Landon Tooke

The interview was extensive, background check and all. UVSC alumnus Landon Tooke’04 said he felt like he had just applied for the FBI. In reality, the interrogation was a for an executive team leader position in the second largest retail company in the United States: Target Corporation. And it was just the break he was looking for.  

Tooke had been working while finishing his bachelor’s degree at UVSC in integrated studies (business management and communication with a leadership minor). He saw no opportunity for advancement in his current position so he decided it was time to look for a new job. 

“I felt like I just hit a glass ceiling in my job,” Tooke said. “I really wanted to find somewhere I could apply the skills I gained at UVSC into the workplace.” 

With that goal in mind, Tooke attended the UVSC Job Fair and spoke with representatives from several different companies before he came across Target. 

“When I started talking with Target reps they told me they were looking for a business management graduate to fill their executive team leader position,” he said. “It fit. By the time we were finished talking they had scheduled me for an interview for the following day.” 

Two hours and one in-depth interview later, Tooke said he felt his chances looked good. He was right.  

“I took a class at UVSC from Cameron Martin where I learned about resumes and how to interview,” Took said. “That helped so much!”  

Tooke started working for the Orem Super Target in January as the executive team leader for the food department where he oversees and manages the area. He also has the opportunity to supervise the entire store five hours a day, just for experience in case another position opens up.  

“I was as surprised as anyone to get a position that high up that quickly,” Tooke said. “But I feel like my education is 100 percent applicable to what I am doing. My studying and extracurricular activities at UVSC molded me into who I am now.”