Whitney McClain

Whitney assists students when making appointments with career coaches, oversees employer approvals and job postings on Handshake, and helps facilitate communication between students and staff. She likes the interactions and discussions she gets to have with students when they come up to the Career Center. "It's always enjoyable to learn about students as they are trying to navigate to their own particular career path," she says.

 

Whitney attended Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre. When starting her first year, Whitney wasn't quite sure which path to take. She started out as a double major in animation/graphic design and instrumental education but, after viewing one of the university's many musicals, realized her true passions lied with theatre and promptly made the switch.

 

Whitney's first job in her career field was with the Straw Hat Players through MSUM. She took part in four separate musicals over the span of six weeks. Whitney has worked as a physical therapy admin at Total Balance Fitness and as a clerical assistant at the School of Visual Arts at MSUM. She is also a registered/certified personal care attendant through Accra-Care and currently works with a client whenever she has a free evening or weekend.

 

Whitney is happy to be part of something that directly changes the lives of students in a positive and meaningful way. "I am a fairly recent graduate myself, so I still have a good grasp on how nerve-wracking it can be to prepare a resume and apply for jobs, and everything else that comes with it, so I can empathize with any reservations students might have," she says. 

 

In addition to working with students, Whitney participates in pageants through the Miss America Organization and is going back to the Miss Minnesota stage again this year.