by 
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.
