UVU really changed my life, giving me many opportunities.

Kimberlee Carlile considers herself a proud Wolverine even now, more than six years after graduating from Utah Valley University.

 

She serves as the director of Talent Ready Utah in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). Its purpose is to prepare Utah students to step into their first jobs.

 

“It is a statewide initiative to increase industry and educational partnerships,” she said. “When industry gets involved with education we are better able to prepare our students for the workforce. We work together to better fill our talent needs in the state.”

 

A former presidential intern, Kimberlee worked in the UVU Prospective Student Services Department for a year after graduation. Next, she accepted an entry-level position at Talent Ready Utah, where she worked her way up to be the director of the program. One example of Talent Ready’s work is the pathway program, where high school students interact with businesses leaders.

 

“We help to provide funding, resources, and opportunities for communities all across the state to better strengthen those partnerships,” she said.

 

“At UVU I had a lot of phenomenal opportunities that helped me in my career,” she said. “UVU really changed my life, giving me many opportunities. I got involved and had good relationships with professors and leaders on campus. It had a tremendous impact on my life. UVU is an incredible institution. I would encourage students to get involved and make the most of their educational opportunities.”