By CAMERON KLITZ
J Alumni News staff
Mijoe Sahiouni
Discovering what one wants to do after college graduation can be tough. As a double major in journalism and theater, Mai Mijoe Sahiouni wasn’t sure about her career goals — until she participated in UNL’s UCARE project. Now she has a clear goal in mind that allows her to pursue both her passions.
UCARE — the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences program — supports undergraduates who work with faculty on such activities. Funded by the Pepsi Endowment and Program of Excellence, UCARE grants support most students for two years.
The first year focuses on learning by doing; the student assists the faculty member in his or her current research or creative activity project. In the second year, the student works independently on a project with the faculty member serving as a mentor.
UCARE project combines theater and advertising skills
Sahiouni, a senior at UNL, is one of many undergraduates who have participated in the program. Sponsored by faculty member Juliana Hagemeier, Sahiouni spent her first year in the UCARE program as assistant to the general manager of the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. During this time, Sahiouni used many of the advertising and journalism skills she had learned in the classroom.
“Basically, I did everything. I wrote press releases, created a marketing plan for a fundraising gala and arranged housing for guest audiences,” she said.
Mijoe Sahiouni met Dick Cavett during her UCARE internship
In her second year, Sahiouni conducted research on audience development for the Nebraska Repertory Theatre while she worked as the marketing associate for the theater.
Hagemeier described Sahiouni’s work as exceptional.
“She excels in each of these qualities — diligence, organization, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to multitask.”
But Sahiouni also has other admirable attributes, Hagemeier said.
“She has a personable manner, a sparkling personality that charms youth and adults alike, is particular in her artistic choices and has boundless energy.
Academic and career goals come together
One of UCARE’s goals for undergraduates is that they identify academic and career interests, and that’s exactly what Sahiouni has done. The UCARE program gave her the opportunity to explore both of her majors, theater and advertising, and allow them to interact with one another.
Academically she found a way to build off each major, using what she learned in one to help her with the other. UCARE also helped her experience theater and advertising in a professional manner.
Hoping to graduate August 2010, Sahiouni plans to use her public relations skills in the entertainment industry.
During its 10 years, the UCARE program has helped thousands, said Troy Fedderson of University Communications.
“Since the start of the program in 2000, more than 2,500 undergraduates and 800 faculty members have participated in the program,” he said.
For Sahiouni, it’s provided not only an added advantage to her undergraduate education but also a way to figure out what she wants to do after she graduates.
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