Jodi Tyson, ’94 BS Political Science, ’06 Masters in Public Health, is the director of government affairs for Three Square, Las Vegas Valley’s only food bank. She has also worked as a grant manager for the state’s department of health and human services. Prior to that, she worked as a state youth suicide prevention coordinator and helped bring the first federal grant to Nevada for youth suicide prevention.

The advice I’d give myself as a recent graduate … Focus on healthy personal relationships and learn how to build strong professional relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and community leaders. I was fortunate to work in public health while pursuing my master’s degree. While in school, it was easy for me to ask for help and to allow others to guide me through processes and teach me shortcuts (and) backdoors to get things done more quickly.

After graduation though, I saw myself and others struggle with overconfidence — especially with familiar processes. After all, I’d studied it and already applied those skills! If someone had advice for me, I wasn’t quick to accept.

Now I look back and realize that when I let someone “teach” me — even something I thought I already knew — I achieved so much more. This approach helped me gain a reputation for being open, a consensus builder, and accepting of diverse perspectives.

We all want to share our knowledge and be validated for our skills and expertise. Share what you have, but recognize that it’s a gift to allow another person to share with you as well.

The Alumni Advice series is part of our special 2016 commencement week celebrations, which include the annual Alumni Association Awards Program on May 12, and the spring graduation ceremonies on May 13 and 14. Join us in congratulating our newest alumni on social media with #UNLVGrad.