World Company. While working in their entertainment division, not only did she learn the power of embracing the unknown but the value of unparalleled customer service — a “magic seed” she sprinkles into her role today.

“The service model for their customer service philosophy is something that I do throughout my life, whether it’s personal or professional,” Hutt says.

Along with this focus on service, Hutt also recognizes the significance of building a strong professional network and rapport.

“My biggest advice for making connections is early and often; the more you can do it, and the more often you can do it, the more that it’s genuine,” she says.

From one connection to the next, she landed at USC in 2006, filling a variety of positions before rooting herself in the CIC. Under her current title, Hutt creates resources to meet the unique needs of the college’s students. She envisions a robust career services program that extends beyond job placement, aiming to support students through streamlined communication, enhanced employer engagement and tools to articulate skills effectively.

“It’s not one-size-fits-all,” Hutt says.

This service-oriented mindset, ingrained within her from the happiest place on Earth, guides her forward, and with it, she creates a fertile ground for the diverse CIC population to “market their best selves.”

Hutt commits herself to actively listening to the needs of students, faculty and employers, while also anticipating industry trends in an ever-evolving job market. Laying the groundwork for long-lasting initiatives, her personalized approach plants the seeds for flourishing career services.

“The career journey is a marathon and not a sprint,” Hutt says. “It’s not that you train just like you would train for a marathon. You’re training for your career after graduation, and it’s going to take time.”