Member Spotlight: Rachel Wages

Rachel Wages serves as the Assistant Director of Peer Programming for the University Career Center at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In her role, Rachel provides career advising services to students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences while also managing the Peer Career Ambassador Program. Rachel’s primary responsibility is assisting students in all phases of career decision making, planning, and job search preparation. She also oversees the annual Liberal Arts and Sciences Summit hosted by the University Career Center. Additionally, Rachel volunteers her time as the SoACE Conference Marketing Liaison.

A 2008 alumnus of UNC Charlotte, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Rachel comes to us with over four years of transferable work experience in the healthcare industry.  During her two years serving as Recruiting Specialist with the University Career Center, Rachel completed her Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration through Northeastern University in 2014 before moving into a career advisor capacity.

Rachel is native to Indiana and relocated to North Carolina as a youth. She loves her two labs, Callie and Calvin, all things crossfit, hiking and traveling!

How did you get into the Career Services profession?

I was always one of those students who felt a bit lost and didn’t know where I “fit.” I always loved school, and wanted to be in the education realm in some way, but really had to explore what that looked liked like for me. After graduation from undergrad, I found myself in a hospital working in the education department. It was that experience that fueled the desire to pursue the education sector a bit further. After research, networking and job shadowing, I decided to obtain my master’s degree in Higher Education. During my studies and with my desire to get into the higher ed industry, I took a role at UNC Charlotte’s Career Center as a Recruiting Specialist. While I learned a lot, I quickly realized that helping students was my passion. Once I completed my Master’s degree, I accepted a career advising role and ultimately found myself where I belong! Having the personal experience of a non-linear career path, coupled with my uncertainty in knowing what I wanted to do has helped me empathize and equip my students with the appropriate tools for success

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

My first exposure to SoACE was the same year I became a career advisor! I attended the Austin, TX conference in 2015 and had a fantastic time networking, learning from peers and of course, exploring the city! I knew after that experience that I wanted to be involved with the planning and execution of a conference in some capacity. Through connections to members on the following year’s committee, I found out there was a need for a graphic designer for the 2016 conference.  I’ve always loved being creative and I saw this as a great opportunity to make a small mark on such a large scale event. After serving as the conference graphic designer for one year, I was then asked to serve as the Conference Marketing Liaison. I happily accepted the opportunity and found myself more heavily involved with the planning and marketing of the 2017 San Antonio, TX conference. It was such a cool experience getting to work so closely with peers around the region. It really opened my eyes to just how much work goes into pulling off such a well-rounded event. It gave me a great deal of appreciation for those who step outside of their current roles to dedicate time and energy into cultivating an opportunity for those of us in the field to learn, engage and have FUN!

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

I think what I love most about being in career services is that people want to see you succeed. As career advisors the drive to help others is ingrained within us. That encouraging nature isn’t just siloed to working with students; it is also evident in our interaction with peers.  I’ve been fortunate to work with and meet a vast group of people who genuinely want me to succeed. Growth and development is just as important for us professionals in the field as it is for our students. Thus, my advice for new individuals looking to be more involved in the profession would be to take advantage of opportunities that are presented to you. If you have the chance to go to a conference, take it. If you have the opportunity to participate in a conference committee, do so. Expand your knowledge, network with your colleagues all over the field and challenge yourself to grow. Nothing but good things come from those who step outside their comfort zone.

What is your favorite quote?

“To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”

What is a unique fact about you?

I’m an avid crossfitter! I compete (for fun) in competitions and love all aspects of it! My proudest crossfit accomplishment is my 270lb deadlift.

What have you done so far in your role as Conference Marketing Liaison for SoACE that you are most proud of?

I’m actually pretty proud of the conference newsletter that we created this year! I think it is a great way to streamline the information conference attendees need to know in an informative and creative manner.