Member Spotlight: Renard Miles, II

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/

Member Spotlight: Emmanuela Stanislaus

Emmanuela StanislausEmmanuela 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.

Member Spotlight: Jessica Campbell

Jessica Campbell serves as Director, Corporate and Employer Relations at the Rice Business Career Development Office.  Jessica has been at Rice University since 2011, and previously led the employer relations team at the Rice University Center for Career Development, before transitioning into the MBA career center in 2019. Prior to Rice, Jessica worked in career services at the University of Houston and at a non-profit.

Jessica has been an active member of SoACE since 2007, having served on various committees and chairing Employer Relations Knowledge Group and New Members Committee. Jessica is currently serving on the Conference Committee.  She’s also been actively involved in HACCC (Houston Area Consortium of Career Centers), where she previously served as President, Secretary, Texas Job Fair Chair and Professional Development Chair.  Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Houston.

How did you get into the Career Services profession?

Planned happenstance!  I visited career services during my time at the University of Houston and thought it was something I could see myself doing, even though I had no idea of the breadth of resources available to me at my career center at the time. I started my career after college in hotel sales and marketing, but after a few years, pivoted to try to get experience that would allow me to work in career services at a university. I joined a nonprofit as an Employment Counselor, which then allowed me to get my foot in the door in career services when an employer relations position opened up at my alma mater. I really thought I wanted to be an advisor/counselor, but ended up falling in love with the employer relations side of things.

Describe your SoACE Experience. How did you get involved and how has that experience influenced you? 

I first got involved in SoACE by volunteering for several years, and eventually chairing, the New Members Committee, where we planned the New Member Orientation at the conference. I also got involved in the Employer Relations Knowledge Group leadership team for several years, and also eventually chaired that KG, which was incredibly rewarding. I am currently chairing Local Arrangements on the Conference Committee, which is a ton of fun and includes helping plan the President’s Reception, physical activities, philanthropy, and the big evening event at the conference. I feel so grateful that I’ve been able to be involved in SoACE since the beginning of my time in career services in 2007. I always say that it is one of the best things I did as a new professional in the field. Going to the SoACE conference every year is like attending a family or class reunion. It’s amazing to have a network of professionals to lean on and learn from, who are also in the trenches and going through similar challenges.

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

Get involved!!! Join a KG and/or a committee, volunteer at the conference, submit a proposal to present at the conference, etc. It really is the best thing you can do to start to build your network and get to know people. Take advantage of the many resources and people available to you through SoACE and other professional organizations. There are a ton of great webinars and conference sessions and so many opportunities to learn from your peers!

What is your favorite quote?

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. —Aristotle

What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?

My greatest professional accomplishment to date has been creating an externship program for Rice undergraduates. I attended a roundtable discussion at the Chantilly, VA SoACE Conference (infamously known as SnoACE) that sparked this idea. I am kicking myself for not remembering who facilitated that discussion, as I would love to give them a shout out. We partnered with alumni affairs on this program and thought that if we had 25 students participate in the pilot, we would consider it a success. We ended up with 125+ students the first year and the program has continued to grow, so much so that we were able to create a new position to run the program. I’m so proud of the impact that this program has on students who are exploring career paths and completely in awe of where the incredible team at the Rice Center for Career Development (and especially Michelle Passo, who oversees the program) have this program. It’s so rewarding to know that this program is still going on, stronger than ever!

What are some of your hobbies when not working?

When I’m not working, I’m hanging out with our three dogs, watching sports (or reality tv) and cheering on the Rockets, Texans and Astros. My mom and her friends are also teaching me how to quilt, and I really enjoy attending the International Quilt Festival and various quilting retreats with them throughout the year. I can’t wait to create a t-shirt quilt with my incredible collection of Rice Career & Internship Expo t-shirts!