June 2004 -

Tapping the Power of the Matrix: Career Connections Aids Huskies

Tracey Cartwright, '98, credits networking as a big reason for her career success. Now the group broadcast director with OMD, a global, full-service media company based in Seattle, Cartwright says getting to know two mentors early in her career boosted her career prospects immensely.

"My mentors helped me hone my career expectations," she says, "and if sharing my experience can help someone else, I am happy to do it."

Cartwright provides assistance as one of more than 4,000 volunteers in Career Connections, a service provided through UWAA Husky Career Advantage. Career Connections consists of a searchable, worldwide database of Huskies offering networking referrals and information about their field and geographical area. While many Career Connections contacts are in Washington, there are also out-of-state contacts who can provide help to Huskies outside the Puget Sound region or are considering such a move.

"I remember how confusing the federal hiring system was when I first came to Washington, D.C.," recalls Darlene Rush Allison, '95, '97, a management analyst with the U.S. State Department in the nation's capital. "I think that's why I'm interested in helping others. If I can help somebody cut to the chase, and save them some frustration and angst, I want to. I wish I had had that kind of advantage when I started out."

Career Connections is available to current UW students and UWAA members via the Husky Career Advantage Web site. Simply visit and follow the career links. Select "Career Connections."

Members need a UW NetID, which is a free lifelong account and password for using UW and UWAA online resources. All UW alumni and UWAA members are eligible to obtain a UW NetID. If you don't already have yours, simply click the UW NetID link on the Career Connections homepage.

Career Connections is always looking for additional UW alumni and friends of the University to serve as contacts. To volunteer, visit and choose "Career ConnectionsVolunteers Wanted."


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