New Job! State of Utah Division of Technology Services

While my journey is still unfolding, it’s already been quite an adventure — one that began years ago while I was working at the University of Utah’s College of Engineering.

I’ve always been a believer in finishing what I start. (Agile methodology has softened that stance a bit, but back in 2005, I was all in.)

I’ve always been a believer in finishing what I start. (Agile methodology has softened that stance a bit, but back in 2005, I was all in.) I had begun a bachelor’s of music degree in the 1990s at Brigham Young University, and I was determined to finish it. So, I applied to the University of Utah, survived a nerve-wracking piano audition, and was accepted.

At first, I left my full-time retail management job to work as a server and bartender, but that wasn’t sustainable — I needed a job with better pay and benefits. That led me to apply for a full-time project coordinator position at the University’s College of Engineering.

I began customizing content management systems (like WordPress and Joomla) and immediately discovered a passion for web development.

I was hired to work at the Center for Nanomedicine within the Nanotechnology Institute of Utah, and later at the Center for Engineering Innovation. Among my many responsibilities was designing and developing websites for the research centers and parent institute. I began customizing content management systems (like WordPress and Joomla) and immediately discovered a passion for web development.

After earning my bachelor’s degree, funding for my role ended. I moved to Denver, CO, hoping for a new adventure, but struggled to find work like my University position. Eventually, I discovered Galvanize — a full-time, full-stack web and software development immersive program in a collaborative coworking environment.

While the program was an incredible experience, I didn’t land a job immediately after graduation. With my lease ending and funds running out, I returned to Utah.

A few months later, I secured an internship at a local “mom-and-pop” agency building custom software for small businesses. It was a crash course in multiple tech stacks and languages — challenging but invaluable. Unfortunately, after a year, the company downsized, and my role was cut. Soon after, COVID-19 hit. My part-time retail job quickly became full-time, and I served as a front-line worker for the next two years.

Finally, I decided to leverage my previous state and administrative experience to apply for an administrative position with the State of Utah’s Division of Technology Services. This time, it worked.

When the pandemic began to ease, I resumed my search for web development work — a process that stretched on for two-plus years. I came close many times, but no offers. Finally, I decided to leverage my previous state and administrative experience to apply for an administrative position with the State of Utah’s Division of Technology Services. This time, it worked.

For the past year, I’ve thrived in this role. The daily exposure to technology has reignited my passion for the field, and I’m taking full advantage of every training and learning opportunity. Now, I’m charting a path toward both development/analytics and project management roles.

The journey has had plenty of twists and turns — but each step has brought me closer to the work I love. And I’m excited to see where the next chapter leads.