Understanding the organization and its dynamics is critical for career success. You want to have a feel for and good understanding of how your organization works, and you also must have a firm grasp on processes, results, and outcomes if you want to progress within the system. When you understand the purpose of an organization, how it works as a system, and the roles of people in an organization, you make the most out of your own role, as well as prepare for other positions within the system.

This year, we shared so many incredible stories of students and alum from the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) who have overcome obstacles and triumphed over challenges to ultimately achieve their goals. These inspirational members of the UAGC community shook off their own self-doubts, fears and quieted the voices of critics to accomplish what they and others around them may not have believed possible. And for that, they were featured as our Student and Alum of the Month honorees throughout the year.

The most important piece of advice that Dr. Tahereh Daneshi gives her students is a simple phrase: Don’t be afraid of failing. 

It’s just five words, but behind those words is a lifetime of experience, knowledge, perspective, and wisdom from a University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) professor who has journeyed from academia to industry and back again. Four decades into her career, there are few experiences that Dr. Daneshi can’t relate to.

Understanding your job satisfaction and career satisfaction are important keys to success. Can we define the two within an organization and our specific role? The answer is yes.

What is the difference between career contentment and job satisfaction?

A career can be defined as our occupational progress through our lifetime. It includes a pattern of work-related experiences and activities, such as job positions, duties, decisions, and our subjective interpretations about work-related events.

Kenneth James’ personal story reads like a script from an inspirational biographical drama. 

Fifteen years ago, his job as a sales rep came to a halt because the company relocated. While looking for a new local opportunity, Kenneth submitted his resume to a Jacksonville, Florida-based Fortune 250 firm, and he went to an open-call style interview even though he wasn’t even sure what the position would be.