Recruiter Profile: Tavia Szostek

Many folks who want to pursue an advanced degree are also juggling responsibilities within their career and personal life and are unsure of how to prioritize their time. The path towards a master’s or doctoral degree looks different for each student, and I enjoy providing personalized guidance to help them navigate these important milestones.

  
Tavia Szostek, who holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, joined the College of Information Science as our new manager of graduate enrollment and retention in 2024. In that role, she stewards students through the enrollment process, ensuring they find the best graduate program fit for their needs.

Learn more about Tavia's work with prospective and current InfoSci graduate students at the University of Arizona, as well as her family, culinary and artistic passions outside of work:

What brought you to the College of Information Science, and where did you work before joining the college?

I had the pleasure of working alongside the College of Information Science (when it was the School of Information) in my previous role as recruitment coordinator for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. I was excited by the idea of joining InfoSci and contributing to the growth of the college’s innovative graduate programs!

Prior to the University of Arizona, I worked as an admissions officer at Northern Arizona University, where I was the lead recruiter for Texas, California and the Pacific Northwest. I have always enjoyed building connections with students from all over the country and the world, so I am grateful to be in this career field.
 

Tell us about your current work as manager of graduate enrollment and retention.

As the manager of graduate enrollment and retention, I am responsible for developing and implementing effective recruitment, enrollment and retention strategies that will support our graduate students throughout their academic journey. My role provides crucial support for graduate students at various stages of the enrollment funnel. From inviting them to recruitment events and offering one-on-one guidance, I am here to ensure they have a smooth transition as they onboard into their programs. I work closely with a fantastic network of staff and leadership here in the College of Information Science, as well as university partners such as the Graduate College, Arizona Online and Arizona International. I spend a lot of time collaborating with our college leadership to ensure our strategic plans meet the needs of our students and our programs.

What do you find most rewarding about managing graduate enrollment and retention?

The most rewarding part of my job is helping students visualize their life during their studies and after they obtain the degree. I enjoy building connections with students who are uncertain about their future and helping them discover the program that fits best to achieve their goals. Many folks who want to pursue an advanced degree are also juggling responsibilities within their career and personal life and are unsure of how to prioritize their time. The path towards a master’s or doctoral degree looks different for each student, and I enjoy providing personalized guidance to help them navigate these important milestones.
 

What do you find most challenging about your job?

I welcome challenges, especially when it comes to advocating for students. My mission is to make the enrollment process as smooth as possible for everyone. I continually educate myself on complex procedures and policies so that I can effectively support students who might be facing roadblocks. When facing issues that I can’t resolve, I will turn to others within our university community. With the knowledgeable people and helpful resources that we have here at the University of Arizona, we can navigate many different barriers together.

What professional organizations are you a member of?

I have been a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) for nine years. NACAC empowers college admission counseling professionals through education, advocacy and community. An important mission of NACAC is to push leaders and policymakers to provide accessible post-secondary education for all. I have gained valuable insight, essential resources and lifelong connections from fellow recruitment professionals who are members of NACAC.

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Beyond your job, what are your passions?

I am a foodie and an amateur artist. In my free time, you will often find me preparing an interesting dish, watching a culinary documentary or creating art (mostly acrylic painting and calligraphy). I even like to fuse my passions together and create food-related artwork!

I also love going on family adventures with my husband and daughter, whether it’s a quick trip up to Mount Lemmon, listening to live music at St. Philips Plaza or exploring a museum together. My husband works for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, so you will often find us playing with the adoptable dogs and cats during our spare time. 

What is your advice for students to find success at the college and U of A?

Don’t let your fear of failure prevent you from uncovering something extraordinary! Many of the greatest researchers of our time had to lean on others for support. When in doubt, seek advice from staff, faculty and alumni. Even if we don’t have the complete answer, we will likely know someone who does. This college has a wonderful community of people who will help you accomplish your academic goals and provide you with excellent advice in the process. 

What does the InfoSci experience mean to you?

Here in the College of Information Science, our students, staff and faculty are advancing the future of information. By exchanging ideas and driving positive change, we are growing together as an academic community and making an impact in the field. I feel fortunate to be here and am excited to welcome graduate students to our forward-thinking college!
  

Learn more about College of Information Science graduate programs, or explore ways you can support the dynamic, student-invested staff of the College of Information Science.