Margaret Oaikena (she/her/hers): Freshman Career Coach | Manage Career Ambassadors | Oversee Black and Latinx Outreach Group
Who We Are – Get to Know the Career Center
Get to know the UNT’s Career Center’s staff, graduate assistants, and student assistants throughout the semester. Each team member will showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusive practices for our students, alumni, and employers. Who are we, and how do we work to make sure our office is a welcoming space.
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Margaret Oaikena (she, her, hers) – Freshman Career Coach | Manage Career Ambassador program | Oversee Black and Latinx Outreach Group
I attended TCU and earned a BS in Psychology and MEd in Counseling; I am the Freshman Career Coach. Fun fact – I’ve ridden on a camel twice.
Describe a typical workday, tasks, and what you enjoy most about your job?
There’s not really a typical workday! I meet with freshman (and journalism) students in appointments, oversee our Career Ambassador team, and lead our Black & Latinx Career Center outreach group. I spent time in student appointments, meet with our Career Ambassador team, working on events or projects, and collaborate with CC staff and staff from other departments. I enjoy the versatility of my role. I get to come up with ideas and work with my team to execute them. I also really enjoyed seeing the growth of the Career Ambassador program over the past couple of years. I have loved working on diversity and inclusion initiatives within the Career Center. I think we have a great team at the Career Center, and I enjoy working with them!
Describe the services you provide for UNT students.
I provide the following services: one-on-one appointments, first-year student orientation, welcome week programs, workshops, Quick Chats (Career Ambassadors), student organizations/classroom presentations, and career advising/other resources for first-generation students.
Why do you believe students utilize the career center? What are the benefits?
I think, primarily, because they want a job. However, the Career Center does so much more! We offer so many services that guide students through the entire career development process. Students, who utilize the Career Center, gain skills that enhance their professional career, academic, and personal lives.
If you are interested in scheduling a meeting with Margaret, connect with Margaret via Connect with the Career Center – Career Center | University of North Texas (unt.edu)
