For many students, the hardest part of college isn’t the coursework—it’s having the confidence to map out a path that feels entirely your own. For 2025 graduate Shannon Sullivan, the key to unlocking that self-assurance was a willingness to step completely out of her comfort zone.
Shannon graduated from the University of Montana with a double major in English Literature and Environmental Studies. By deliberately seeking out a mix of domestic exchange, hands-on agriculture, and on-campus roles, Shannon transformed her college experience into a masterclass in project planning and interpersonal networking.
Today, she is using that empowered mindset to navigate a vibrant, multi-faceted post-grad career.
The Strategy: Navigating New Environments and Community-Based Learning
Shannon approached her four years at UM with a desire to maximize her journeys and experience new cultures, people, and places. She successfully stacked three distinct experiential learning opportunities:
- The National Student Exchange (NSE): Seeking to continue her educational path in a completely fresh setting, Shannon spent a semester on exchange at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The exchange allowed her to take unique English and environmental courses that aligned with her degree but differed from UM’s traditional offerings.
- The PEAS Farm Summer Internship: Drawn to the idea of earning degree credits while working outdoors, Shannon completed a four-month summer internship with the Program in Ecological Agriculture and Society (PEAS) student-run farm. The program blended multiple learning styles and allowed her to interface directly with organic farmers and agricultural professionals across Montana.
- On-Campus Professional Employment: Shannon brought her journey full circle by working as the student marketing coordinator for UM’s National Student Exchange program, helping other Grizzlies discover domestic exchange opportunities
Overcoming Roadblocks: From Credit Panic to Teamwork Outcomes
Experiential learning often requires navigating real-world logistics, which can occasionally bring unexpected challenges. For Shannon, that moment came when she returned to Missoula after her semester in New Mexico.
Upon checking her DegreeWorks, she discovered that her completed New Mexico credits had not automatically applied to the specific graduation requirements she had identified prior to leaving. Briefly panicking that her exchange coursework might not count, Shannon immediately sought out her campus support network.
By sitting down with her UM advisor, the duo meticulously audited the class credentials and successfully positioned the credits exactly where they needed to go. The experience taught Shannon that with a little organization and institutional teamwork, any logistical hurdle can be resolved.
The Career Launch: Say Yes to Anything and Everything
The greatest asset Shannon took away from her time at UM wasn’t just a dual degree—it was a deep sense of personal empowerment. Knowing she could independently plan, budget, and execute a semester-long exchange and navigate industry networking at the PEAS farm changed how she approached life after graduation.
Today, Shannon is successfully pursuing a diverse array of professional passions in Washington. She works a seasonal position with the City of Bonney Lake—conducting field work, interacting with park goers, and aiding water recreation.
Concurrently, she works at a locally owned wellness cafe collaborating with regional business owners, and has stepped into leadership roles as a high school coach for both girls’ flag football and track and field.
“Doing these experiential experiences empowered me, knowing that I could plan, execute, and achieve many ambitions I had prior to college,” Shannon reflects. “My experiences in college definitely empowered me to try anything and everything, which is exactly what I’m doing!”
Career Lessons from Shannon’s Journey
- Exchange programs build high-level organizational skills. Going on a domestic exchange through NSE isn’t just a trip—it’s a lesson in project management. Successfully planning out credits, budgeting for a new city, and managing the return process forces you to hone the exact detail-oriented skills employers look for.
- Treat local internships as professional networking goldmines. Shannon’s time at the PEAS farm introduced her to organic farmers and agricultural leaders across the state. Learning to communicate intentionally with professionals who have already achieved your “dream job” gives you an invaluable network to rely on post-graduation.
- Don’t let intimidation stop you from exploring. Big internships or study away opportunities can feel overwhelming at first glance. If a program calls to you, start by taking the small step of asking questions and researching it. You will never know what life-changing milestones you might be missing out on if you don’t look.
Take Action on Your Career Journey
- Explore Eco-Friendly Paths: Check out our Virtual Career Hub to search for micro-internships, regional fellowships, and opportunities in the conservation industry.
- Get involved on campus: Check out the 500+ UM student organizations on GrizHub and find one that connects you to your passions and interests.
- Translate your undergrad experiences into a paycheck: Learn how to map your projects, internships, and experiential learning experiences directly to the career competencies employers are hiring for by connecting with one of our career coaches.
- Want to explore life outside of Montana without leaving your degree behind? Check out our National Student Exchange (NSE) page to learn more about this unique opportunity or meet with our NSE Coordinator, Mindy May.
- Get your hands dirty: Discover outdoor internships, community-based learning, and regional environmental roles like the PEAS farm program by exploring active listings on the Virtual Career Hub.
