Gain industry insight and learn how to “Recognize the Good” with a professional mentorship

Awardco is a platform that simplifies employee recognition, fostering a positive work culture by "recognizing the good" through awards, gifts and incentives.

Awardco and UVU have partnered on a mentorship program that provides UVU students with an industry insight and career advice from local industry professionals with the goal of empowering students to guide the discussion around their career goals and aspirations.

Application closes Tuesday, February 6th 2024

  • One one-hour meeting per month with your mentor
  • You work with your mentor to set up the time and location of the meetings. Some meeting might be located in Lehi

Meet the Mentors

Click on each card to learn more about mentors roles at Awardco. You will be expected to choose the top two mentors you are interested in meeting with on the application.

Mentors Available 2024

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Michael Thurmand

Product Manager

Mentor Name: Michael Thurmand

I am the Product Manager over the Insights team, which oversees the development of all reporting, dashboard, and analytics tools for Awardco clients. I am passionate about working in-between the business and technology sides of business as well as helping others to learn and grow in their roles.

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Krista Hess

Operations Manager

Mentor Name: Krista Hess

I am the Operations Manager for Corporate Gifting. I manage our production schedule, liaison with our 3PL, purchase product, develop team members, create processes, etc. My role requires a lot of execution, communication, and problem-solving skills. I love what I do and the structure around it!

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Taylor Samuelian

People Operations Partner

Mentor Name: Taylor Samuelian

I am the Sr. People Operations Partner at Awardco. I am responsible for compensation and equity design and various other HR functions.

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Trace Hale

Backend Software Manager

Mentor Name: Trace Hale

I work as a backend software engineer writing and reviewing code. However, I also work as a manager over 7 other engineers helping them progress their career by setting goals and removing any blockers in their way.

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Joshua Dargan

Software Engineering Technical Leader & Manager

Mentor Name: Joshua Dargan

I started out as a backend software engineer and I am now a Software Engineering Technical Leader & Manager. As a Software Engineering Technical Leader, I lead the product team's technical discovery and architecture of projects. I also mentor and manage the people on my team and facilitate the product discovery and development efforts.