Welcoming Donna Camp Benner to the Career Center Team!

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 19:41:28 -0400

COVID-19 hasn't stopped the Career Center from welcoming Donna Camp Benner, our new Office Supervisor, to the team! We wish that we could be together in Math/Psych 201, but we are fortunate to have her on-board during this crazy time. Feel free to say "hi" virtually (dcamp@umbc.edu) and be sure to stop by and welcome her once we are on-campus! Learn a little bit more about Donna by checking out her profile below.

Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from?

I relocated to Catonsville 20 years ago from a small town north of Pittsburgh called Aliquippa, and yes, I'm a Steelers fan. My love for community stems from my roots there and my strong family values, much like the UMBC community that I am growing to love!

Where did you go to school?

I graduated from Aliquippa High School, home of many famous graduates there such as Jesse Steinfeld, Henry Mancini, Mike Ditka, Ty Law and Tony Dorsette, to name a few.

What did you do before coming to the Career Center?

I worked for Anne Arundel Workforce Development, part of the Workforce Branch of Anne Arundel County Government and MD Department of Labor. I enjoyed my varied roles over the past 10 years as a career advisor, training facilitator, business services rep and career center manager. Every day was a new adventure and I loved being part of getting people back to work and helping them to advance in their careers.

What will you be working on at UMBC?

As the Office Supervisor, I will be providing administrative and budgetary support to the director and staff members in the Career Center, Math/Psych 201. My duties also include managing the front office, student staffing/recruiting and training.

What are you most excited about for your new role?

Besides getting to be part of the UMBC community, I’m excited to work with such an amazing and supportive Career Center team, and use my skills and experience to support both staff and students in achieving their goals.

Do you have a secret talent?

I wish I could say I have a secret talent, but, on a silly note, I accidentally drove into a presidential motorcade (pre-911), drank champagne out of the Stanley Cup, and got kissed by Shamu.

What was your first job or internship?

My first job as a teenager was cleaning a small credit union, where I set off the alarm a time or two. But, my first internship was at a major bank as a teller/office assistant, which led to a permanent job offer as the secretary to the Vice President.

How are you spending your COVID-19 quarantine?

I’ve been learning more about UMBC and my role while working virtually. In the past month, I started my new position, had my wedding reception cancelled, still got married in a private ceremony (me, my new husband and the pastor), prepared to sell my house and moved into a new place. At least I can say I’m never bored and although it has been a little stressful, I feel blessed!