Spotlight

Abdullah is a senior career advisor at Texas A&M University. With a calling for service and deeply ingrained passion for working with people, Abdullah currently serves the graduate students in the College of Engineering transforming Aggie engineers into world-class communication and leadership ninjas. His expertise lies in empowering the students to be the best they can be and providing them with lifelong learning. Besides his advising role, Abdullah also leads a Technology committee that has purchased, customized and implemented 4 new technologies in the last two years. He also leads several other initiatives relating to revamping the website, publishing FDS data dashboards and creating animated content.

Abdullah holds a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from Anna University in India, Masters in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M and is currently working on a Masters in Computer Science, also at Texas A&M.

You can connect with him on LinkedIn @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/akader16/

How did you get into the Career Services profession?

I got into the profession by chance. It all began when I attended a Career Center presentation during my new international student conference in 2014. I enjoyed the presentation and walked up to the speaker and asked “Is there any way I can volunteer and get more involved with the Career Center?”. I spent the next  2 years during my masters, supporting Career Center programs, events, leading presentations as a student leader on campus. But even during these 2 years I never once thought I would be a Career services professional. Post-graduation, I went to work for an HVAC company as a Software Controls Engineer and one day I received a phone call from my friend who is now the director at the Texas A&M Career Center about a job opportunity. Three months later, I started as a career advisor for Masters students in engineering and I am glad I made the right choice. Now, I am living the dream in god’s country serving the graduate students in engineering at Texas A&M University for the last two and a half years.

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

My first involvement with SoACE was through the webinars I attended. I found them to be extremely resourceful as I stepped into my new role in career services. When I attended the technology boot camp, the topics resonated well with me due to my technical background. It led me to getting more involved and taking up leadership roles within SoACE. I have been able to meet a lot of great people, build relationships and network with experienced career professionals. SoACE is definitely my favorite organization especially due to its friendly and supportive environment.

My first role was as the Chair of the Tech committee within Marketing and Communications. Being involved in this role gave me a sense of ownership and belonging. It was no longer an organization where I just attend an annual conference. It has been incredibly rewarding for me to be involved with SoACE. I currently serve as the Chair for Assessment and Data Analytics KG.

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

Learn to balance how to meet every day expectation while building long term solutions. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the number of 1:1 meetings, walk-ins, email etc. Identify parts of your job you can automate, deliver online, etc.

Embrace technology and be an early adapter. The ratio of Career Advisor vs. students is upwards of 1:3000 in many institutions. Technology could help bridge some of the gap.

You can’t pour out of an empty cup. This is something I learned recently from a Psychologist at a recent conference. As service professionals we put the other’s needs over our needs. So don’t forget to focus on your health and wellness. Because you can’t pour out of an empty cup!

What is your favorite quote?

I have several. One that really relates to Career Services : “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” – Booker T. Washington

What is a unique fact about you?

I was born in Bahrain and later moved to India with my parents, got my undergraduate degree in India and moved to the United States as an international student in Fall 2014 for a master’s in electrical engineering. I have lived in Texas since and I am working towards my second master’s in computer science.

What keeps you motivated?

The opportunity to have a meaningful impact, building creative solutions and working on challenging projects.

What are some of your hobbies when not working?

Reading, traveling and learning new languages. I read all kinds of books however a majority of the books I have read are non-fiction, biographies and historical. I have been learning Spanish and Russian for the past two years.

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.