Spotlights

Renard Miles, II is a native of Jackson, Tennessee, and a graduate of the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Austin Peay State University with a Master of Science in Management. He is currently working on a Doctor of Philosophy in Learning and Leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Presently, Renard serves as the Assistant Director of Career and Employer Development at the University of Tennessee at Martin. In this role, he oversees the day-to-day operations of both the Career Development and Employer Relations units. Renard also has experience working in secondary education and nonprofit organizations. Renard enjoys both learning from students as well as sharing what he has learned from his professional experiences. In his free time, Renard enjoys spending time with his family and be serving as an active volunteer with his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. His hobbies include traveling and group fitness exercises.

How did you get into the Career Services profession?

I started my career in Career Services at the University of Memphis as a Career Peer Educator. At that time, I had no inkling of what career services were, let alone what they did for students. I vividly remember one of my instructors asked me if I was looking for an opportunity to work on campus. Hesitantly, I said maybe and a couple of weeks later, I found myself working in the Office of Career Services. To my surprise, that was eight years ago, and to this day, I am still grateful that I accepted her offer.

Describe your SoACE Experience. How did you get involved and how has that experience influenced you? (feel free to elaborate on your current role or past roles)

When I first became active in SoACE four years ago, I was very shy and intimidated by the process. I did not know anyone, and on top of that, I had moved to a new university, so everything felt like a rollercoaster. Though all of that played a part in my initial experience, one thing remained true: I wanted to get involved. Thankfully, everyone I came into contact with was very welcoming and nice, and they encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone. During my second year, I took several individuals’ advice, and I joined the Employer Relations Knowledge Group (ERKG) and became the Assistant Program Coordinator for Webinars and Virtual Professional Development. I served in that role before later moving up to the Program Coordinator for Webinars and Virtual Professional Development. After having some transitions within our KG, I was presented with the opportunity to serve in my current role as Chair of the ERKG. Reflecting on my experiences reminded me of the importance of getting involved. Had I not listened to my supervisor and colleagues from SoACE, I would not be as involved as I am today. SoACE has impacted my professional career greatly, and I am extremely grateful for the numerous opportunities the organization has given me.

What advice do you have for new professionals who aspire to get more involved in the profession?

Do not be shy and chase your professional goals and aspirations. SoACE is a unique organization, and we encourage all of those who seek to grow to be involved. Lastly, do not be afraid to ask questions on how to get involved. Your SoACE experience is what you make it.

What is your favorite quote?

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
– Nelson Mandela

How have the relationships you have built over the years impacted your career? 

The relationships that I have built within SoACE have provided me with me some of my closest friends, and it has given me several additional networks and resources that I can use throughout my professional career. From calling a colleague about programming questions to asking a friend how we can better serve our student-athletes, these opportunities would not have been a reality without my SoACE relationships.

What is a unique fact about you?

I am a certified cycling instructor. Over the past seven months, I vowed to accomplish a new goal, and becoming a certified fitness instructor was one.

You can connect with Renard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renardmiles/

Emmanuela is the Associate Director for the Career & Talent Development office at the Florida International University College of Engineering and Computing. She has held this role for over 5 years, however, has been at FIU for over 8 years. Her primary responsibilities involve overseeing the operations, engaging employers in on campus activities, and providing leadership to a team of nine who assist engineering students in preparing for career opportunities. Prior to her current role, she served as Assistant Director for On Campus Recruitment for FIU Career & Talent Development for three years.  Emmanuela has also worked as the Employer Relations and Special Events Coordinator at the University of South Florida’s Career Center.
Emmanuela earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration in 2003 from Florida International University and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Florida State University in 2005. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the Higher Education Administration program at Florida International University. Her research involves second-generation Afro-Caribbean college women and exploring how they make meaning of their race, ethnicity, and gender. Furthermore, she has a passion for motivating and helping under-served populations and first-generation college students.

How did you get into the Career Services profession?
I started in career services in 2007 at the University of South Florida. I transitioned from my work in housing and residential life after discovering a passion for event planning. I remember reaching out to the Special Events Coordinator at the time to learn more about her role. Who knew that I would assume her position less than 6 months after our initial meeting? Going into Career Services was a treat for me because as an undergraduate student, I made frequent trips to the career center at FIU. I always popped into the office to get the latest copy of the career guide or bother my favorite career counselor, Carlton Williams III. As a resident assistant, I frequently partnered with him to host programs for my residents on topics related to interviewing and resume writing. He was instrumental in my career development and I wanted all of my residents to learn all the great tips that I learned from him. It was a treat to transition to Career Services and help students connect with employers through the events that I planned.

Describe your SoACE Experience. How did you get involved and how has that experience influenced you?
SoACE has meant the world to me. I believe that my involvement is tied to my state association involvement. Through FloridaACE, I was able to meet people and build relationships through volunteering on the conference planning committee. Those relationships, led to being recommended to be a part of the SoACE conference planning committee. I was able to serve as the Assistant Chair and Chair of local arrangements for the 2016 and 2017 conferences respectively. Aside from the conference committee, I was able to serve as the leadership team for the Employer Relations Knowledge Group (KG) from 2015-2017. Currently, I have the honor of being on the SoACE Board of Directors as the Director of College Knowledge Groups. In this role, I oversee 4 KGs (Administration, Experiential Education, Career Counseling and Advising, and Small Colleges and Universities) and guide them in the year-long programming that they plan to help our members stay connected to the organization. SoACE has been a place where I have connected with individuals doing similar work and everyone has always been willing to share their resources. SoACE is family and I always look forward to connecting with everyone at our annual conference. I’ve built a support system that I cherish.

What advice do you have for new professionals who aspire to get more involved in the profession?
I hope that new professionals will try to get involved. SoACE truly has something for everyone.

What is your favorite book and why?
One of my all time favorite books is the Alchemist. Every time I read it, I learn something new.

How have the relationships you have built over the years impacted your career? (SoACE, within your institution, or otherwise)
The relationships that I have built mean everything to me. Many of the members of my personal board of directors are SoACE members. They’ve helped me through some difficult professional times and have helped me celebrate my proudest accomplishments.

What keeps you motivated?
The students really keep me going. Although my current role is not student facing, students remain the central motivation. I am specifically focused on removing barriers for first-generation students and I believe that career services has a pivotal role in helping first-generation students visualize and accomplish their goals. I firmly believe that we are in the business of building confidence and implore my team to do their part with our students.

What are some of your hobbies when not working?
When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling. I have a personal goal of traveling to all of the Caribbean islands. Travel has been my passion so much so that I started a travel blog several years ago to share my travel and tips, called www.jetsettersdiary.com.