Member Spotlights

Ja’Net Glover currently serves as the Senior Director for the University of Florida’s Career Connections Center. In this role, she leads a team of 33 full-time professionals and provides oversight for a centralized career development operation serving more than 54,000 students. She has recently lead the department through a $9.6 million expansion of the center, with a focus on expanding the physical space and implementing an embedded career-liaison model to extend staffing into each of UF’s colleges. Ja’Net has over fifteen years of progressive leadership experience in supporting the career development and recruitment of students in the state university system. She is a two time proud University of Florida alumni with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism and a master’s degree in Management. Beyond her education and the career services profession, Ja’Net also has professional experience in recreation, fundraising, event planning, and nonprofit management.

How did you get into the Career Services profession?

I started my connection with the career services profession as an employer recruiting students for internships and full-time jobs working for the American Heart Association. My office worked with the UF career center as they partnered with local employers to encourage students to pursue internships during their time  at UF. Each semester I would post our experiences with the career center and their team would send us faxes of student resumes (I believe I am kinda dating myself). Each semester we hosted between 5-10 interns and the career center was instrumental to make sure that happened. As my professional interest changed, I decided to apply for a role in the UF office as their career fairs manager. This position had many similar to my previous work in event planning, fundraising and community (industry) relations. Fast forward about 16 years and here we are today.

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

My SoACE experience has been multifaceted and truly significant to my professional identity. I have benefited from the educational programming, service and professional connections acquired. Through my involvement in SoACE I have gained mentors, learned best practices and improved the student experience provided my office. SoACE has been a great avenue for professional development and personal growth – beyond the annual conference. I am grateful to SoACE for allowing me and others to contribute to our profession while gaining lifelong colleagues and friends.

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

I would encourage new professionals to take advantage of all the offerings available within SoACE. I can truly say that SoACE is my favorite professional association because of the regional connections, learning and networking. I am hopeful new professionals will see SoACE as an opportunity to  expand their interests and jump right into professional involvement. Remember, it’s never too late not too early to get involved. The association continues to provide meaningful programs and experiences for membership year round.

What is your favorite quote?

Sometimes you have to leave everything you know to become who you really are. – Anonymous Author

I share this quote often with students transitioning throughout their career development. I am a firm believer that experience changes everything! As a first generation college student myself, leaving my family (all I knew) to attend college introduced me to a whole world of opportunities that I am still benefiting from today. That’s why I love the quote sometimes you have to leave everything you know to become who you really are.

What have you done so far in your career that you are most proud of?

Working for my alma mater to impact students is truly what I am most proud of as a professional. There is something about giving back to the place that invested in you that bring an intrinsic fulfillment. I never imaged being in the role I am today and the rewards gained contributing to student success for that and more I will always be proud to be a Florida Gator!

What keeps you motivated?

The ability to make a positive difference keeps me motivated. Each day brings its own challenges but my desire to make a purposeful impact keeps me going.

What are some of your hobbies when you aren’t working?

This year I have shared with friends, colleagues and family that I am on a quest to be a ‘Maker’. So my goal is simple – I am going to learn how to make things. I am intrigued by our ability to create things on our own (instead of buying things from stores) and I will share these items year round with others. Although I’m not crafty, I have ventured into baking, sowing, canning, gardening and jewelry making just to name a few of my current and upcoming adventures.

Erica Lake serves SoACE as the Director of Targeted Knowledge Groups. She is the Director of Corporate Engagement in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina. Throughout her 15 years in higher education, her career has spanned Career Services, Greek Life and University Housing.  Erica has been involved in SoACE since 2011 and was the 2012 New Professional of the Year.  She is a two-time graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Science in Counselor Education and Student Affairs. In her free time, she loves to read, travel, and spend time with her husband, Dietrich, and two sons, Sebastian and Austin. You can connect with her on LinkedIn @EricaJamesLake.

How did you get into the Career Services profession?
I became intrigued and passionate about the job search process after obtaining my undergraduate degree. Like many of our students, I did not take full advantage of my university Career Center. As graduation approached, I was not able to find a desirable position, so I decided to pursue graduate school.

Fortunately, I obtained a graduate assistantship and later a full-time internship at Millsaps College. The experiential education positions that I held in Career Services, University Housing and Greek Life helped to direct my professional career. I found a home in Career Services because of the tremendous support that I received from former supervisors and mentors who invested their time and resources into me. In addition, the relationships that I have developed through SoACE and NACE have been extremely rewarding. Currently, I have the pleasure of facilitating career and corporate connections between students, faculty, and employers for the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

Describe your SoACE Experience. How did you get involved?
I began my SoACE volunteer journey in the Employer Relations Knowledge Group, after meeting current president, Mark Colvenbach, at the 2012 conference in St. Petersburg, FL.  He invited me to volunteer with the Employer Relations Knowledge Group as a Program Coordinator. I was involved with the Knowledge Groups for about three years and eventually progressed to the Chair role. Then I ran for a board position, but did not win. However, I stayed involved and volunteered on the 2016 conference committee in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. After that experience, I moved into my current board position, Director, Targeted Knowledge Groups. This position has allowed me to work closely with some of the most involved members of our association. I am eager to serve as President-Elect beginning in July 2019 and to continue our legacy of excellence.

What advice do you have for new professionals who aspire to get more involved in the profession?
Get involved. Just do it. We are always looking for good people to serve. Remember, we are all professionals with many responsibilities. We appreciate any time you can dedicate to SoACE. Involvement is very rewarding. We have a special community of members and volunteers. The relationships that you develop through our association are priceless.

What is your favorite quote?
“People will forget what you said; people will forget what you did; but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

This quote resonates with me because I always strive to uplift others. Encouragement goes a long way in building strong relationships.

What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?
Being chosen as president-elect of SoACE is a huge honor.  I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve this amazing association of my peers and employers. I look forward to working with our members and the board of directors to prepare the leaders of the next generation. SoACE has given me so much professionally and personally. I am eager to contribute in a larger capacity.

What are some of your hobbies when not working?
I love to read and am always seeking ways to make a positive impact on the community.  Additionally, I like doing Zumba exercise classes and working out. My family and I enjoy traveling and attending Gamecock football and women’s basketball games.