University Career Services

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is November Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:24:27 +0000

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is November Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Tue, 10/28/2025 - 17:24

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is the associate director for �� Undergraduate Education's University Studies Program and has been a part of the department since 2008. From teaching the first UNIV College to Career course in 1998 to her responsibilities today, she has been an essential part of University Studies. She is also an alumna, having earned her MEd in Counseling and Development from George Mason. For her ability to do it all, while championing kindness and positivity, Nash has been named November Employee of the Month.

“Having worked with Jackie for the past 15 years, I have seen firsthand her exceptional dedication, professionalism, and deep commitment to student success,” said Elena Chiru, director of career advising in University Career Services.

Rachel E. Lindsey, assistant director of career education in University Career Services, said, “Since I began in my role, Jackie has been my “go-to”—a source of expertise, sharing institutional knowledge and providing thorough, thoughtful (and timely!) answers to even my most frustrating and complicated questions. She remains an invaluable thought partner in navigating complex issues.”

“Jackie is a dedicated partner to many faculty and staff members who teach UNIV courses,” said Ann Garner, assistant director of career advising in University Career Services. “She deserves to be recognized for the commitment she exhibits every single day to George Mason students and the larger George Mason community!”

Katie Clare, director of well-being programs, said, “Jackie is a long-time George Mason employee who is an integral member of the community and who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make things happen.”

Nina Cox, career advisor and career preparation courses instructor, praised Nash’s commitment to making a lasting, positive impact on the George Mason community.

“Jackie has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of the career courses. Her prompt and reliable assistance has been invaluable to me and the students,” said Angelica Newham, career advisor in University Career Services. “Her ability to uplift and inspire those around her is a testament to the positive and collaborative work environment she fosters.”

How did you come to George Mason:

My first career was in corporate human resources for 11 years. In the fall of 1997, I contacted the University Career Services office to volunteer with job search preparation activities such as resume writing and interview preparation. I instantly loved it and immediately enrolled in [Counseling and Development’s] counseling master’s program. I piloted the first College to Career course in the spring of 1998 and have taught several career and transition UNIV courses since then. After completing the master’s degree, I went on to work toward my doctorate in holistic college student development. For the last 17 years I have been an associate director for the University Studies Program.

Best day on the job:

It is a tie between being thrilled to talk with anyone who will listen about our University Studies Program (this is our 36th year and we have served more than 65,000 George Mason students!), and any time that I have been able to assist students in their college journey!

What do you like best about working at George Mason:

Hands down, it is the connection with not only students, but especially with fellow Mason colleagues with whom I have built long-standing and very meaningful collaborations and friendships.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

Along with being an avid reader (especially all things mystery) and a lifelong backgammon player (other board and card games, as well), I am a devoted sports championship enthusiast. It started with the famous 2006 Mason Patriots road to the NCAA basketball championship! My favorites are March Madness and the Little League World Series Championship. I also spend as much time with my three grown sons and family as possible.

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Confidence meets opportunity at Fall 2025 Career Fair

Katarina Benson — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 20:56:29 +0000

Confidence meets opportunity at Fall 2025 Career Fair Katarina Benson Thu, 10/23/2025 - 16:56

Over the three days of this fall’s Career Fair, more than 5,000 �� students filled Dewberry Hall in sharp professional attire and with polished résumés in hand—ready to take the next step toward their careers.

George Mason’s Career Fair, held each fall and spring semester, is the university’s largest on-campus recruiting event, connecting students with representatives from more than 100 companies and organizations. The event offers students opportunities to explore internships, part-time roles, and full-time positions across a range of industries.

Wilkerson and fellow staff members at the career fair. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life

“These are opportunities to get right in front of the employers,” said Phillip Wilkerson, employer engagement consultant at University Career Services (UCS). “I like to tell students this is not a place where you can automatically get a job or a magic ticket; it’s a great way to build relationships, get business cards, and stay in touch.”

While the fair is about connections, success begins long before students step into Dewberry Hall. University Career Services offers one-on-one advising to help students refine résumés, craft cover letters, and practice introductions before the career fair.

“Confidence comes with preparation,” Wilkerson said. “The more prepared you are, the more confident you are.”

A students converses with an employer. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life

Mary Claire Kraft, employer outreach manager for University Career Services, recommended that students research before the fair to be even more prepared. “Number one, check Handshake, George Mason’s job search web site,” she said. “When students meet an employer they’re interested in, they can then share one thing they already know about them.”

Each day of the fair is focused on a different area or industry. Day one was focused on science, technology, engineering and health; day two was a general day for all companies; and day three was mainly attended by business, government, education and nonprofit organizations.

Iman Chaudhry, a sophomore majoring in management information systems, approached the fair with an open mindset, something she credits with helping her make the most of the fair. “I think it’s important not to limit yourself, even if you have a specific major,” she said. “There are benefits to attending all days of the Career Fair.”

First-year student Lilliana Russell attended her first fair this fall eager to learn. The civil and infrastructure engineering major arrived early with a list of employers to meet and a curiosity about what her field has to offer. “I’m really just trying to scope out what the different companies in my field are and maybe score an internship,” she said.

Students meet with potential employers. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life

Russell added that her nerves faded once she began speaking with recruiters. “Once I got to know everyone and saw how excited they were to talk with students, I let go of any preconceived notions I had about the event,” she said.

University Career Services hosts a wide variety of career fairs throughout the year. Students can keep the momentum going a Clearance Ready event on October 28 at noon. Engineering Careers Week kicks off November 10. Learn more about these and other career opportunities.

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Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:05:36 +0000

Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:05

The Career Influencers Network at �� empowers faculty and staff to provide career development support to students throughout their academic journey. The network is open to instructors, advisors, success coaches, supervisors, and any others across campus who are positioned to help students achieve their professional goals.

University Career Services hosted a reception in early October honoring the network’s 10th anniversary. The network started in 2015 with 19 members, and it has now grown to include more than 500 faculty and staff.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The network exemplifies George Mason’s approach to preparing career-ready graduates.

“The Career Influencers Network was the beginning of a ‘career ecosystem’ or ‘career everywhere’ approach,” said Saskia Campbell, executive director of University Career Services. “Preparing career-ready graduates is not confined to one office; it’s a shared responsibility of every faculty and staff member.”

The Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) has named George Mason to the highest tier of its list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings, in recognition of the university’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility. Positive, high-earning career outcomes contribute to that recognition.

Career Influencers offer students job-search advice, refer them to career advising, promote employer recruitment efforts at George Mason, and share career resources with students.

“�� partners have helped students connect the dots between their academic experiences or on-campus jobs and their professional futures—and that is transformative,” Campbell said.

The Career Influencers Network has garnered national attention—other institutions reach out for guidance to replicate its success on their own campuses. George Mason’s network has been highlighted by organizations supporting career services in higher education, including the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

The network’s ability to reach students wherever they are has been instrumental to its success.

“It's a common challenge many career services offices face: how to serve a large student population with limited staff and resources,” said Kristin Leonato, associate director of programs and outreach in University Career Services. “Utilizing career services is optional and not a required part of a degree program. The network allows us to connect with campus partners who students already know and trust.”

To join the network, faculty and staff participate in an interactive, 4.5-hour training covering topics like career readiness, how employers recruit George Mason students, and strategies to support students at various stages of their career development.

Engagement with the network does not end with the initial training. Career Influencers receive ongoing support from University Career Services, including workshops on related topics and monthly updates on career-related events and services.

The 10th anniversary event included words of appreciation from Campbell and Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life, who presented two awards recognizing faculty and staff contributions to the Career Influencers Network.

Erin McSherry, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (pictured at left), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the Career Influencers Network. Pictured at right is Kristin Leonato, associate director, University Career Services. Photo provided

Erin McSherry, assistant dean in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the network. About 50% of the faculty and staff in the network are referred by a colleague or supervisor.

Larry Guerin, adjunct faculty in the Criminology, Law, and Society Department within CHSS and the Costello College of Business, received the Outstanding Influencer Award for demonstrating the impact career influencers can make on students’ personal and professional lives.

“It takes a strong network of committed professionals to support students in achieving their short-term and long-term professional goals in a wide range of career fields,” said Leonato. “The more than 500 faculty and staff in the Career Influencers Network are an important part of this work.”

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V-TOP subaward will help make George Mason’s top-ranked internship opportunities more accessible

Sarah Holland — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:42:01 +0000

V-TOP subaward will help make George Mason’s top-ranked internship opportunities more accessible Sarah Holland Tue, 07/15/2025 - 15:42

In 2025, �� came out on top for its commitment to increasing access to opportunity in two key rankings. U.S. News and World Report ranked �� #1 in the state of Virginia for internships, and the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) named �� to the highest tier of its list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings.

Critical to expanding the field of opportunities is University Career Services, which provides top-tier support for students, including critical scholarships to increase internship accessibility. And as a testament to their dedicated work, the office recently received a Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) subaward for $40,000 for continued development and expansion of internship programs.

Students at the 2025 Career Fair. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Internships play a large part in career readiness. They give students a chance to test their skills in real-world situations while becoming comfortable in new office environments and navigating new responsibilities.

“Data shows that students who complete experiential educational activities are always more likely to be able to find career success in their first job,” said Matthew Myers, associate director of employer and alumni engagement and recipient of the subaward on behalf of University Career Services.

But one of the largest barriers for students interested in internships is the cost.

“A lot of George Mason students are working while putting themselves through school,” said Myers. “Doing an unpaid internship might mean having to cut their hours or even quit the jobs that they need to provide for themselves and their families, without receiving supplemental income in return.”

To help give all students the opportunity to pursue an internship, University Career Services offers scholarships for students who take unpaid internships. The V-TOP subaward will, in part, support these scholarships.

“Part of our duty as a university is to provide students with opportunities. More opportunities mean better outcomes for them in both internships and future careers,” said Myers.

Myers noted that this doesn’t just help the students: It gives employers a unique opportunity to grow. Lack of funding for internships is just as much of a barrier for smaller organizations as it is for the students. Through the internship scholarships, smaller organizations get a chance to explore what interns can do for their company without as heavy a cost burden.

“Interns bring fresh perspectives and new talents, and they widen applicant pools, particularly for smaller organizations,” said Myers. “Once they see the value, we hope they’ll be encouraged to continue providing those opportunities."

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

George Mason is well-regarded in the area for the strength of its graduates across various industries. Myers, in his work with employers, believes the proof is in their continued engagement with the university and recruitment of George Mason students.

Angela Biehl, director of talent acquisition for the nonprofit organization ATCC, calls ATCC’s strategic partnership with George Mason, “an integral component of our broader talent acquisition strategy.” Multiple ATCC team members are George Mason alumni, many of whom started their early career journeys with internships at ATCC. And the pipeline continues: Two current George Mason students are participating in their 2025 Summer Internship Program.

“ATCC’s partnership with George Mason continues to deliver measurable results—fueling innovation, advancing our scientific mission, and empowering the next generation of scientists,” said Biehl. “It is a model of how strategic academic collaboration can drive workforce development and long-term organizational impact.”

“Our students are go-getters. They aren’t afraid of a challenge,” he said. “And the multicultural experiences they get in the classroom—working not just with people from around the globe but also of different ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and more—is highly valuable to employers.”

Whether through scholarships, internship fairs, or resume and interview help, University Career Services’ dedication to connecting students with valuable internship experiences helps strengthen Virginia’s workforce.

Myers said, “we want our students to impact the community, and being able to get meaningful experiences in their field of choice is a big piece of that.”

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Computer science graduate turns internship experience into a full-time position

Colleen Rich — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 18:47:21 +0000

Computer science graduate turns internship experience into a full-time position Colleen Rich Wed, 12/11/2024 - 13:47

When Dhyeya “Dee” Padhya transferred to �� from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in fall 2022, he was struck by the vibrant campus life, which was far different than his first two years in college during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dhyeya “Dee” Padhya

“Coming to George Mason there were so many things happening like fairs and club events. That was definitely a very welcomed change for me,” Padhya said. “I felt like a new person and George Mason was a huge part of these last few formative years of my life.”

He is set to graduate in December 2024 with a BS in computer science and a minor in computational and data science.

During his time at George Mason, Padhya worked in the University Career Services office as the senior front desk student assistant, where he greeted students and gave them career assistance, as well as managing the career advisors’ appointments and calendars.

He also helped administer career assessments and did set-up work and guided students at George Mason’s well-attended career fairs.

For his commitment to career services at George Mason, Padhya was featured on the cover of this year’s Career Readiness Guide.

This summer, Padhya also got professional experience in his field as a data analyst intern at Capital One.

“With a computer science major, an internship is very important. I definitely felt prepared for it with the help of my [CS 450 Database Concepts] course with Professor Ping Deng and my [CS 484 Data Mining] course with Jessica Lin. Those courses were definitely the most helpful for my internship,” said Padhya.

What’s your best memory of George Mason?

Getting the call that I got the internship at Capital One was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. Part of my responsibilities were what we call “productionizing” a data set. There was a whole process of getting data from the right sources, cleaning it, and then automating that process to automatically update the data on a weekly basis.

How have you grown while at George Mason?

Throughout high school I was a straight-A student, but my very first class here was a challenge for me and I ended up getting a B minus. It took some getting used to, but just coming to terms with the fact that it’s not the end of the world if I’m not perfect was really impactful.

Best piece of advice for incoming students?

Don’t have the mindset that you’re underqualified for something. The job market is very difficult right now, but I think it’s important to understand that your GPA, while important, isn’t ALL that matters in the professional world. During job interviews for me it was more about what my personal and professional experiences were. Employers want to know who you are as a person and what experiences have you had that led you to become that person. I also think it’s important to engage with all the resources George Mason has to offer, like the Career Services office.

What’s next for you?

I will be returning to Capital One for a full-time data analyst position after graduation.

Discover what University Career Services can do for you

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Internship doesn’t pay? Mason’s got you covered

Colleen Rich — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 17:43:20 +0000

Internship doesn’t pay? Mason’s got you covered Colleen Rich Fri, 01/12/2024 - 12:43

Unpaid internships, while often touted as a necessary gateway to a dream job, can pose unexpected barriers for students who may lack the funds for a professional wardrobe or child care, or who simply can’t take on extra hours in addition to working part- or full-time jobs.

Tourism and events management major Yuliana Rud used her scholarship to help pay for an internship in Argentina with Hola Veggie. Photo provided

Traditionally, the benefits of the internship experience have been used to justify the lack of pay. �� is anything but traditional, and instead is mindful of these economic barriers that can keep qualified students from taking an unmissable opportunity.

And that’s where Mason’s commitment to access via the Scholarship for Unpaid Internships comes in. Open to all undergraduate and graduate Mason students, the scholarship offers a much-needed infusion of funding that can often mean the difference in allowing a student to take on a career advancement opportunity without compromising themselves financially.

According to Saskia Campbell, executive director of University Career Services (UCS), Mason is filling a gap that can make all the difference in a student’s future. “Internships lead to job offers and higher starting salaries, and University Career Services is focused on creating more inclusive pathways for students to gain relevant experience,” said Campbell.

Since being established in 2017, the scholarship has grown significantly. According to Rebekah Truog, office manager at UCS, 160 students have thus far benefited from the scholarship with close to $250,000 distributed. Initial funding for the scholarship came from the University Life Parents Fund, which continues to occasionally contribute.

Kayleigh Newman. Photo provided

“Most of our funding comes directly from revenue from our Career Fairs,” said Truog. “We also get funding from our Employer Partner Program, as well as direct donations to Career Services. Of those direct donations, 100 percent goes to funding for the scholarship.”

And with those funds, students get to take on opportunities that can make a real difference in securing a career in their dream field after graduation. Among the organizations that Mason students have interned with and gained valuable experience from, Truog noted that many are community health organizations, nonprofits, the federal government, or nongovernmental organizations.

For some of these students, an internship is necessary to gain professional hours required for licensure. This was the case for Nathan Park, who is pursuing an MEd in counseling and development, with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling.

“My internship allowed me to obtain counseling hours so that I may apply for licensure in the state of Virginia,” said Park. “Receiving the scholarship alleviated my financial distress in paying for gas and rent.”

Kinesiology major Kayleigh Newman received the scholarship this past fall to intern at Innovative Physical Therapy and Wellness. “Being exposed to my field [physical therapy], getting to be hands on…and being inspired by seeing the things I am learning in practice” were all benefits of her internship, she said. “My internship has really confirmed to me that this is the right career path for me.”

Nathan Park. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Yuliana Rud, a tourism and events management major, echoes the sentiment. Rud interned in Argentina with Hola Veggie, a plant-based meal kit company. “I’m now more sure than ever that the major and career path I’ve chosen is right for me, and this internship was a big factor in that,” she said. “The scholarship helped cover daily costs while I was living in a different country, such as travel expenses, groceries, and materials for my work.”

Mason alum Austin McManus, BA History ’17, MA History ’18, was one of the first students to benefit. The scholarship helped pay for his housing in Washington, D.C., where he interned for the History Office at the National Archives.

“My time working at the National Archives was an important step in my professional career as a history educator,” said McManus, who is leads the History/Art Department at Fusion Academy, Tysons. “It was essentially the first time working as a historian in the professional world, and I developed important skills that I use in my current role.”

Learn more about the Scholarship for Unpaid Internships

Fall Career Fair brought record number of job seekers and employers to campus

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 17:36:41 +0000

Fall Career Fair brought record number of job seekers and employers to campus Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/05/2023 - 13:36

A record number of students and alumni attended the Fall Career Fair to meet prospective employers. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

��’s Fall Career Fair, hosted by University Career Services on the Fairfax ��, connected students and alumni with prospective employers on Sept. 27–28.

Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

Nearly 4,300 job and internship seekers attended the fair, meeting with recruiters from more than 250 different employers.

Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

The first day of the fair focused on science, technology, engineering, and math, and the second day focused on business, government and nonprofits.

Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

�� is committed and successful in producing career-ready graduates. In Mason’s Career Plans Survey for the Class of 2022, 87% of undergraduate and graduate respondents reported a positive career outcome within six months of graduation (including employment, graduate school, military, or volunteer work). Among those students employed, 89% reported being in positions related to their career goals.

Students were encouraged to prepare in advance for the Career Fair. Check out the video.

Hear more about how Mason prepares students to succeed in their dream jobs, and why recruiters want to hire Mason grads. Watch the video.

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Off the Clock: Jneva Norfleet, a Toastmasters champion and spoken word artist

Lauren Reuscher — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 19:10:21 +0000

Off the Clock: Jneva Norfleet, a Toastmasters champion and spoken word artist Lauren Reuscher Tue, 09/26/2023 - 15:10

Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of Mason's talented faculty and staff.

Jneva Norfleet, employer engagement consultant with University Career Services, is a Toastmasters champion and spoken word artist. Photo provided

As employer engagement consultant with University Career Services at ��, Jneva Norfleet connects organizations with qualified talent from Mason, helping Mason students and graduates achieve their career goals.

Outside work, Norfleet hones other talents of her own—she is a Toastmasters champion and a spoken word artist who shares her poetry to inspire others.

George Mason Toastmasters is part of a worldwide network of clubs that help members practice public speaking and leadership skills. Norfleet, a first-year Toastmaster, competed in multiple competitions and advanced to the Region 7 International Speech Contest in June. Though Norfleet did not advance to the world championship, she made an impact and represented her club with her speech, “If You Can Declare It, Then You Can Achieve It.”

What brought you to Mason? Once you were here, how did you decide to join George Mason Toastmasters?

I came to Mason in October 2022 to work with University Career Services. I heard about George Mason Toastmasters from my colleague, and I immediately wanted to join. I’m an ordained minister and have been preaching at churches throughout the East Coast since 2018. I’m also a spoken word artist and perform my poetry for community organizations and events. Since I had prior experience with public speaking, I knew Toastmasters would be the perfect opportunity for me to hone my public speaking skills.

What took you down the path to spoken word art, and what do you speak about?

I began to write spoken word poetry at the age of 16; however, I stopped to focus on other hobbies. I started writing again in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Most of my poetry is Christian content and addresses overcoming challenges through faith in Jesus Christ. I knew 2020 was a rough year mentally for many people, myself included, so I wanted my poetry to encourage those who were battling depression and other forms of mental illness. After posting one of my poems on social media, the post received a lot of positive attention and many people were encouraged by my work. It was in that moment that I realized spoken word poetry was a gift of mine, and I continued to do it.

How does spoken word art intersect with the type of public speaking you do for Toastmasters?

Spoken word art intersects with my public speaking for Toastmasters because I have the ability to express myself through speeches similar to the way I would in poetry. I generally gear a lot of my Toastmasters speeches toward overcoming challenges and inspiring people to keep going, because greatness is within them. My speeches give me a chance to be a blessing to others outside of my poetry.

Jneva Norfleet. Photo provided

You’re pursuing a PhD in higher education at Mason. What pushed you to continue your education?

I first desired to continue my education because I wanted to be the first member of my immediate family to obtain an accredited doctoral degree. That desire amplified when I started my career last year in higher education. I developed a love for this field. To accomplish my career goals, I continued my education by working toward my PhD.

How has being involved with Toastmasters impacted your overall experience working at Mason?

I developed a Mason family through George Mason Toastmasters. My Toastmasters club members continue to cheer me on in my speeches and were a huge support system for me throughout my contest journey. This club has been a tremendous blessing to me and has impacted my overall experience working at Mason, because it showed me that you can develop family outside of your home environment.

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Mason students land jobs, and Career Services plays a big role in that success

Colleen Rich — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:21:47 +0000

Mason students land jobs, and Career Services plays a big role in that success Colleen Rich Wed, 07/05/2023 - 13:21

There were many outstanding performers at �� this past academic year, from musicians to actors to athletes. Less celebrated but no less impressive was the virtuoso performance of a determined IT major at a job fair, a star turn that commanded the attention of University Career Services representatives.

Christina Tran arrived two hours early to the Spring Career Fair on February 22 in Dewberry Hall on the Fairfax �� to study the list of employers who would be sending recruiters. She Googled companies to find ones that best matched her career goals, then circled the locations of the booths on an event map to prioritize those encounters.

Information technology major Christina Tran had a strategy for the Spring Career Fair. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Over the course of five hours, she visited 65 of the 120 booths. And then, after the last hand was shaken and the last business card tucked away, she attended a three-hour reception that extended the fair at the Center for the Arts and visited 20 more employers there. Then she returned the second day and visited at least 30 more.

“First in line both days,” Tran said.

Her strategy paid off. Tran, who plans to graduate in May 2024, landed a position as a Microsoft Solutions consultant with FSi Strategies, one of six offers she said she received from employers she met that day.

“The career fair got me this job,” said Tran, 27, who wrote personalized follow-up emails to each employer she spoke with, drawing from notes she took during each conversation.

“You need to come ready—[business] clothes on, resume printed, know your elevator pitch,” added Tran, who previously worked at Deloitte and had several years of management experience at spas. “I’m career-ready. I wanted to prove that. I wanted a job, and I was focused and had a plan and did it.”

Tran indeed is a model student when it comes to attacking the job market—University Career Services was so impressed with her preparation and performance that they asked to take her picture at the event. Tran’s image now graces the cover of the university’s annual Career Readiness Guide.

Mason graduates land jobs. Based on the annual career outcomes survey and supplemental data collected from sources like LinkedIn and the National Student Clearinghouse for the Class of 2022, 87% of grads had a positive career outcome within six months of graduation and 89% said they are in positions related to career goals. Most settle locally—86% are employed in the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia. The respondents’ median salary is $72,000.

More than 120 employers took part in the Spring Career Fair. Photo by Evan Cantwell/OUB

The outcomes are similar to prior years. But even more Mason students need to increase their engagement in the job-seeking process, University Career Services Executive Director Saskia Campbell said.

Throughout the year, Mason offers 11 career fair days to provide facetime for employers and students and graduates. One is the Just-In-Time Hiring Fair the week after graduation, which drew nearly 100 employers and 700 job seekers.

“Most colleges and universities aren’t able to sustain an event that late in the year,” Campbell said. “It means that our job market is really, really strong and that there are opportunities year-round. There is always hiring happening here.

“It helps when graduates put in some effort and are flexible about where they’re willing to work and look at medium-sized organizations.”

Tran upped her career fair game after attending one that resulted in no offers. So for the next one, instead of showing up an hour after it started, she showed up two hours early. She spent more time on a professional appearance. She honed an informative yet tight elevator pitch.

“I really wanted to be recognized,” Tran said. “You have to be able to take what you failed from and jump back from it.”

The daughter of immigrants and the middle of five children, Tran was the first of the five to complete high school. At 19, while attending Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), she gave birth to a daughter, Collette. She graduated from NOVA with an associate of science degree, and examined her options.

“I knew that Mason and going to college was the only way to get to the future that I wanted,” she said. That includes her concentration in cyber security, with a minor in criminology, law and society.

Tran works with Mason tutors, mentors, teaching assistants to make sure she understands the course material. She color-codes priorities. She budgets her social time frugally, often focusing on events hosted by campus organizations she supports, such as the Vietnamese Student Association, the Filipino Cultural Association and the Society of Women Engineers.

Her best friend? LinkedIn.

Drawing from her own experiences and other resources, Tran has compiled a detailed checklist for job seekers, a list of tips that includes choosing attire, identifying prospective employers, and showing up with the proper materials. She does not judge the approach of other students but can see where a few simple but key adjustments—starting with utilizing University Career Services—could enhance their prospects.

“I could have chosen not to go to school and to work full-time, but I know I’m capable of finishing the program and a degree,” Tran said. “I feel like I’m meant for more. I love the stability knowing for certain that I’ll graduate and people will hire me.

“Mason has opened many doors for me. I’m motivated to get to a leadership position one day. I know I can make a difference.”

Drawing from her own experiences and other resources, Tran has compiled a detailed checklist for job seekers, including tips on choosing attire, identifying prospective employers, and showing up with the proper materials.

Class of 2022 Survey Respondents Report

University Career Services annually polls the previous year's graduating class to see how their career is progressing. Graduates from the Class of 2022 reported:

a median salary of $72K
89% in positions related to their career goals
87% reported career advancement within six months of graduating
86% work in the Washington, D.C., region

For more information on this survey, please check out Career Services' Data and Outcomes information.

From communication student to NBC Nightly News intern

Colleen Rich — Mon, 01 May 2023 16:25:00 +0000

From communication student to NBC Nightly News intern Colleen Rich Mon, 05/01/2023 - 12:25

Jaala Brown knew by the end of high school that she wanted to pursue a career in the media industry.

Photo provided

Now, as the �� communication major prepares for a May graduation, that pursuit is paying dividends, as she is working as an intern for NBC’s Nightly News with Lester Holt.

That is just the latest stop for Brown, who through several internships used her time at Mason to gain the real-world experience she would need to be career-ready once she left school.

That path, she said, is exactly why she chose Mason, Virginia's largest and most diverse public institution with a proximity to Washington, D.C. and its opportunities for internships and networking.

“Make the most of your time while you’re here,” Brown said.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic proved challenging, Brown, from Richmond, Virginia, took advantage of the virtual landscape to follow her passion and landed internship after internship, including as a production intern at CNN and a talent development intern at CNBC.

“The pandemic worked to my benefit,” Brown said. “A lot of the internships that would have been geographically impossible became virtual, allowing students like me to take advantage of these opportunities.”

At the start of her senior year, Brown secured an internship as a News Special Reports intern with NBC News. Brown, who said her ultimate dream job is to become an executive producer of a news show, was excited to work on breaking news.

“Long hours and a lot of work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said of the internship. “I loved every moment of it.”

During Brown’s first week on the job Queen Elizabeth II passed away. Then came Hurricane Ian and the destruction in Southwest Florida, and the midterm elections.

“It was non-stop,” Brown said.

Brown’s current internship with the Nightly News with Lester Holt is also her first that is in-person. She works in the show’s Washington, D.C., office, mainly with the weekend team, pulling research, reviewing scripts, and pitching stories.

Brown said she couldn’t have done it without the support she received from Mason. University Career Services and her professors played a significant role in helping Brown tailor her resume and prepare for interviews. Department of Communication adjunct professor Barbara Burfeind also spent an entire class reviewing and tailoring every student's resume, offering her guidance and support.

Brown’s advice to incoming students: “Get involved, get involved, get involved. The more involved you are, the more connections you make. Find clubs and activities, be open to going to Career Services and asking your professors for help. And definitely get internships.”

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