Career Coaches

What do you do?

As an Assistant Director, I collaborate with the other members of the UCS team to help craft and implement the office’s various programs and initiatives during the academic year. As a Career Coach, I engage with students in various ways to support them as they align their academic, personal, and professional goals. This comes in the form of career exploration, interview prep, resume/cover letter review, and job/internship searching.

Why do you do it?

I love working with students! As a first-generation college student, I lacked the social and cultural capital necessary to truly get the most out of my undergraduate experience and best prepare myself for life after college. As a higher education professional, it is my responsibility to be knowledgeable of a plethora of resources, offices, and ways of navigating a large campus that allow students to maximize their degree and time at IU. I am committed to empowering students to achieve a sense of purpose, personally define success, and develop decision-making skills for navigating collegiate and external contexts.

How did you get here?

As a first-generation college student, I learned very late in my degree that there was a whole network of resources, staff, and offices that I was not taking advantage of to help ensure a successful transition to post-college life. Put simply, I didn’t know how to “do college.” After graduation I had the life-changing opportunity to serve as an AmeriCorps volunteer in the College Advisor Corps and do college access work in several low-income, underrepresented school districts in rural West Michigan. Seeing many similarities between my students’ and my own level of college readiness in high school provided an incredible opportunity for me to, in a sense, give back and prepare students for what to expect in college and help successfully navigate and utilize campus resources towards earning a degree. I then earned a Master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration where I was able to connect theory to practice and study college students and their environments. During this time, I was able to intern in a residential business community (very similar to Kelley’s JLLC) and teach a first-year seminar. This opportunity ultimately led me to IU and Kelley! As a two-time alum of a Big Ten university, I enjoy reflecting on my own experiences as I challenge and support students to make the most of their time on campus.

What have you learned during your career?

Your major does not always need to dictate your career! Now more than ever before young professionals are working in a position for 3-4 years at a time and then move on to something else. I know this can cause anxiety for students. I see it as opportunity to think long-term about our life and career goals and remember the importance of being open to new experiences and possibilities.

What do you do away from work?

My partner and I, who is also a B1G alum, love attending B1G athletic events and spending time with our cats, Fred & George. I coach hockey with the Bloomington Blades organization and enjoy playing pickleball, going to concerts, and collecting vinyl records.

I strongly believe…

The most important lessons learned in college often do not reveal themselves until after graduation when you find yourself in new and uncomfortable situations. College is the time to practice being comfortable with being uncomfortable!

I wish…

Bloomington got more snow!

What do you do?

As an associate director in the UCS, I will be working on projects with other members of our career team. I also work as a career coach, helping Kelley students with resumes, cover letters, career exploration, as well as career fair and interview preparation.

Why do you do it?

I have been working with college students for the past twenty years as an instructor, career coach, academic advisor, and mentor and I absolutely love this work. The common thread throughout this experience has been supporting students in finding a path that fits them best as they build a future that connects interests, values, meaning, and skills. Helping people create lives they love is a joy for me.

How did you get here?

My background started with an interest in education, and this has given me a base in working in higher education. I have a passion for environmental issues and a desire to help with climate change challenges by being involved in several local, national, and international organizations. I have an entrepreneurial spirit, having had several small businesses and owning and operating a small, organic blueberry farm.

I have taught over 100 classes at Indiana University for nearly 20 years, worked as a career advisor in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and an academic advisor in the Kelley School for the past 5 years.

What have you learned during your career?

I have learned that authentic connections with others are one of the best parts of career and life. Building a meaningful career/life takes time and care. The journey often takes many twists and turns and it’s important to enjoy the process as much as you can, by putting support, self-care, and reflection time in place.

What do you do away from work?

I love hiking, swimming, being outdoors no matter what the weather. I also enjoy spending time with my partner, my 3 children, my dogs, and my friends. I enjoy traveling, exploring nature, volunteering in the community, and working for environmental causes.

I strongly believe…

in being true to ourselves, having integrity, and working to make a difference in the lives of others and in the world.

What do you do?

I’m so excited to wear two specific hats in our Office. I’m a career coach—meet with Kelley undergraduate students to successfully explore potential internship positions and career paths, also, as the Associate Director of Student Services, I have the privilege to collaborate with our internal team, as well as with other Kelley departments and IU-wide, and manage our Tech/Social Media team to strategize and present career-related sessions and workshops for our growing Kelley undergraduate student population.

Why do you do it?

My reasons are simple—empathy and positive impact through intercultural competence. I empathize with those who may be struggling to find their meaningful career calling for various reasons, and I’ve found joy in helping those who turn jobs into meaningful careers. Having lived and worked in diverse environments, I value creating positive impacts through intercultural competence—the ability to comfortably and properly navigate, be aware of, and appreciate various cultures and peoples. In this globalized world, whatever industry you’re in or position you hold, intercultural competence matters and is esteemed.

How did you get here?

Born in South Korea and have lived all of my formative years on the U.S. Territory island of Saipan (Never heard of it? Google it. It’s in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, by Guam), I graduated from IU back in 2009 (BA in Journalism). My first job was in PR/communications at an international development firm in Washington, D.C. Initially, my heart was set on spreading my wings as a broadcast journalist, so I made the bold move to Seoul, South Korea, to work as an English journalist. There, I worked as a news anchor and field reporter, as well as a business communications consultant for various global companies. These worthwhile experiences opened my eyes to the world of business and the importance of intercultural competence (or the lack there of)—leading me to obtain two Masters in international development and cooperation and international communication. I had an amazing graduate assistantship at American University’s Kogod School of Business, coaching and assisting undergraduate business students, and it was then when I knew I wanted to work with students to reach their optimum potential in life and career. Where else would I do this but at my beloved alma mater?

What have you learned during your career?

Two things—challenge yourself to step out of your “comfort zone” and make those connections and long-lasting relationships. “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger” and “It’s not always about what you know, but it’s almost always about WHO you know.” I wholeheartedly agree—I’ve seen it, lived (living) it, and believe it. So go out there, expand your horizons and limits and see yourself grow and succeed.

What do you do away from work?

My husband and I are first-time parents to our sweet toddler boy who is our world! Any time we’re not working, we spend as much quality family time together, because he is growing up so fast! Pre-pandemic and pre-baby, we loved traveling—short and long road trips and international excursions. For now, we’ve opted for short trips to playgrounds, libraries, parks, and occasional road trips.

I strongly believe…

Our world will become a better, happier place if we all care, give, love, and understand a little more.

I wish…

I could be better at gardening and live to travel all around the world.

What do you do?

As an Associate Director, I lead our first year student initiatives. I also work as a career coach at the Undergraduate Career Services Office. As a coach, I help Kelley undergraduate students with resumes, job and internship search, career exploration, and career fair and interview preparation.

Why do you do it?

I work as a coach because I have a passion for working with students and helping them achieve their goals.

How did you get here?

I worked in Chicago both in public accounting and industry for four years before making the move to join the Undergraduate Career Services Office. I decided to leave accounting because I wanted to pursue my passion of working with students and helping them reach their potential. My interest in working with students began at IU where I volunteered as an English as a Second Language Tutor and co – founded various Kelley student organizations such as the Emerging Markets Club whose mission was to help students connect with alumni in emerging markets. I also enjoyed volunteering with youth organizations in Chicago such as the Chicago Scholars Foundation, an organization where young professionals help first generation college students complete their college applications and essays.

What have you learned during your career?

I learned that doing work that you deeply care about will lead to fulfillment.

What do you do away from work?

I love listening to podcasts and audiobooks related to business, education psychology, and tech, trying new coffee shops, and riding my bicycle.

I strongly believe…

…that everyone has a strength that he or she should offer to the world. Those who use their strengths will thrive.

I wish…

I wish Bloomington had a Freshii restaurant. I used to go to Freshii all the time while working in Chicago and fell in love with the healthy, fast casual concept.

What do you do?

I support students in exploring career options, and help them develop strategies and skills to succeed with their career goals. I also develop resources to support both international and domestic students with global career opportunities.

Why do you do it?

Because our students should be aware of their options and opportunities. Our world is a global village after all, and even if having an international career isn’t someone’s main goal, having international work experience is often helpful in their career advancement.

How did you get here?

I got here by being true to myself, along with gaining continuous education, keeping my options open, and taking on positions that inspired and challenged me at the same time. My work began in my home country of Macedonia, where I received my law degree, but then went to work in international development. Yet I also interned, studied, and spent time working in Finland, Poland, the US, and the UK—from where my family and I moved to the US a decade ago. My student affairs career then began at IU, where I transfer best practices and guidance to our students and let them excel in their goals.

What have you learned during your career?

To keep your options and ears open. In this dynamic climate, there is always a place for someone with the right skills, adaptability and willingness to learn, and sense of adventure.

What do you do away from work?

In my free time, I cherish time with my family, travel near and far, and bake – European breads & pastries, in particular.

I strongly believe…

…that with determination, hard work, and a good network – everything is achievable!

What do you do?

I prepare and coach Kelley Students in all aspects of their job/internship search from strengthening resumes, to preparing for interviews to accepting/declining job offers and everything in between. Sometimes just listening and acting as a sounding board for students as they work through their search and decisions.

How did you get here?

I came to be a career coach at UCS after 17 years as medical management consultant. I located and recruited physicians out of training and during their professional careers for hospital corporations, small hospital systems, multi-specialty groups and private practices all over the US. I particularly enjoyed working with your physicians completing their residency or fellowship and helping them get their first professional assignment after training. Educating the physicians on the overall physician market, assisting them in determining which job offer was the best for them and their families was very rewarding. I have also worked in marketing for a chemical distribution company, as a professional show horse trainer, a professional opera singer and a public relations/communications manager for an international biotech research lab and a private PR firm. My wide ranging professional career has taught me that there are many ways to have a career. All things are possible.

What do you do away from work?

I play competitive league tennis almost every day of the year, and ballroom dance with my wife, Beth. We have two sons, Will and Christopher. My son Will, graduated with a Master of Finance from the Kelley School and now works as a consultant in Chicago. My younger son, Christopher, attends Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.

I strongly believe…

…that working with the Indiana Kelley Students is my favorite job ever!

What do you do?

I lead the exceptional team of coaching experts here at the UCSO to ensure our students are receiving the programming and coaching they need to succeed in their job searches.

Why do you do it?

I love developing talent and I love having a positive impact on peoples’ careers.  In this role I have the opportunity to do both.

How did you get here?

The real question should be how I got back here.  Lots of planning and staying focused on what you love.  After starting my career in public accounting I quickly learned that I truly enjoyed coaching and developing talent.  That brought me back to the Kelley School in the early 2000s when I worked with the Graduate Career Services team.  Our first corporate move relocated us to Atlanta where I stayed in academia working with students at Emory University.  After another corporate relocation, to Charlotte, I transitioned into agency then corporate executive recruiting all within Financial services. This summer when my husband and I continued our discussions about our dream jobs all indicators pointed us back to IU and the time was right.  Where else would I be able to develop the talents of a team and help students launch their careers while enjoying all that Bloomington has to offer… did I mention IU basketball?

What have you learned during your career?

Relationships matter! Every connection is an opportunity to either advance or hinder your prospects. The choice is yours.

What do you do away from work?

Away from work my family keeps me busy.  My husband and I love to hike, kayak, bike and watch IU sports with our 6 year old daughter. You may also see me on an early morning campus run getting the energy out of our crazy bird dog, Bella.

I strongly believe…

…hope is not a strategy.  If you want something go get it.

I wish…

…to enjoy the small moments, every day, not just the big occasions.

How did you get here?

I am a proud IU alum and spent 29 years in Territory Sales, Large Account Management and Sales Director roles. Twenty-Seven of those years were spent in healthcare, life science and pharmaceutical industries.  I had the great opportunity to work and learn from several global Fortune 100 companies as well as multiple start-up organizations.  My career taught me a lot about career, professional and leadership development. I greatly enjoy coaching and mentoring young professionals and made an intentional career change to become a certified career coach to assist students at the greatest University in the world.

Why do you do it?

Determining a career path, finding the right job and receiving an offer are very challenging, especially if you have little experience.  I greatly enjoy assisting others in achieving their goals. 

What do you do away from work?

My wife (Betsy) and I have been married 27 years and we have 3 children (2 IU grads).  We love getting together with friends, playing euchre, attending concerts and traveling.  I am a huge sports fan, so I spend a lot time watching all sports ,college and pro.  I love to play golf and try to run as much as possible.

What do you do?

As a career coach, I work with students one-on-one to help in all matters career or job search related. I view my role as a teacher of life-long job search and career management skills, because as I often like to say, “There is no on-campus recruiting” after you graduate from Kelley!

Why do you do it?

It sounds cliché, but it is truly the people, people, people! I love working with students and the UCSO team and have found a great place to do it!

How did you get here?

I married a Hoosier.

Professionally, I started my career at UCLA (my alma mater) and have worked in university career services for over 15 years. Before joining the UCSO team, I worked at Kelley’s Graduate Career Services (GCS) Office in various roles – as a career coach for MBA and MSIS students, as well as on the corporate relations team working with recruiters. Prior to my time at Kelley, I worked at the UCLA Career Center where I coordinated the LA internship program.

While my career has been fairly straight forward, it’s a path and in a location I wouldn’t have predicted. As the daughter of a doctor and nurse, I declared myself pre-med as a college freshman because the medical profession was all I knew. I had an inkling though, that the health profession was not for me (I get queasy at the sight of blood) and my first college chemistry and calculus classes eliminated any thought about medical school. It wasn’t until I spoke to one of my professors about the jobs and volunteer experiences that I enjoyed most in college did I look into a career in Higher Education & Students Affairs.

What have you learned during your career?

Relationships are critical, personally and professionally.

Having a great boss can make all the difference in the world.

What do you do away from work?

Enjoy spontaneous dance parties with my 5-year old son and husband and try to keep up on the latest PBS Kids, Nick Jr. and Disney characters. And when I’m not doing that, hopefully you will find me on my yoga mat or going for a run through campus.

I strongly believe…

…in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s definition of success.

…in karma, that what you put out into the world is what you’ll get back.

I wish…

…to someday walk the Camino de Santiago.

…that Indiana wasn’t landlocked and that I had fewer gray hairs.

What do you do?

I am a Career Coach who advises Kelley undergraduate students in their professional and personal development. My goal is to help them to be “career ready.”

Why do you do it?

I absolutely love it! I have been in career services at IU for nearly 15 years (Kelley, SPEA, and now back at Kelley). Working with students as they explore careers and find opportunities is the best job ever. In fact, I came out of retirement in fall 2019 to return to career coaching. It makes me happy to come to work at the UCS every day.

How did you get here?

I had a 25 year career with American Airlines/SABRE in the DFW area. I started in reservations, moved on to software testing, project lead roles, and manager of software testing (Product Integrity) where I managed a large team of testers, projects, and customers. After early retirement from AA, I changed careers to work in nonprofit development in education and the arts. In 2005 I relocated to Bloomington to enjoy life in a smaller city and a climate with four seasons-Texas is very HOT! Not long after I arrived I saw a newspaper ad for “career counselor” at Kelley and immediately thought “that’s my job!” Working in career services allows me to use the strengths and transferrable skills that have served me throughout: analysis, problem solving, developing people, teamwork, and customer service.

What have you learned during your career?

+ Treat people with respect and kindness – especially as a leader
+ Listen more than you talk
+ It’s good to challenge yourself and go out of your comfort zone

What do you do away from work?

I enjoy road trips, NFL football, water aerobics, and spoiling my yellow tabby cat, Dolly Parton Also, I have been a hospice volunteer in Bloomington for 14 years.

I strongly believe…

In work-life balance, the power of a positive attitude, and living with no regrets.