Alumni Spotlight: Tien Dang

Photo Credit: Alumni Spotlight: Tien Dang
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 14:15

Major: Psychology ('23)
Minor: Child, Youth, and Family Studies

Who is your employer, and where are they located?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Office of Admissions, 1410 Q St Lincoln, NE, 68588.

What is your job title and what kind of work does it involve?
As a Recruitment Specialist, my focus is on students in Omaha, NE in the Omaha Public Schools District and helping students, families, and supporters navigate the path to college. Some of the work that I do involves representing UNL at high school visits, college fairs, and community engagement activities in the Omaha Public Schools District. I also interact with students and families in person at on-campus events hosted by the Office of Admissions, as well as over the phone and emails. Overall, my work involves advising prospective students through UNL's admissions process and supporting students and ensuring they get the necessary resources to succeed academically, socially, and personally here at UNL.

What sparked your interest in your major?
My interest sparked in studying psychology when I became involved here on campus during my undergraduate years. Through my work experiences and involvement, I am happiest and perform at my best when I get to build relationships which leads to my interest in student engagement and success.

What do you see as the value of your major or CAS degree?
What I see as the value of my major is being able to understand and connect with people. Seeing them for who they are and seeing their unique differences. There is a lot of theory which is the foundation to practice and understanding the "why" behind how things work. Being a psychology major helps me understand the nuances of students, their identities, and how every situation is different.

Were there any other people, activities, or events from your time at UNL that helped you get to where you are now?
During my time as an undergraduate, I heavily became involved in Greek Life. I am a part of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, which is a part of the Multicultural Greek Council. The sorority not only helped me academically but shaped me into the leader that I am now. My leadership roles in my sorority allowed me to hone my professional skillsets. Another experience of mine that helped me get to where I am right now was getting connected to a career coach. My career coach, Sai Sato Mumm, was one of the first people on campus who made me feel at home. She not only inspired me to become a higher education professional but supported me during the challenging college life.

What are your future professional goals?
My future professional goals are to serve as a role model and mentor for future students in the world of Higher Education Student Affairs professional staff by making a positive impact on the lives of students. What excites me is the opportunity to contribute to navigating students to and through college and relationship building in the field of student affairs and to help shape the future of higher education.