George Northcroft is the Northwest regional administrator of the General Services Administration, which helps manage and support other federal agencies. He’s also a member of the University of Washington Bothell advisory board and personally invested in the success of UW Bothell students.
On Wednesday, July 20, students will have an opportunity learn about Northcroft’s academic and professional path. He will share how he makes professional connections and his best practices for networking. The talk will take place from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. in UW2-228. All current UW Bothell students are welcome to attend.
Northcroft explains why this work with our students is important to him.
How did you get involved with UW Bothell?
"When Warren Buck was the chancellor, he and I knew each other from community based activities. He also knew that I served on the board of trustees at Bellevue College when it was Bellevue Community College. He told me about the advisory board and ask me to be a member. So I've been on the advisory board for over 12 years now. I've always had a commitment to do whatever I can to open up doors for others. Whether it be through work that I do with small businesses or serving as an adviser at UW Bothell. It's just a way of giving back and sharing my experiences with others. Hopefully my experiences will make the road a little easier for those who come behind me."
What motivates you to do what you do?
"We live in a nation that's committed to democracy and folks working together, but I'm a product of the ‘60s. I remember when there were certain jobs and opportunities an individual like me wasn't able to have. I've had more opportunities than my mom and dad had. They both stressed education. So along the way, folks have always assisted me to be where I am. Being a product of the ‘60s and knowing the barriers a lot of folks go through, if I had any degree of success, others helped me get where I am. So my role is to reach back and give a helping hand to Millennials, Generation X and to generations that follow. If I don't do that and others don't do that, then what is it for?"
What are a few things you'll be discussing at the workshop?
"I don't have an agenda when I come in. This is about networking. I listen to the students’ stories. I have them tell their own stories and kind of connect with some things that I may have done that might connect with things they may be going through. So I don't come in with a curriculum or syllabus. Every class is different. I try to get the students to connect to each other, and it's only the beginning because I always leave them my contact information. After the session, if they want to reconnect or if they think I can add any value to some questions they may have or things they want to do, I'll be more than glad to help them.”
How can student's benefit from attending this workshop?
"They will be able to tell you that after the workshop."
This event is being sponsored by Career Services. For more information, contact career@uw.edu or 425.352.3706.
