Career Services

Barbara Harrelson

Barbara.Harrelson@oregonstate.edu 541-737-4085

My Role at OSU:

I serve as the Receptionist and office support for Career Services. I tell folks where to go!

 

My Career Path:

My first job, when I was in high school, was in an ice cream parlor because it brought me in contact with lots of people. Though I’ve worked in many places and in different capacities, I continued with the food and beverage industry most of my career (the high energy and the people get into your blood). I’ve cooked, waited tables and tended bar. Eventually, I moved into management, and while in Alaska I worked for the U.S. Air Force as a civilian managing the Officer’s Club lounge operations including a golf course. To satisfy my creative and artistic bent, I owned a stained glass studio in my home, where for over 10 years, I designed and created custom stained glass windows. After my children were grown, I went back to college to earn a degree in Journalism/English and found education and academia to be very rewarding. Continuing to work on that degree, I came to Oregon State in 2000 and became employed in Housing and Dining Services as a Head Cashier. I remained there until I was fortunate enough to join the team in Career Services in August, 2006.

 

The Rewards in Doing what I do:

I derive a great sense of satisfaction from being around people, interacting with them, and hoping that my role in the scheme of things will make a difference in their lives, even if it’s simply a smile on a gray day.

 

My Words of Wisdom to Students:

Pursue your passion because you never know where life will lead you!