Meet Darren Kaltved, SPH Career Counselor

Our School recently hired Darren Kaltved to provide resources to students seeking to develop the skills and tools necessary to apply for and secure positions. His office is located in room D-384 Mayo Building.

What types of career services do you provide to SPH students?

I provide services that support the development of job search and career management skills of SPH students by offering tools that allow each student to assess skills and interests and assume responsibility for career goals. In addition, I will work with each student on enhancing their marketability and developing a competitive edge in today’s job market.

Services I offer include: self-assessments (interests, values, personality, strengths); career exploration; resume, curriculum vitae, and cover letter reviews; personal statement reviews; networking strategies; informational interviewing; researching employers; securing field experiences; fellowships, residencies, and other experiential education opportunities; job searching; interview preparation (including mock interviews), and salary negotiation.

What’s your educational background and why did you choose this career?

I obtained a bachelor of applied science in psychology (with a minor in athletic coaching) from the University of Minnesota, Duluth (1999). After completing my undergraduate degree I moved to Springfield, Mass. where I obtained a master of education in student personnel administration in higher education (emphasis: counseling and student development) from Springfield College (2002). Starting in spring 2012, I will be working part-time toward my Ed.D. in educational leadership at the University of St. Mary’s.

While there are many reasons why I choose this type of career, the main reason for my decision was a result of my passion in wanting to play a vital role in assisting students in making their dreams become a reality. Not knowing what is coming through my door — each and every student brings a unique background and story to share — I love the opportunity to be challenged in doing everything I can to meet their needs and help them achieve their aspirations.

Tell us about jobs you held before this position.

From 2002-2005, I served as the assistant director of career services for St. Mary’s College of Maryland (a public honors liberal arts college in southern Maryland). As part of this role I also served as the advisor for all pre-health and pre-law students. Outside of career services, I served as an academic advisor, club wrestling coach, and staff advisor for five student organizations. (Note: Because the school was located on the Chesapeake Bay, I would occasionally kayak to work!)

From 2005-2011, I served as the associate director of the Career Center for Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota. I provided comprehensive career services to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in the College of Science and Engineering (formerly the Institute of Technology) and the College of Biological Sciences. As part of my role, I also taught our Career Exploration course, supervised our graduate assistants and practicum students, and developed a peer counseling program. In addition, I was responsible for maintaining and enhancing all technologies with the office — including website maintenance and development, and social media. From 2008-2010, I oversaw all employer relations for the office — helping better connect students with employers and helping build strong partnerships with the office and the two colleges we represented.

What is the greatest challenge you face in your current role?

One of the greatest challenges we face in our role as career counselors is establishing a sense of understanding and appreciation for the value that career services can have on SPH students. The key for any SPH student is to understand the importance of starting their career preparation early and to develop a career action plan that allows them to achieve their career development goals; our job is to play a part in this process and we are here to make their career aspirations become reality.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

My wife Andrea and I manage a blog on the topic of “mystery dating“. Each month, we both plan mystery dates for one another that can include the simplest outing to the most extravagant adventure. Moreover, I am a sports, outdoor recreation, and wine enthusiast who enjoys golf; softball/baseball; camping, hiking, and kayaking; and participating in wine clubs. If not on the golf course or wandering the wilderness, I can be found spending quality time with my “best friend” — our 9 year-old female German Shepherd named Trixie.

How can students access your services?

I can be reached by phone at 612-626-4448 or by email at dkaltved@umn.edu. For more information about our services and resources, students can visit our website.

For more information about me, please visit my website. I am also available on LinkedIn.