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The lifeblood of the University of New Haven are the faculty and staff members who dedicate their lives to helping our students reach their goals. Periodically, we’ll introduce you to a member of the staff so you can learn more about them – beyond their day-to-day work.

Next up is Baki Izzat, employer relations manager for the University’s Career Development Center, a first-generation college student and former Miss Danbury CT who is passionate about helping students find careers they will love.

Renee Chmiel: What’s your favorite season?
Baki Izzat: I LOVE late spring and early summer, and being outdoors makes me happy. I feel like that time of year is not too hot or too cold, and I get to enjoy the beautiful foliage outside. It's also a reminder that things are coming back to life and are ready to be in full swing for the rest of the year!

RC: Please tell us about your family.
BI: I am one of five kids. Including my parents, that makes us a family of 7! And, I have more than 50 first-cousins...isn't that so cool?! But they all were in Pakistan while my family was here (which is a whole other story for another time).

RC: Please tell us about your first job!
BI: Such a great question! My first job (under the table) was helping a woman remove rose bushes from her garden so she could plant new flowers there! My first "official" job was as a cashier at my local food market. From there, someone noticed my talent in communicating with people and recruited me to work for our town's popular ice cream shop. From there, I was moved to the central office for the franchise!

RC: If you could live in another place and time, when and where would that be?
BI: Honestly, I feel like each era has its own beauty to it! I love learning about the music, fashion, hair styles, and different movements (political) from each era.

RC: What kind of music do you listen to?
BI: I speak five languages, and my playlist is heavily Bollywood, Punjabi, or R&B soul music.

RC: What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
BI: Existing is one of the most courageous things I have ever done. My life has been a rollercoaster, and each day is new. From traveling the world, helping 50,000+ students, being an intersectional first-generation-Pakistani-American-Brown-Muslim individual, life is BUSY! I would say leaving the U.S. for three months after graduating (in the top 10% of my class) was probably one of the most courageous things I have done. I explored so much during that time period and learned a lot about myself.

RC: What do you enjoy the most about your role at the University?
BI: As a whole, I specialize in college and career development. For my 9-5, I get to work with really cool employers to help feed their student-talent pipeline. This enables me to work with students to help them build their talents and key skills.

During my 5-9 (after work), I was Miss Danbury CT '22-'23 and worked with local politicians, businesses, nonprofits, and more to provide educational resources to K-12 students and college students. I also create content for social media and have more than one million engagements. I strive to provide resources and tools to students to help leverage their college and career journey.

With that being said, what I love MOST about my 9-5 is my ability to give back. I feel like I am fulfilling my purpose, and if I can help even one student at the University find what THEY want to do in their career trajectory, that is a success for me. Plus, I have an AMAZING team of professional and student staff who make going into the office even more memorable.