Career Advising Graduate Assistant
Pronouns: She/Her
As one of two Career Advising Graduate Assistants at the University Career Center, I work closely with students to help them navigate their career and professional development. My role involves supporting students in their job and internship searches, preparing for interviews, reviewing resumes and cover letters, and guiding them through various career decisions to enhance their overall career readiness.
My Career Journey
A significant part of my career journey has been shaped by my core values, particularly the pursuit of financial freedom. After high school, this value led me to attend community college, where I completed my general education credits at no cost. During that academic year, I worked five different jobs to save enough money to pay for my future education out of pocket. At the time, I was uncertain about my professional path and relied on others' advice regarding my strengths. This led me to apply to James Madison University as an Elementary Education major. However, during orientation, I quickly realized that this was not the right fit for me. I switched my major to Psychology with a Pre-Medicine minor. My focus on financial independence continued when I entered JMU in Fall 2020 as a new Resident Adviser (RA), a role that helped me manage the financial burden of college expenses. After a year of paying out of pocket, I was accepted into the Centennial Scholars Program, which covered the remainder of my studies. Though I initially pursued the health field, I eventually realized it wasn't my true passion. However, I maintained my love for Psychology and decided to continue with that major. While I was still unsure of my specific career goals, my time as an RA and later as an undergraduate Hall Director during my senior year helped solidify my desire to work in student affairs. This experience ultimately led me to pursue my current graduate program. Now in my second year of the College Student Personnel Administration Master of Education Program, I feel empowered by the work I am doing. I look forward to contributing to the University Career Center, where I hope to offer guidance and reassurance to students with uncertain career paths, just as I once had.
More About Me
Three words that describe me:
- Curious
- Inquisitive
- Passionate
Some fun facts about me:
- I have an older brother that is 14 months older than me and a (much) younger brother that is 17 YEARS younger than me
- Although I am only 5’0, I play the upright string bass extremely well and have done so since the 6th grade
- I have indeed been to Paris, France, and actually climbed up the Eiffel Tower
