On September 9th, 2022, Mr. Joseph Giacalone spoke at Utah Valley University (UVU) about his experiences working in the Utah Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget. He looks at what Utah needs from a budget stance. His journey started at UVU and from his two internships, he was able to propel himself to a very rewarding career. He interned in Washington, DC and at Congressman John Curtis' office. It got my interest in wanting to do an internship with United States Senator Barasso from WY. Internships will help with my passion for women's rights and sovereign oil prosperity. According to Mr. Giacalone, not a lot of people are using the DC internship opportunity which surprised me and made me wonder why.
Joe Giacalone speaks before students and faculty at UVU
The entire time Mr. Joseph Giacalone was constantly praising UVU. I can, with a certainty, say that UVU is loved by the government of Utah and it showed in Mr. Giacalone eyes and how proud of a Wolverine he is.
He had no experience with handling money except from working in the budget office, but he took his experiences gained at UVU and used the skill learned to transfer into politics.
Something else that he said really stuck with me - keep in touch with your classmates! How true is this and I have made so many connections at UVU that it's hard to imagine a world where they are not a part of my communications network and how blessed are we in today's world that we can now simply type a quick message and send it to someone on the other side of the world. Mr. Joseph Giacalone could trace his connection trail starting at UVU.
Joe Giacalone during presentation
After his presentation, the floor was open to questions. I asked “Thank you Mr. Joseph Giacalone for your presentation before us and sharing your great experiences about professional advancement and joining the team of Governor Cox. My name is Stephan M. Atkinson, President of the Foreign Affairs club at Utah Valley University and I would like to ask your help with my task to co-host, in October, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic in the State of Utah. Our guest from the Kyrgyz Republic, is interested in developing partnership with IT companies in the State of Utah. Would you please help us to get connected in the Governor's office with people who are doing that.”
Mr. Joseph Giacalone responded by saying that off the top of his head he did not know anyone , but he gave me his contact information and the opportunity to start a conversation with someone from another office in the Utah government. I am very ecstatic that I was able to attend Mr. Giacalone’s talk and gain that connection in the Utah government. I have begun that trail of connections right now meeting so many amazing people and I hope that Mr. Joseph Giacalone is a start to one of my connection trails.
(L to R): Dallas Karren, Outgoing President of the UIMF, Stephan Atkinson, Tristin
Smith, President, UVU Rotaract, Joe Giacalone and Dr. Jay DeSart, Chair of the UVU
History and Political Science Department after the event
I have to express my appreciation to Dr. Jay DeSart, Chair of the History and Political Science (HPOLS) Department at UVU and Dr. Steven Sylvester, Associate Professor at the same Department for organizing these series “Careers in Political Science” to help current UVU students to learn from former political science graduates how to be successful with professional development.
Stephan Atkinson (Child), President of Utah Valley University Foreign Affairs Club
STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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22-09-17-Jokudu Jada (Winnie)-Careers in Political Science Seminar at Utah Valley University
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22-09-09-Jackson Griesemer My Participation at Seminar about Careers in Political Science
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