Edwina R. Hurst, 41, is the manager for experiential learning and campus inclusion at the career connections center inside of the Reitz Union. She is involved in the division of student life and works to connect students through different jobs, internships, and other learning opportunities based on their designated major/career field. Outside of work, she is a basketball referee. She loves being active, traveling and most importantly, spending time with her family.
Keeping UF glued together: An inside look on a Career Connections Manager’s life
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Edwina Hurst, 41, experiential learning and campus inclusion manager, stands outside her office in the Career Connections Center located inside the Reitz Union on Dec 4, 2023. “I get a lot of students who are looking to find internships and jobs, mock interviewing, so we can do the full gamut of career planning with them,” Hurst said. “Those 30 minute appointments really brighten up my day.” The center also poses as a studying area for students who are waiting for their appointment. (Kat Tran/WUFT News)
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Hurst reviews scheduled interviews with students inside her office in the Career Connections Center located inside the Reitz Union on Dec 4, 2023. “The student population I oversee would be our international students, as well as our veteran students and alumni,” Hurst said. “I'm pretty much a generalist, so I can help all students.” There are outreach and educational programs the center does in collaboration with other UF organizations as well. (Kat Tran/WUFT News)
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Hurst shares a laugh with her colleague at the Gainesville High School vs. Bishop Kenny High School basketball game on Nov. 28, 2023 while working at her second job as a highschool basketball referee. “Growing up, basketball was my sport,” Hurst said. “was a college athlete, and for a lot of college athletes, the natural progression from athlete is to be a coach.” (Kat Tran/WUFT News)
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Hurst signals to the team players while assisting the Gainesville High School vs. Bishop Kenny High School basketball game on Nov. 28, 2023. “I graduated from college and went right into collegiate coaching,” Hurst said. Soon after she became director of operational basketball at the University of North Carolina, and the women’s basketball video coordinator for the University of Florida. (Kat Tran/WUFT News)
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Hurst blows a whistle while assisting the Gainesville High School vs. Bishop Kenny High School basketball game on Nov. 28, 2023. (Kat Tran/WUFT News)
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Hurst takes her daughter Jaisen Hurst, 7, outside their Newberry home for a walk around the neighborhood on Dec. 4, 2023. “I enjoy my kid a whole lot. She's fun. We have a lot of good times together. So I try to maximize my time with her,” Hurst said. (Kat Tran/WUFT News)
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Hurst reminisces through family photos at home on Dec. 4, 2023. (Kat Tran/WUFT News)
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Hurst sweeps her kitchen floor at home on Dec. 4, 2023. (Kat Tran/WUFT News)
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Hurst checks her email inbox while her daughter, Jaisen Hurst, 7, curiously peers over her shoulder on Dec. 4, 2023. “I try not to overextend myself, my number one priority is my family,” Hurst said. “But to support and take care of my family, I need to have a job to be able to do that.” (Kat Tran/WUFT News)
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Hurst and her daughter, Jaisen Hurst, 7, plays with the family dog after she is done for the day on Dec. 4, 2023. “I have to try and create some strong boundaries,” Hurst said. “I work when I work, and when I'm not working, I try to give a lot of attention and focus to my daughter.” (Kat Tran/WUFT News)