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Career Services

Discover how asu career services can help you.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re ready to take the next step in a long career, our resources, technologies and events, will help you find your passion and discover new career possibilities. Get started today and see a variety of ways we can help down below!

480.965.2350

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https://career.asu.edu/location-and-hours/

Career Service Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Alumni services

ASU Alumni is here to provide resources for you every step of the way as you embark on your life journey, whether that means launching your career, continuing your personal and professional education or networking with the Sun Devil community worldwide.

ASU has a variety of offers and discounts, programs and resources, to help serve you in your personal and professional life as a Sun Devil.

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Overall services, offers and discounts.

Résumés & Cover Letters

Write your résumé.

Use your own individual experiences, projects and strengths. Reflect keywords from software and responsibilities listed in the job description in your résumé.

Résumé Example: First-Second Year Student Résumé Example: Software-related majors Résumé Example: Engineering and other majors Résumé Example: Experienced Engineer WATCH Résumé Basics in 10 Minutes Resume & cover letter presentation

Build Your Summary Statement Use Action Verbs Build Your Accomplishment Statements Use the Résumé Checklist for common issues

Get Your Résumé Reviewed

Now that you have written a solid résumé, have it reviewed.

SkillsFirst – Make an account, select your academic level, upload your résumé. It will be reviewed in 2-3 days, peak periods around career fair may take 7-10 days.

Handshake – Make an appointment with a peer career coach. Bring a paper copy to your appointment, not all locations have printers.

The Engineering Career Center does not offer walk-in appointments.

Write Your Cover Letter

Every customized résumé should have a customized cover letter, unless you are at a career fair. Cover Letter Example Evaluate your letter with the Cover Letter Rubric Cover Letter Samples from Job Choices Magazine The Art of Writing Job Letters Search through Decline

Request Letters of Recommendation

Be ready with references and letters of recommendations for jobs, graduate school, and scholarships. Letters of Recommendation request template and tips, including how to ask instructors to be your reference.

Connect back to ASU

ASU Alumni brings together and supports Sun Devils, fostering a deeper connection to the university. Whether you’re interested in upskilling in your career, continuing your learning or networking with fellow Sun Devils, ASU is here to support you.

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ASU Alumni aims to create and foster connections and lifelong learning through university programs, career services, mentorship and our alumni chapters across the globe. Our goal is to improve and reestablish the Sun Devil experience for our alumni. We strive to promote new ideas, affiliations and companionship, around the globe. We offer help and support for ASU alumni to pursue their interests and bring positive impact within the ASU community.

Our goal is for our alumni to build, engage and lead, to create a better world for all. At ASU, we care about our alumni and want to keep updated on happenings in your world, and most of all, keep you engaged with ASU for life.

ASU for you

Whether you want to earn a certificate, take a class or master a skill, ASU is here to fill the gaps and add value. We have assembled learning resources for all ages and locations, many at no cost, from K–12 to continuing education.

Alumni services

Alumni events

ASU offers alumni a variety of events throughout the year, ranging from virtual webinars, digital Career Fairs, theater, art and sporting events. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our latest events here!

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Alumni resources

Engagement opportunities.

Alumni chapters

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ASU license plates

Resources and programs

ASU travel and tours

Career services

Continuing professional education

ASU teacher packs

Refer a student

Alumni scholarships and funds

Thunderbird and Thunderbird’s Career Management Center (CMC) offers career events and workshops throughout the academic year to enhance your career development. We develop Thunderbirds for life-changing global careers. We partner with students, alumni, faculty, and staff to foster a career focused community. We provide guidance and resources to Thunderbirds for strategic career planning. We connect employers to global talent.

Each Master of Global Management (MGM) student is assigned a Career Coach. Coaching appointments are designed to support you throughout the development and implementation of your internship or job search strategy. Our Career Coaches offer two self-assessment tools for current students seeking to clarify and explore their career goals: Success Insights (TTI) and CareerLeader. After taking these online assessments, you may attend a workshop to learn about the results and then meet with a coach to discuss any impact the results may have on your professional development and career choices.

Thunderbird works with local and international organizations to recruit Thunderbird students, including: ExxonMobil, Honeywell, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, On Semiconductor, Hilti, Johnson & Johnson, U.S. Department of State and many others.

MGMs secured summer internships

Mgm employment 6 months post-graduation.

Past Career Events Include:

• Case Interview Boot Camp
• On-campus recruiting
• Industry panel discussions
• Employer Lunch & Learn
• Employer information sessions
• Networking events
• Alumni presentations
• Career fairs
• Behavioral Interviewing
• Salary Negotiation
• Networking Strategies for International Job Search
• Using LinkedIn as a Job Search Tool
• Basics of Case Interviewing
• Networking Strategies for International Job Searches
• US Federal Resume, 10 Steps to a Federal Job
• Job Search for International Students

Coaching Appointments

Coaching appointments are designed to support you throughout the development and implementation of your internship or job search strategy. Some of the common issues covered in these sessions include:

• Defining a professional development plan
• Self-Assessments
• Researching sectors, fields and employers
• Providing linkages to alumni and professionals in all fields and sectors
• Identifying and pursuing summer internships
• Conducting a mock-interview (practice interview questions followed by feedback on content and presentation style)

Self-assessment Reviews

Our career coaches offer two self-assessment tools for current students seeking to clarify and explore their career goals: Success Insights (TTI) and CareerLeader. After taking these online assessments, you may attend a workshop to learn about the results and then meet with a coach to discuss any impact the results may have on your professional development and career choices.

Career Tools & Resources

Our Career Management Center (CMC) offers various resources to help students identify and secure internships and post-graduation jobs, including:

Thunderbird and ASU's core career services platform that allows students to house resumes and cover letters, and to search and apply for jobs posted across ASU. Students can maintain a profile that is searchable by employers, RSVP for career fairs or info sessions, workshops and round tables and other special events. It can also be used to make an appointment with your career coach, and as the access point to other career resources.

Vault Career Inside

This platform provides access to:

• Industry career and employer guides
• Company profiles
• Industry, career message boards
• Internship database
• Company research
• Occupational profiles
• Career advice and resources

Careernomics

Careernomics is a highly global career site designed to help Masters level students identify opportunities, connect with companies, and apply for positions. Careernomics hosts a Masters employer directory, a leadership development program directory and employer events.

CareerShift

CareerShift allows you to create job search campaigns by accessing millions of jobs and contacts:

• My Jobs finds every job posted at every career site
• My Contacts provides contact information for millions of businesses/contacts, and cross-referenced job postings
• My Campaign distributes your resume through print or email

Beyond B School

Your Thunderbird-sponsored resource for additional, just-in-time career management strategies.

Angelique Smith

Debbie Spano

Connect with the cmc.

Our Career Management Team is here to assist you with reaching your career goals. Schedule a meeting with a member of our team using Handshake.

The College alumni resources

Find career support, ways to get involved and more.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences supports the largest alumni community at Arizona State University. Whether you are wanting to engage with fellow Sun Devil grads or you are looking for career support and continuing education, there are several resources available to help.

Your Sun Devil community.

Generations of Sun Devils have called The College home.

Keep in touch with your ASU colleagues — at the academic heart and beyond — and find new ways to serve your Sun Devil community.

The College LinkedIn

Build your network with The College grads like you.

Dean’s Council

Help shape the future of The College.

Emerging Leaders

Join a talented group of young professionals.

ASU alumni website

Get details on alumni chapters, your Golden Reunion and more.

Career support

As an ASU alum and a graduate in the liberal arts and sciences, you have access to several career support resources and services.

We're here to help you on your path to career success.

Learning From Experience podcast

Follow monthly career advice from young alums in your field.

ASU Career Services

Find resume and interview tips and get one-on-one career advising.

CareerCatalyst

Register for programs, courses and certificates designed to help you advance your career and hosted by The College faculty. 

Alumni pride

The College and ASU will always be a part of your story.

From signature lecture series to family friendly gatherings, there are several events that you can participate in to keep your Sun Devil spirit thriving.

Marshall Distinguished Lecture Series

Hear from nationally recognized humanities scholars.

A. Wade Smith and Elsie Moore Memorial Lecture on Race Relations

Meet renowned scholarly experts on race relations.

Participate in one of ASU's oldest and most treasured traditions.

Bring your family to this community event with countless interactive exhibits.

More ways to get involved

Your gift enables innovative new ways to strengthen the Sun Devil community and beyond.

Share your story

We'd love to hear about your student experience at ASU and your success as a graduate from The College.

Stay informed on the latest news, such as student stories and new programs in development at The College.

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• Ready for action, right here and now. W. P. Carey Career Services Center - Ready for action, right here and now.

Upcoming Events

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Labor Market Insights

Explore occupations by career categories and pathways by using real time labor market data to help inform your career decision making.

Get connected on Handshake, our recruiting platform that allows employers to post full-time degree-related career positions and professional internships, register for events, scheduled recruiting visits and more.

Students / Alumni

Your online hub to find internships and jobs, scheduled career coaching appointments, discover events, and more.

How to go from graduate to CEO: An Alumni’s guide to post-grad success

No adjustment is easy. Especially making the adjustment from a student to a full time member of the workforce. The responsibility and pressure can be very overwhelming and you may feel as though the expectations are near impossible to meet. However, that’s just not the case. Names such as Barrett and Fulton used to be written on attendance sheets, now they adorn ASU buildings. ASU alumni like Al Michaels and Kate Spade are now known nationwide. People like Pat Tillman and Anthony Robles are etched into our Hall of Fame.

If you asked these people whether they were nervous when they first graduated, or if they faced many difficult challenges when entering the workforce, the answer would undoubtedly be yes. Take it from a name that has proudly represented ASU’s culture of success since he graduated in 1996: Writer, Director, Producer and CEO, Nicholas Tana.

“I think like most graduates, there's a lot of fear going into the real world as you call it,” said Tana. “Even though I had an advantage in that I actually was a working student, which is an advantage and disadvantage because you're working, but at the same time, you're getting experience… I still struggled to get a job though.”

It was in 1992, that Nicholas first set foot on ASU's Tempe campus as a first-year student, uncertain of what the future held. By seizing the opportunities available, he cultivated his interests and gained valuable experience in his chosen field of study.

College is the perfect time to start gaining experience and knowledge about the fields and studies that interest you. It is a time of opportunity and development, and a place that isn’t going to be replicated out in the “real world.”

“Something about ASU that sticks with me is it was truly a university, not a college,” Tana explained. “And when I say that, I mean like there's a lot of colleges in one. It's almost like going to a metropolis city where you have little mini cities like Los Angeles in one. San Diego is different from downtown LA, different from Koreatown.”

“I think that nexus of access that a university like ASU provides is great,” Tana went on to elaborate. “Especially when you're not necessarily sure what you want to do and you want to feel your way through and experience more sentiently. And so, I think that is one of the advantages of ASU. It has a lot to offer. And for people that are very self-seeking and self-motivating, that could be an amazing thing. For people that don't have a lot of direction, it might be overwhelming. So I think it really depends on the individual, but it definitely has a lot to offer.”

Motivated by the possibilities in front of him, Nicholas found direction by diving head first into the array of opportunities ASU provides. By allowing opportunities to happen, not being afraid of failure or rejection and providing a path of direction through consistent engagement, Nicholas learned what worked for him. 

ASU truly is a metropolis of opportunity. It is one of the few places in which you will be actively rewarded for taking risks and trying new things. It is a place where experimentation is valued and a place where inclusivity is revered. As school ends and careers begin, these values narrow, and focuses change. 

“I remember trying to get in with the Village Voice through a connection,” Tana described. “He says, ‘You have an amazing resume and you have all this experience and it's awesome -but I can't hire you unless you want to work for free.’ 

“I go, ‘What do you mean? Why can't you hire me? You pay people, right?’ He's like, ‘Yeah, but a lot of people want to work for free for us. And so I can't justify paying you when I have people with more experience than you willing to work for free. Unfortunately, all the really cool jobs, there's a lot of people that want to do it. You tend to have to do it for free for a while until you get yourself in the door.’”

“And so, that opened my eyes to what I had to do… I started doing free samples and writing and things to get some experience here and there…. One thing led to another where I eventually took a job stuffing envelopes in ESPN's HR department. And I gave them the spiel,” Tana explained. “I said, ‘You know, I've got experience. I'm an honors graduate. I speak several languages. I got real TV experience, but I can't get a job here. How do you get in?’ And she said, ‘You didn't hear this from me, but you gotta know somebody.’ And so I said, ‘Well, I know you.’ So she says, ‘Do you have a resume?’ I showed it to her and then I wound up getting a call the next day and I got offered a job as a production assistant. “

“And it was about $7,000 less than the average friend of mine was making with their starting jobs. But I took it because it was a leg in. Within a year, I was directing for them, associate director. It took getting in and then proving my worth and moving up the ranks.” 

Opportunity is provided at ASU, in the “real world”, it is laboriously earned. Now more than ever is the time to take advantage of this. Prepare yourself by jumping into new opportunities and moving past the fears and reservations that might prevent you from doing so. It was a push, an unasked-for proposition in a moment of confidence, in which Nicholas secured more stable employment for himself. 

For the student who gets anxious asking for homework extensions, be confident and advocate for yourself. Now is the time to develop these skills so that you don’t let your future opportunities pass you by. 

“University is a place, the one time in your life, where you can learn who you are and what you like,” Tana said. “You have access to do that soul searching to incubate, to become the individual you're going to be, to go into a working world and bring that with you. Definitely get those experiences while you're on campus, while you have those connections where they can help land you into companies. Do it while you're in school.” 

Sometimes, we expect university to be the end-all-be-all preparation for the workforce. While it provides a great foundation for skills and concepts we will be carrying into our respective fields, it cannot provide you with everything. 

What it can provide you is an environment of freedom and accessibility that allows you to develop the skills it can’t directly teach you. Whether it be working part-time, taking internships, double majoring, or just the initiative to apply for said things, it is the time to start taking active steps outside what is “required” so that you can best prepare yourself.

“I wanted to be creative!” exclaimed Tana. “That's what I wanted to do. So, I was getting experience, hoping I can impress them and get a job. And most of them didn't work out. They just weren't going to hire me no matter what… until I got that ESPN job. But I also recognized that a lot of people were in my boat and this is very normal par for the course.

“I had heard stories about it. This is just the way it goes. And so that kept me encouraged. It wasn't like I was doing worse than anyone else per se. Everyone was struggling. I was like, ‘This is just the way it is.’ Eventually something will click. And I had faith in that and stuck with it, and eventually it did.”

Not everything will work out. Not every job will feel fulfilling, nor will they necessarily provide you a path forward unless you carve it yourself. It is undoubtedly daunting to embrace the ideas that everyone is struggling, that the market is difficult and that no matter how prepared you are there will always be challenges regarding employment.

But when you reflect, how many of those things can be applied to school? To life? To anything that requires effort? Difficult things are everywhere, many of them behind you, and they don’t change, they stay difficult. You change. You can become someone who embraces difficult things, a go-getter, and find yourself challenging the world, not vice versa. Whether you want to see change in your life, or in the world, it starts with accepting the difficult things are inevitable, but conceding to them is not. 

“I was really struggling with the sheer amount of time that you had to be on-site in a job,” Tana explained. “Whereas at ASU, you'd go to a class, you'd walk and you'd go to another class, even though you were there all day and maybe into the night, it didn't feel like you were at a job all day. You were able to break it up. Having to do that was a challenge at first. It felt like you had to build that muscle.” 

“I wasn't as inclined to be able to have to stay on one thing. And especially the more entry-level jobs, they don't trust you with a lot of things…. When you're starting in an internal or you're starting as a low entry-level paid position, you tend to be given one or two, maybe three things, tops that you're doing. And so it can feel redundant. And so I think it's really just, how do you still keep inspiration?”

“It's like we're all ADHD with the amount of things that we're bombarded with in terms of choices and options,” Tana continued. “It makes our staying power diminish, our ability to sit and stay with one thing for very long and focus.That was the one thing that I had to develop.” 

Development is the enemy of failure. Especially when you measure success by improvement. There will be things you are not prepared for and it will force you to make adjustments. Things no matter how much you study your books or build your work ethic, will be new and different challenges to anything you have endured. They may have a similar level of difficulty, they may even have a similar structure, but it will be new. 

However, understand that new challenges don’t necessarily require completely new solutions. Sitting down in an office space for an eight hour shift might be a new challenge, but focusing, especially for a student, isn’t new. How have you studied for tests? How did you manage to cram that essay a day before it was due? How many notebooks have you filled back to front through multiple hour long lectures? Challenges might be new, but solutions can be tried and tested. Continue to develop the skills you have been working on, and don’t be afraid to apply them differently. Confidence is key.

“I don't necessarily think pressure is a bad thing,” said Tana. “Like pressure is a bad thing if you let it get to you. But pressure can also inspire you. It can focus you, you know? I mean, there's not an exam you'll take that you won't have pressure, right? That's what you're learning. Do you fold under that pressure or do you learn to flourish under that pressure?”

“Pressure can make diamonds out of coal,” Tana elaborated. “So it's really just learning that everyone makes mistakes, being forgiving of yourself, but also allowing yourself to be under pressure, to try hard, to be motivated, to succeed and to take the time and initiative to grow and learn as quickly as you can, as you're capable of.” 

Pressure is a tool not an obstacle. Like any tool, it can be used to improve, or as a blunt weapon to destroy. If there was no pressure in the atmosphere we’d all, hypothetically, become filled with bubbles that block our blood flow. Our body wouldn’t get the oxygen or nutrients it needs to thrive. Having no pressure in your life is not too different. You can become overly lax, filled with nothing but empty air, and you lose the essential fuel that drives you forward. 

Allow pressure into your life, allow challenges to come your way and take on difficult tasks. Failure might be inevitable but so is growth. The coolest jobs, the best opportunities and the most rewarding work will have a lot of pressure associated with it. 

While there might be a lot of challenges to face, what you will soon come to find is that the reward and fulfillment gained from the successful development of one’s skills far exceeds any A+ or passed class. 

“I am proud of both of the movies I've made,” Tana said. “ Sticky: A (Self) Love Story , I found out from a friend, was number six on Amazon as of last October. That's a 2016 movie. I just can't believe that that's still trending. It's very unique if you've seen it. It's all about ending shame and things like that, too, which is very relevant in our society.”

“I think Hell's Kitty . I mean, I did that on a super, super micro budget in one apartment. Pretty much 80 percent was shot in a two bedroom apartment. And I managed to get so much high level talent in this one thing with my cat. And given all the parameters of working with a cat and working with no money and a limited location, what we were able to pull off with that, I'm very proud of it. And I think it still has its own cult following, which is great.”

“So I'm very proud of both of those accomplishments and creatively what they did and how they helped to kind of push my career out,” Tana continued. “And of course, I'm proud of the work I'm doing now. eJUNKY , the graphic novel I just released, I'm very proud of that book and how it came out and where it's still going... I'm always in love with what I'm doing at the moment, you know, most, I'd say. And I think I've got some of my best work ahead of me, I hope.” 

Ultimate success comes in incremental improvements. There will be no job that, upon being hired, you are completely fulfilled. There will be no singular project that, once completed, cements you or your legacy in history. There is no paycheck that will immediately validate your hard work. All that stuff helps, surely, but the real reward will always come in tackling challenges, trying your best and always committing to taking the next steps forward, no matter how big that step may be. Keep taking steps forward, and one day you’ll find yourself far ahead of where you used to be. 

If you would like to check out the work mentioned, or follow the inspiring story of this ASU alum, be sure to check out Nicholas Tana’s work on Instagram @nicholastana or on his website or on the Smart Media LLC website !

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Internship Resources

These guides are designed to assist in the process of developing a robust internship program at your organization and seek to answer frequently asked questions regarding internships for ASU students. In an effort to provide the best opportunities to ASU students and alumni, Career Services works with employers to create and maintain quality internship programs that meet the general internship qualifications at Arizona State University. Together, it is our goal that all internships provide a mutually beneficial experience to students and alumni as well as our employer partners.

Employer Guide: Developing a Quality Internship Program

The ASU Career Services Employer Guide outlines university-specific internship policies, as well as frequently asked questions employers have about the internship process.

Internship program requirements can vary depending on the student’s area of study or major. We strongly recommend working with the student and their academic advisor or professor to ensure the program meets the needed requirements.

Access the ASU Career Services Employer Guide: Developing a Quality Internship Program

NACE: Building a Premier Internship Program

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) offers a comprehensive guide to assist employers in the process of building a premier internship program. This practical guide outlines the business case for internships, goals and characteristics for success, program design, legal considerations, and much more.

Access NACE’s Building a Premier Internship Program

NACE: The New Unpaid Intern Test

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) New Guidelines for Internships: The New Unpaid Intern Test contains a non-exhaustive list of factors utilized to determine who is the primary beneficiary of an unpaid internship. ASU Career Services reserves the right to decline internship postings to the career management system (Handshake) if they do not meet the guidelines outlined.

Access NACE’s New Unpaid Intern Test

NACE: Guide to Compensation for Interns & Co-Ops

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2021 Guide to Compensation for Interns & Co-ops is a comprehensive resource that provides information on wage and benefits paid to interns and co-op participants. Wage and benefits information is based on data provided by the employers that responded to NACE’s 2021 Internship & Co-op Survey.

Access NACE’s 2021 Guide to Compensation for Interns & Co-Ops

Employer Resource: Internship Offer Letter Template

Our Internship Offer Letter Template is a helpful resource for employers looking to streamline the internship hiring process. This professionally designed template is tailored to meet the specific needs of organizations offering internships to students and recent graduates. With clear and concise language, it ensures that all essential details are included in the offer letter, such as start dates, compensation, responsibilities, and other pertinent information.

Access the ASU Career Services Internship Offer Letter Template

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Hundreds of new Watts College alums celebrate during spring ceremony at arena

916 graduates honored, including 310 online.

Two graduates share a hearty laugh after receiving congratulations at the spring 2024 convocation of Arizona State University's Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Photo by Sarah Brown/ASU

Nearly 1,000 new graduates celebrated their first full day as Arizona State University alumni as the  Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions  honored them at its spring 2024 convocation.

Representatives of the Watts College leadership, faculty and staff, along with families and friends, gathered May 7 at an afternoon ceremony at ASU’s Desert Financial Arena in Tempe to celebrate the hard work of 916 graduates from the college’s four schools.

An estimated 700 graduates participated in the ceremony.

According to university figures, the  School of Criminology and Criminal Justice  (SCCJ) presented the most spring 2024 graduates, 340, followed by the  School of Social Work (SSW) with 328, the  School of Public Affairs  (SPA) with 154 and the  School of Community Resources and Development  (SCRD) with 92.

The college’s graduates who studied fully online totaled 310 during the spring, while 606 graduates earned their diplomas by studying through campus immersion, or in-person programs.

ASU officially conferred 11 doctoral degrees to Watts College graduates this week, four each from SCRD and SCCJ, two from SSW and one from SPA, according to university figures. ASU conferred 366 master’s degrees and 539 bachelor’s degrees upon Watts College graduates, who, like the new PhDs, formally received their degrees at university commencement ceremonies held a day prior in Tempe.

The Watts College’s international collaboration with the Ministry of Education in China, the Hainan University-Arizona State University International Tourism College (HAITC) at Hainan University in southern China, will have 264 graduates earning bachelor’s degrees. Watts College Dean and President’s Professor  Cynthia Lietz and HAITC Director Kelly Bricker will travel to Hainan, China, to participate in the May 24 HAITC ceremony that will honor 196 graduates from the School of Community Resources and Development and 68 from the School of Public Affairs.

Charter Professor, outstanding graduates lead procession

Tuesday’s convocation began with a procession of Watts College faculty, led by college marshal  Stacey Gandy , a social work clinical assistant professor. Gandy was chosen for the role in recognition of her 2023 appointment as the college’s inaugural ASU Charter Professor .

The college’s four spring outstanding graduates also entered at the head of the procession as student marshals. By carrying a colorful gonfalon behind Gandy, each represented their schools: Rory Wilson for the School of Public Affairs, Yoselin Flor-Aguilar for the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Meranden Numkena for the School of Community Resources and Development, and Barnard “Bennie” Mthembu for the School of Social Work.

Associate Dean  Chandra Crudup  later introduced the outstanding graduates with individual accounts of their academic journeys.

In addition to Crudup, other members of the college’s executive leadership team formed the core of the platform party: Lietz, Senior Associate Dean  Joanna Lucio , associate deans Megha Budruk and William Terrill and Watts College Chief Operating Officer Janet Mullen .

Joining the deans were the directors of the Watts College’s four schools: the School of Community Resources and Development's  Christine Buzinde , the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice's  Beth Huebner , the School of Social Work's  Elizabeth Lightfoot  and the School of Public Affairs'  Shannon Portillo .

Lietz said that rather than being discouraged by the many challenges facing a complex world, the Watts College graduates are stepping forward to address issues with solutions.

‘Your success matters to us’

“Whether you aspire to elected office, work in local government or will serve as a first responder during natural disasters; whether you will keep our neighborhoods safe, preserve our parks, advocate for social justice or meet the needs of vulnerable populations; your mission is complex, important and impactful,” Lietz said. “Your success matters to us, because the ability to build more vibrant, healthy, equitable and sustainable communities is now in your hands.”

Lietz complimented the graduates’ guests, family and friends for their important roles in each student’s achievements, pointing out that no degree is realized only through the efforts of the student alone. She also acknowledged the representatives of the college’s faculty, who “share your commitment to positively impact our local and global communities. They, along with our talented staff, worked tirelessly to prepare you for this moment.”

Graduates acknowledged the dean’s invitation to recognize the contributions from families, friends, faculty and staff with enthusiastic applause and cheers. Lietz also asked the crowd to acknowledge support from college benefactors Mike and Cindy Watts with more applause and acclamation.

As the event drew to a close, Lietz spoke about what motivates people in public service.

“These graduates remind us that what drives our passion for public service is deeply personal,” the dean said. “Their stories also affirm our belief that hands-on, service learning is an essential part of preparing the next generation of public servants. And they have shown us that excellence, diligence, collaboration and courage are essential ingredients to our ability to improve the well-being of people living in our local communities.”

Graduates express excitement, relief

Graduate Kendall Robbins had only one word to describe what she was feeling just before the ceremony began: “Fantastic!”

Robbins, a Mesa police officer who studied online to earn a Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, said she will treasure memories of learning with classmates what she was passionate about in her career and “professors who helped me see my dream become reality.”

Alex Berumen of Avondale, Arizona, is the first in his family to graduate from ASU, earning a Bachelor of Science in public service and public policy online from the School of Public Affairs. He said he was a Sun Devil fan long before enrolling at ASU and moving to Tempe.

“I’m remembering growing up a Sun Devil, and now I’m actually an alum,” Berumen said.

Alyssa Sanchez of Phoenix, who landed a job as a human resources supervisor at a Scottsdale hotel, said she was grateful to finally be done with requirements for her Bachelor of Science degree in tourism development and management.

“It’s been a long road,” but a favorite professor, Assistant Professor Nicholas Wise of the School of Community Resources and Development, helped ease her way.

“He didn’t always follow the PowerPoint,” she said. “He’d give his own experiences.”

Tony Ashworth of Tennessee plans to remain in Tempe to pursue a Master of Social Work at ASU, with hopes to work with troubled teens.

The road to his Bachelor of Social Work from the School of Social Work involved getting to know other students well in working in areas such as interviewing. “Our class really came together,” he said.

Michelle Irwin’s grandmother wasn’t at the convocation, having passed away recently. But pictures of her, along with the phrase, “This One’s for You,” adorned Irwin’s mortarboard.

Irwin, of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, earned a Bachelor of Arts in community advocacy and social policy from the School of Social Work.

“Any time I needed a bit of advice, she had the wisdom to help me get through,” said Irwin, who will remain at ASU to pursue a Master of Legal Studies at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law .

Hundreds of maroon and gold balloons fell from the rafters at the end of the roughly two-hour ceremony, a convocation tradition. A band played ASU’s fight song, “Maroon and Gold,” as the balloons floated into the outstretched hands of jubilant graduates and their friends and families, who tossed them about as they departed the arena.

View the spring 2024 Watts College convocation in its entirety on ASU Live .

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