University Career Services / en Education Careers Week brings jobs, inspiration to George Mason’s future educators /news/2026-04/education-careers-week-brings-jobs-inspiration-george-masons-future-educators <span>Education Careers Week brings jobs, inspiration to George Mason’s future educators</span> <span><span>ckearney</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-04-29T14:43:51-04:00" title="Wednesday, April 29, 2026 - 14:43">Wed, 04/29/2026 - 14:43</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Educators are in high demand, and the field offers myriad avenues for job seekers to explore. Given that demand and the diverse career opportunities, University Career Services (UCS) at 91 expanded its annual Education Recruitment Day into a full week of programming in February. Education Careers Week featured a week of career exploration, collaboration, and learning for students interested in teaching, human development, or careers working with children.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Designed for the George Mason community to make connections and explore evolving career paths, the week included workshops, panels, a networking mixer, and a visit to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), the ninth-largest school district in the nation. The week also featured an on-campus recruitment track, giving students the chance to interview directly with education employers. At least four students who participated received job offers.&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2026-04/screenshot-2026-04-13-at-10.24.11-am-e1776090902683.png" width="1000" height="368" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Education Careers Week concluded with a site visit to&nbsp;the FCPS Gatehouse Administration Center in Falls Church, Virginia. Photo provided</figcaption> </figure> <p><span>The week concluded with a site visit to&nbsp;the FCPS Gatehouse Administration Center in Falls Church, Virginia. The first-of-its-kind collaboration between George Mason and FCPS gave students an inside look at one of the nation’s largest school systems. Participants met with administrative and human resources professionals to learn about hiring timelines, interview strategies, and professional development programs such as the Great Beginnings Summer Institute, a four-day professional learning opportunity for teachers new to FCPS. The visit provided a clear view of the many roles—both inside and beyond the classroom—that drive a vibrant public school community.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>“I loved learning about the different career paths and trajectories,” said graduate student Jia Liu, who is working on a master’s in social work. “There was no linear path, which I thought was interesting and inspiring.”&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Throughout the week, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni lent their time and expertise as panelists and moderators, providing students with firsthand insight into education as both a calling and a career. Alumni from the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Alumni Chapter helped moderate sessions, highlighting the lasting connection between graduates and current students.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>“The George Mason community came together to make Education Careers Week a success,” said Saskia Campbell, UCS executive director. “That collaboration made it possible to expand our programming and networking opportunities for students.”&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Event attendees represented many of the university’s schools and colleges, spanning majors in education, business, government, STEM, and more. Half of the attendees were graduate students, indicating that the education sector attracts talent from across disciplines and at every stage of career development.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>“I decided to attend Education Careers Week to gather information about the type of education career I wanted to pursue,” said graduate student Valeria Alejandra Reyes-Chain, who is working on a school psychology degree. “I gained valuable insights that guided me throughout the job application process.”</span></p> <p><span>Education Careers Week highlighted that career growth is about continuous learning. From student teaching to leadership, each experience builds toward a career that can evolve across roles, grade levels, and even industries.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Additionally, it served as an important reminder that community makes the difference. Students, alumni, and partners supported each other in the pursuit of meaningful work, demonstrating George Mason’s culture of shared purpose. No matter your major, experience level, or background, a career in education is a way to make a difference in the world.&nbsp;</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="8d645611-d5aa-4aa2-8d5f-8eeb9d13001d"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://careers.gmu.edu/"> <p class="cta__title">More from University Career Services <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="2ccbc2fa-b99d-4f33-9295-e83ea6d9fc61" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>&nbsp;</p> <hr> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="778571ca-3d89-42fc-b16b-a7d998eb71a1" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-1b8479de0c7fa5fccd8d09691cb5b47a30ca0c39e54dd8434cf176e7203e4e42"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/mcmeans-named-atlantic-10-golfer-year" hreflang="en">McMeans named Atlantic 10 Golfer of the Year </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 19, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/senior-knows-power-pathways" hreflang="en">This senior knows the power of pathways</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 8, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/learning-experience-design-course-helps-students-dive-head-first-client-consulting" hreflang="en">Learning experience design course helps students dive head-first into client consulting </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 6, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/mason-life-marks-20-years-enduring-impact-special-education" hreflang="en">Mason LIFE marks 20 years of enduring impact in special education </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 1, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-04/education-careers-week-brings-jobs-inspiration-george-masons-future-educators" hreflang="en">Education Careers Week brings jobs, inspiration to George Mason’s future educators</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 29, 2026</div></div></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/516" hreflang="en">University Career Services</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/366" hreflang="en">University Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/191" hreflang="en">College of Education and Human Development</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/21636" hreflang="en">Fairfax County Public Schools</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:43:51 +0000 ckearney 345794 at George Mason delivers strong career outcomes and regional impact for graduates /news/2026-04/george-mason-delivers-strong-career-outcomes-and-regional-impact-graduates <span>George Mason delivers strong career outcomes and regional impact for graduates</span> <span><span>ckearney</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-04-20T13:56:43-04:00" title="Monday, April 20, 2026 - 13:56">Mon, 04/20/2026 - 13:56</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Recent 91 graduates have secured strong career outcomes, with the Class of 2025 reporting a 92% positive outcome rate within six months of graduation, even amid a challenging and shifting economic landscape.</span></p> <p><span>According to newly released data, graduates are finding employment in positions related to their fields of study and career goals, while continuing to play a key role in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area labor market.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span><strong>Key outcomes from the Class of 2025 include:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span>92% reported a positive career outcome within six months</span></li> <li><span>81% remained in the Washington, D.C., region</span></li> <li><span>74% are employed in positions aligned with their career goals</span></li> <li><span>$73,000 median starting salary</span></li> <li><span>50% remained employed with the same organization&nbsp;they worked for while they were students</span></li> </ul> <p><span>George Mason graduates also pursued a range of post-graduation pathways, including continuing education and service (miliary and volunteer), reflecting the many avenues through which students achieve success.</span></p> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2026-04/classof2025outcomesoverall.png" width="1000" height="563" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Across these pathways, graduates entered a diverse mix of industries, led by education and health care, with strong representation in government and military roles, as well as technology and consulting.</span></p> <blockquote><p><span>“Our outcomes data mirror broader regional labor market trends,” said Saskia N. Campbell, executive director of&nbsp;</span><a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/"><span>University Career Services</span></a><span> at George Mason. “These dynamics underscore the importance of equipping students with both technical expertise and adaptable human skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.”</span></p> </blockquote> <p><span>Shifts in the federal workforce were a significant factor in creating a&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/09/gen-z-are-competitive-job-market-randstad/"><span>more competitive job market</span></a><span> for the Class of 2025, with some graduates taking longer to secure roles and choosing to remain in positions longer once employed.</span></p> <p><span>As in previous years, George Mason graduates are highly sought after by large, well-established regional employers across the public and private sectors, including the Department of War, Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County Government, Inova Health System, MedStar Health, Amazon Web Services, Capital One, Google, IBM, Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Northrop Grumman.</span></p> <p><span>This strong performance aligns with broader national recognition of George Mason’s impact. The university ranked No. 1 in Virginia for upward mobility according to&nbsp;</span><a href="/news/2025-09/george-mason-university-1-among-virginia-and-dmv-region-public-universities-upward"><span>U.S. News &amp; World Report</span></a><span> and the&nbsp;</span><a href="/news/2025-10/george-mason-university-drives-upward-mobility-salary-outcomes-and-value-virginia"><span>Wall Street Journal</span></a><span>, the latter of which also ranked George Mason No. 1 among Virginia and D.C. area public universities for salary outcomes. The Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education recognized the university to the highest tier of&nbsp;</span><a href="/news/2025-04/george-mason-highlighted-one-carnegies-opportunity-colleges-and-universities"><span>Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings</span></a><span>, for its commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and student success.</span></p> <p><span>These outcomes reinforce George Mason’s role in preparing graduates to contribute to a dynamic and ever evolving regional workforce.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="c83b3d78-1f1f-4e60-b66a-cf3580e1380e"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://careers.gmu.edu/find-job-or-internship"> <p class="cta__title">Explore internships and career opportunities at George Mason <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span 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class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">A mini career fair in October brought together 17 students and nine employer partners for a networking experience designed with intention: a quieter, structured environment where neurodivergent students could practice professional skills without the sensory overload of a conventional career event.&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2026-01/pxl_20251031_142716361-2048x1536-1.jpg" width="1000" height="475" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>The mini career fair gave students space to rehearse their personal pitches, ask questions, and receive individualized feedback. Photo provided</figcaption> </figure> <p>Hosted by 91’s <a href="https://ds.gmu.edu/masi/">Mason Autism Support Initiative</a> (MASI) and the <a href="https://ds.gmu.edu/efp/">Executive Functioning Program</a> (EFP) in Disability Services, in collaboration with <a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/">University Career Services</a> (UCS), the event gave students space to rehearse their personal pitches, ask questions, and receive individualized feedback.&nbsp;</p> <p>Employers from organizations including Fairfax County Government, the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, Melwood, BroadFutures, and the Organization for Autism Research’s Hire Autism Program met students and offered insight into job opportunities, workplace culture, and accessibility. The focused, calm, and conversational tone made it clear that this was not simply a recruitment event; it was an environment engineered for confidence-building.&nbsp;</p> <p>MASI and EFP created the fair in response to a familiar challenge: large crowded networking events often obscure rather than illuminate opportunity, particularly for neurodivergent students. Here, students moved through a sequence of core skills, including introducing themselves, articulating employment goals, presenting a résumé, and posing targeted questions. Employers responded with candid, practical feedback rooted in real workplace expectations.</p> <p>The approach worked. Sharon Toda, EFP assistant director, noted that 60% of students reported encountering no obstacles during their interactions—an uncommon statistic for a group that frequently names career fairs as particularly stressful events. For those who did describe challenges, such as uncertainty about how to introduce themselves or what information employers might want, staff emphasized that these moments are exactly the point: The fair exists to make the unfamiliar navigable.&nbsp;</p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span>Employer enthusiasm matched student engagement. According to Toda, several employer partners were “pleasantly surprised by the university’s initiative to support individuals with disabilities,” and one partner was motivated enough by the experience to help recruit an additional employer for future fairs. Their participation reflected a shared understanding that access and preparation are not separate goals but mutually reinforcing ones.&nbsp;</p> <p>First piloted in the spring 2025 semester, the MASI/EFP mini career fair continues to evolve through close collaboration with employer partners and Ann Garner, a Career Services advisor. Participants also had access to a preparation workshop, led by UCS career advisor Zakeyah Frazier.&nbsp;</p> <p>The fair echoes George Mason’s broader mission of inclusion and creates yet another path for student success. By shaping the environment around students’ needs and engaging employers committed to accessible hiring, MASI and EFP turned a standard career interaction into something intentional and empowering. The mini career fair is set to return in April 2026.</p> <p><em>To learn more about Disability Services’ programming and events, visit ds.gmu.edu.</em></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="ce1ad11d-31f6-427d-af4a-2cbf1e80fec5" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="1d5c6e20-fe44-4107-950f-e2ac205b596d" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related Stories</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-bd73790f7973582d26cfe9211d920fbace726cebf7262f9e53a48f266160ded8"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/mason-square-flexed-its-neighborhood-spirit-clarendon-fitfest" hreflang="en">Mason Square flexed its neighborhood spirit at Clarendon FitFest</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 21, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/making-space-well-being-during-finals" hreflang="en">Making space for well-being during finals </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 18, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/graduation-spotlight-series-doing-it-all-once" hreflang="en">Graduation spotlight series: Doing it all at once</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 12, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/graduation-spotlight-series-mile-mile-running-success" hreflang="en">Graduation spotlight series: Mile by mile, running for success</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 12, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-04/mason-day-2026-marks-61-years-community-and-tradition" hreflang="en">Mason Day 2026 marks 61 years of community and tradition</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 30, 2026</div></div></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="e6b68d9b-415e-4db1-ab81-1123e41a4195"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://careers.gmu.edu/fairs-and-recruiting"> <p class="cta__title">Learn about upcoming Career Events <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="b626065e-b92e-4214-b5e4-7d0fc057cadf" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13011" hreflang="en">inclusive excellence</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/516" hreflang="en">University Career Services</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3361" hreflang="en">job fair</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15126" hreflang="en">workforce</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/366" hreflang="en">University Life</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> </div> </div> Tue, 06 Jan 2026 21:01:51 +0000 ckearney 344876 at Confidence meets opportunity at Fall 2025 Career Fair /news/2025-10/confidence-meets-opportunity-fall-2025-career-fair <span>Confidence meets opportunity at Fall 2025 Career Fair </span> <span><span>Katarina Benson</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-10-23T16:56:29-04:00" title="Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 16:56">Thu, 10/23/2025 - 16:56</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="TextRun SCXW138970090 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US">Over the three days of this fall’s Career Fair, more than 5,000 91 students filled Dewberry Hall in sharp professional attire and with polished résumés in hand—ready to take the next step toward their careers.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW138970090 BCX0 intro-text">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW21384652 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">George Mason’s Career Fair, held each fall and spring semester, is the university’s largest on-campus recruiting event, connecting students with representatives from more than 100 companies and organizations. The event offers students opportunities to explore internships, part-time roles, and full-time positions across a range of industries.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW21384652 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2025-10/picture1-2-768x512.jpg?itok=hIliLq5p" width="560" height="300" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Wilkerson and fellow staff members at the career fair. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life</figcaption> </figure> <p class="Paragraph SCXW21384652 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">“These are opportunities to get right in front of the employers,” said Phillip Wilkerson, employer engagement consultant at </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW21384652 BCX0" href="https://careers.gmu.edu/" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">University Career Services</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> (UCS). “I like to tell students this is not a place where you can automatically get a job or a magic ticket; it’s a great way to build relationships, get business cards, and stay in touch.”&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW21384652 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW21384652 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">While the fair is about connections, success begins long before students step into Dewberry Hall. University Career Services offers one-on-one advising to help students refine résumés, craft cover letters, and practice introductions before the career fair.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW21384652 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW21384652 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">“Confidence comes with preparation,” Wilkerson said. “The more prepared you are, the more confident you are.”</span><span class="EOP SCXW21384652 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-10/picture2-1-768x512.jpg?itok=AhLRq9lt" width="350" height="233" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>A students converses with an employer. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life</figcaption> </figure> <p class="Paragraph SCXW21384652 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Mary Claire Kraft, employer outreach manager for University Career Services, recommended that students research before the fair to be even more prepared. “Number one, check </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW21384652 BCX0" href="https://gmu.joinhandshake.com/login" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Handshake</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">, George Mason’s job search web site,” she said. “When students meet an </span><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">employer</span><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> they’re interested in, they can then share one thing they already know about them.”&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW21384652 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW21384652 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Each day of the fair is focused on a different area or industry. Day one was focused on science, technology, engineering and health; day two was a general day for all companies; and day three was mainly attended by business, government, education and nonprofit organizations.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW21384652 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW21384652 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Iman Chaudhry, a sophomore majoring in management information systems, approached the fair with an open mindset, something she credits with helping her make the most of the fair. “I think it’s important not to limit yourself, even if you have a specific major,” she said. “There are benefits to attending all days of the Career Fair.”</span><span class="EOP SCXW21384652 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW21384652 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">First-year student Lilliana Russell attended her first fair this </span><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">fall</span><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> eager to learn. The civil and infrastructure engineering major arrived early with a list of employers to meet and a curiosity about what her field has to offer. “I’m really just trying to scope out what the different companies in my field are and maybe score an internship,” she said.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW21384652 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-10/picture1-1-e1760623785570-1.jpg?itok=cQDya3N7" width="350" height="261" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Students meet with potential employers. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life</figcaption> </figure> <p class="Paragraph SCXW21384652 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Russell added that her nerves faded once she began speaking with recruiters. “Once I got to know everyone and saw how excited they were to talk with students, I let go of any preconceived notions I had about the event,” she said.</span><span class="EOP SCXW21384652 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW21384652 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">University Career Services hosts a wide variety of career fairs throughout the year. Students can keep the momentum </span><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">going</span><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> a Clearance Ready event on October 28 at noon. Engineering Careers Week kicks off November 10. &nbsp;</span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW21384652 BCX0" href="https://careers.gmu.edu/events" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Learn more about these and other career opportunities</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW21384652 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW21384652 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:feature_image" data-inline-block-uuid="d70cedac-38a9-47ff-99cb-c0c825db84b7" class="block block-feature-image block-layout-builder block-inline-blockfeature-image caption-below"> <div class="feature-image"> <div class="narrow-overlaid-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2024-09/all-1080x1080_internships.jpg?itok=4VUrR_BE" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/feature_image_small/public/2024-09/all-1080x1080_internships.jpg?itok=Ik5xBqzk 768w, /sites/default/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2024-09/all-1080x1080_internships.jpg?itok=4VUrR_BE 1024w, /sites/default/files/styles/feature_image_large/public/2024-09/all-1080x1080_internships.jpg?itok=pz1hApSd 1280w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 80vw,100vw" alt> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="b82ad2ec-f9bd-4c92-a645-6d59fdc4b6c8"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://gmu.edu/internships"> <p class="cta__title">Learn more about internships at George Mason <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="385b25a0-db9d-43fb-a5ba-36b6bd897ebe" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related Stories</h2> <div 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href="/news/2026-05/power-showing-how-honors-college-student-built-career-seizing-every-opportunity" hreflang="en">The power of showing up: How this Honors College student built a career by seizing every opportunity </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 12, 2026</div></div></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/366" hreflang="en">University Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/516" hreflang="en">University Career Services</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15126" hreflang="en">workforce</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/721" hreflang="en">internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 23 Oct 2025 20:56:29 +0000 Katarina Benson 343961 at Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success /news/2025-10/career-influencers-network-guides-career-ready-students-toward-success <span>Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success</span> <span><span>lclarkg</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-10-09T10:05:36-04:00" title="Thursday, October 9, 2025 - 10:05">Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:05</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">The&nbsp;</span><a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/faculty-staff/career-influencers-network"><span class="intro-text">Career Influencers Network</span></a><span class="intro-text"> at 91 empowers faculty and staff to provide career development support to students throughout their academic journey. The network is open to instructors, advisors, success coaches, supervisors, and any others across campus who are positioned to help students achieve their professional goals.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/"><span class="intro-text">University Career Services</span></a><span class="intro-text"> hosted a reception in early October honoring the network’s 10th anniversary. The network started in 2015 with 19 members, and it has now grown to include more than 500 faculty and staff.&nbsp;</span></p> <hr> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2025-10/250218601.jpg?itok=WHa93zTp" width="560" height="373" alt="Students in professional attire line up at the career fair" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> <p><span>The network exemplifies George Mason’s approach to preparing career-ready graduates.</span></p> <p><span>“The Career Influencers Network was the beginning of a ‘career ecosystem’ or ‘career everywhere’ approach,” said Saskia Campbell, executive director of University Career Services. “Preparing career-ready graduates is not confined to one office; it’s a shared responsibility of every faculty and staff member.”</span></p> <p><span>The Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) has named George Mason to the highest tier of its list of&nbsp;</span><a href="/news/2025-04/george-mason-highlighted-one-carnegies-opportunity-colleges-and-universities"><span>Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings</span></a><span>, in recognition of the university’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility. Positive, high-earning career outcomes contribute to that recognition.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Career Influencers offer students job-search advice, refer them to career advising, promote employer recruitment efforts at George Mason, and share career resources with students.&nbsp;</span></p> <blockquote><p><span>“Campus partners have helped students connect the dots between their academic experiences or on-campus jobs and their professional futures—and that is transformative,” Campbell said.</span></p> </blockquote> <p><span>The Career Influencers Network has garnered national attention—other institutions reach out for guidance to replicate its success on their own campuses. George Mason’s network has been highlighted by organizations supporting career services in higher education, including the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.advisingsuccessnetwork.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2FAASCU_CLC_Toolkit.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clclarkg%40gmu.edu%7C9f4167c03b0e4eb2374f08de05f38c39%7C9e857255df574c47a0c00546460380cb%7C0%7C0%7C638954740756126625%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=66VlRuYSUyLqSlhMWQbmb7oGToqT1qyfO9VuGWH2dpY%3D&amp;reserved=0"><span>American Association of State Colleges and Universities.</span></a></p> <p><span>The network’s ability to reach students wherever they are has been instrumental to its success.&nbsp;</span></p> <blockquote><p><span>“It's a common challenge many career services offices face: how to serve a large student population with limited staff and resources,” said Kristin Leonato, associate director of programs and outreach in University Career Services. “Utilizing career services is optional and not a required part of a degree program. The network allows us to connect with campus partners who students already know and trust.”</span></p> </blockquote> <p><span>To join the network, faculty and staff participate in an interactive, 4.5-hour training covering topics like career readiness, how employers recruit George Mason students, and strategies to support students at various stages of their career development.</span></p> <p><span>Engagement with the network does not end with the initial training. Career Influencers receive ongoing support from University Career Services, including workshops on related topics and monthly updates on career-related events and services.</span></p> <p><span>The 10th anniversary event included words of appreciation from Campbell and Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life, who presented two awards recognizing faculty and staff contributions to the Career Influencers Network.&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-10/career_influencers_network_2_2025.jpg?itok=Lim-APx5" width="350" height="350" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Erin McSherry, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (pictured at left), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the Career Influencers Network. Pictured at right is Kristin Leonato, associate director, University Career Services. Photo provided</figcaption> </figure> <p><span>Erin McSherry, assistant dean in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the network. About 50% of the faculty and staff in the network are referred by a colleague or supervisor.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><a href="/profiles/lguerin"><span>Larry Guerin</span></a><span>, adjunct faculty in the Criminology, Law, and Society Department within CHSS and the Costello College of Business, received the Outstanding Influencer Award for demonstrating the impact career influencers can make on students’ personal and professional lives.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>“It takes a strong network of committed professionals to support students in achieving their short-term and long-term professional goals in a wide range of career fields,” said Leonato. “The more than 500 faculty and staff in the Career Influencers Network are an important part of this work.”&nbsp;</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="a8159ee2-b212-4271-b01f-6a7752bc48b2"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://careers.gmu.edu/"> <p class="cta__title">University Career Services <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="b4de7302-25c9-41da-8e40-8b16302f67b8"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://careers.gmu.edu/faculty-staff/career-influencers-network"> <p class="cta__title">Join the Career Influencers Network <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="46b9dac1-00bd-4bbc-9765-3e0fea0c6efc" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Read More Like This</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-bda28d98fada38c340437fe6cf31e08e6055b22aa5f7b90adda9780b6aed434d"> <div class="view-content"> 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</div> <div> </div> </div> Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:05:36 +0000 lclarkg 343776 at V-TOP subaward will help make George Mason’s top-ranked internship opportunities more accessible /news/2025-07/v-top-subaward-will-help-make-george-masons-top-ranked-internship-opportunities-more <span>V-TOP subaward will help make George Mason’s top-ranked internship opportunities more accessible</span> <span><span>sholla4</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-07-15T15:42:01-04:00" title="Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - 15:42">Tue, 07/15/2025 - 15:42</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">In 2025, 91 came out on top for its commitment to increasing access to opportunity in two key rankings. U.S. News and World Report ranked </span><a href="/news/2024-09/george-mason-university-ranks-1-virginia-best-value-internships-and-upward-mobility"><span class="intro-text">91 #1 in the state of Virginia for internships</span></a><span class="intro-text">, and the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) named 91 to </span><a href="/news/2025-04/george-mason-highlighted-one-carnegies-opportunity-colleges-and-universities"><span class="intro-text">the highest tier of its list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings</span></a><span class="intro-text">.</span></p> <p>Critical to expanding the field of opportunities is <a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/">University Career Services</a>, which provides top-tier support for students, including critical scholarships to increase internship accessibility. And as a testament to their dedicated work, the office recently received a Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) subaward for $40,000 for continued development and expansion of internship programs.</p> <figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2025-07/250218607_copy_0.jpg?itok=fgep7KDQ" width="560" height="374" alt="Students in business professional attire line up to speak with company representatives." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Students at the 2025 Career Fair. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> <p><a href="/internships">Internships</a> play a large part in career readiness. They give students a chance to test their skills in real-world situations while becoming comfortable in new office environments and navigating new responsibilities.</p> <p>“Data shows that students who complete experiential educational activities are always more likely to be able to find career success in their first job,” said Matthew Myers, associate director of employer and alumni engagement and recipient of the subaward on behalf of University Career Services.</p> <p>But one of the largest barriers for students interested in internships is the cost. &nbsp;</p> <p>“A lot of George Mason students are working while putting themselves through school,” said Myers. “Doing an unpaid internship might mean having to cut their hours or even quit the jobs that they need to provide for themselves and their families, without receiving supplemental income in return.”</p> <p>To help give all students the opportunity to pursue an internship, University Career Services offers scholarships for students who take unpaid internships. The V-TOP subaward will, in part, support these scholarships.</p> <p>“Part of our duty as a university is to provide students with opportunities. More opportunities mean better outcomes for them in both internships and future careers,” said Myers.</p> <p>Myers noted that this doesn’t just help the students: It gives employers a unique opportunity to grow. Lack of funding for internships is just as much of a barrier for smaller organizations as it is for the students. Through the internship scholarships, smaller organizations get a chance to explore what interns can do for their company without as heavy a cost burden.</p> <p>“Interns bring fresh perspectives and new talents, and they widen applicant pools, particularly for smaller organizations,” said Myers. “Once they see the value, we hope they’ll be encouraged to continue providing those opportunities."</p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-07/230222139_copy.jpg?itok=Jx7FueKV" width="350" height="350" alt="A close-up of a resume exchanging hands from student to employer" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> <p>George Mason is well-regarded in the area for the strength of its graduates across various industries. Myers, in his work with employers, believes the proof is in their continued engagement with the university and recruitment of George Mason students.</p> <p>Angela Biehl, director of talent acquisition for the nonprofit organization ATCC, calls ATCC’s strategic partnership with George Mason, “an integral component of our broader talent acquisition strategy.” Multiple ATCC team members are George Mason alumni, many of whom started their early career journeys with internships at ATCC. And the pipeline continues: Two current George Mason students are participating in their 2025 Summer Internship Program.</p> <p>“ATCC’s partnership with George Mason continues to deliver measurable results—fueling innovation, advancing our scientific mission, and empowering the next generation of scientists,” said Biehl. “It is a model of how strategic academic collaboration can drive workforce development and long-term organizational impact.”</p> <p>“Our students are go-getters. They aren’t afraid of a challenge,” he said. “And the multicultural experiences they get in the classroom—working not just with people from around the globe but also of different ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and more—is highly valuable to employers.”</p> <p>Whether through scholarships, internship fairs, or resume and interview help, University Career Services’ dedication to connecting students with valuable internship experiences helps strengthen Virginia’s workforce.</p> <p>Myers said, “we want our students to impact the community, and being able to get meaningful experiences in their field of choice is a big piece of that.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="7ad84ca0-99a4-4a8e-8a71-1a74e73e9d23"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/internships"> <p class="cta__title">Learn more about internships at George Mason <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="888eeeab-5ecd-49a8-9593-5422407c5d9d" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><br>&nbsp;</p> <hr> <p><br>&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="a2cc1793-9800-4a9f-aadf-e02426aa9c32" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related news</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-04e5017145f0feb0db31b413745d87d145a322b41da260e6a205c7cb5fc205d8"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/costello-senior-good-business-win-win" hreflang="en">For this Costello senior, good business is a win-win</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 7, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-10/cyber-security-engineering-student-excels-his-internship-second-time" hreflang="en">Cyber security engineering student excels at his internship for the second time </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 6, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-09/can-ai-expand-access-legal-services-aspiring-lawyer-hopes-find-answer" hreflang="en">Can AI expand access to legal services? 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That was definitely a very welcomed change for me,” Padhya said. “I felt like a new person and George Mason was a huge part of these last few formative years of my life.”</span></span></p> <p><span><span>He is set to graduate in December 2024 with a BS in <a href="https://cec.gmu.edu/program/computer-science-bs#:~:text=The%20program%20emphasizes%20both%20computer,and%20software%20design%20and%20development.">computer science</a> and a minor in <a href="https://science.gmu.edu/academics/departments-units/computational-data-sciences/computational-data-sciences-minor">computational and data science</a>.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>During his time at George Mason, Padhya worked in the <a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/">University Career Services</a> office as the senior front desk student assistant, where he greeted students and gave them career assistance, as well as managing the <a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/about/meet-our-staff"><span><span>career advisors</span></span>’</a> appointments and calendars. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>He also helped administer career assessments and did set-up work and guided students at George Mason’s well-attended career fairs.&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p><span><span>For his commitment to career services at George Mason, Padhya was featured on the cover of this year’s <a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/career-readiness-guide">Career Readiness Guide</a>. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>This summer, Padhya also got professional experience in his field as a data analyst intern at Capital One.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>“With a computer science major, an internship is very important. I definitely felt prepared for it with the help of my [CS&nbsp;450&nbsp;Database Concepts] course with Professor <a href="https://cec.gmu.edu/profiles/pideng">Ping Deng</a> and my [CS&nbsp;484&nbsp;Data Mining] course with <a href="https://cec.gmu.edu/profiles/jessica">Jessica Lin</a>. Those courses were definitely the most helpful for my internship,” said Padhya.</span></span></p> <h4><span><span><strong>What’s your best memory of George Mason?</strong></span></span></h4> <p><span><span>Getting the call that I got the internship at Capital One was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. Part of my responsibilities were what we call “productionizing” a data set. There was a whole process of getting data from the right sources, cleaning it, and then automating that process to automatically update the data on a weekly basis.</span></span></p> <h4><span><span><strong>How have you grown while at George Mason?</strong></span></span></h4> <p><span><span>Throughout high school I was a straight-A student, but my very first class here was a challenge for me and I ended up getting a B minus. It took some getting used to, but just coming to terms with the fact that it’s not the end of the world if I’m not perfect was really impactful.</span></span></p> <h4><span><span><strong>Best piece of advice for incoming students?</strong> </span></span></h4> <p><span><span>Don’t have the mindset that you’re underqualified for something. The job market is very difficult right now, but I think it’s important to understand that your GPA, while important, isn’t ALL that matters in the professional world. During job interviews for me it was more about what my personal and professional experiences were. Employers want to know who you are as a person and what experiences have you had that led you to become that person. I also think it’s important to engage with all the resources George Mason has to offer, like the Career Services office.</span></span></p> <h4><span><span><strong>What’s next for you?</strong></span></span></h4> <p><span><span>I will be returning to Capital One for a full-time data analyst position after graduation.</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="ef4379ed-f74c-49d7-96ca-31af6dbac2e0"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://careers.gmu.edu/"> <p class="cta__title">Discover what University Career Services can do for you <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="20444ace-0833-4532-a5c3-6a6c59355029" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="3834c9af-f3f2-462e-878a-151a7bd25126" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-c1ede17f69d90d7e34be9d62b2da1458083ae8aa9539dbffe7c8a3b269c3f948"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-06/university-scholar-combines-art-and-conflict-resolution-build-bridges" hreflang="en">University Scholar combines art and conflict resolution to build bridges</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">June 1, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/george-mason-capitol-hill-how-environmental-policy-training-shaped-one-graduates-path" hreflang="en">From George Mason to Capitol Hill: How environmental policy training shaped one graduate’s path</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 29, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/honors-college-student-athlete-excels-and-field" hreflang="en">This Honors College student-athlete excels on and off the field </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 29, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/internship-helped-connect-eip-grad-career-path" hreflang="en">An internship helped connect this EIP grad with a career path </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 15, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/art-history-senior-curates-exhibit-women-artists-and-their-perspectives-aging" hreflang="en">Art history senior curates exhibit on women artists and their perspectives on aging </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 15, 2026</div></div></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/721" hreflang="en">internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/481" hreflang="en">Graduation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17376" hreflang="en">Winter Commencement</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3071" hreflang="en">College of Engineering and Computing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/516" hreflang="en">University Career Services</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4066" hreflang="en">Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP)</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 11 Dec 2024 18:47:21 +0000 ckearney 114986 at Internship doesn’t pay? Mason’s got you covered /news/2024-01/internship-doesnt-pay-masons-got-you-covered <span>Internship doesn’t pay? Mason’s got you covered</span> <span><span>ckearney</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-01-12T12:43:20-05:00" title="Friday, January 12, 2024 - 12:43">Fri, 01/12/2024 - 12:43</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Unpaid internships, while often touted as a necessary gateway to a dream job, can pose unexpected barriers for students who may lack the funds for a professional wardrobe or child care, or who simply can’t take on extra hours in addition to working part- or full-time jobs. </span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-01/hola-veggie_1.jpg?itok=tha5uMb0" width="332" height="350" alt="student at her internship in Argentina" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Tourism and events management major Yuliana Rud used her scholarship to help pay for an internship in Argentina with Hola Veggie. Photo provided</figcaption> </figure> <p><span><span>Traditionally, the benefits of the internship experience have been used to justify the lack of pay. 91 is anything but traditional, and instead is mindful of these economic barriers that can keep qualified students from taking an unmissable opportunity. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>And that’s where Mason’s commitment to access via the <a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/scholarship">Scholarship for Unpaid Internships</a> comes in. Open to all undergraduate and graduate Mason students, the scholarship offers a much-needed infusion of funding that can often mean the difference in allowing a student to take on a career advancement opportunity without compromising themselves financially.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>According to Saskia Campbell, executive director of <a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/">University Career Services</a> (UCS), Mason is filling a gap that can make all the difference in a student’s future. “Internships lead to job offers and higher starting salaries, and University Career Services is focused on creating more inclusive pathways for students to gain relevant experience,” said Campbell. </span></span></p> <p><span><span><a href="https://archive.spirit.gmu.edu/2019/06/helping-students-with-unpaid-internships/">Since being established in 2017</a>, the scholarship has grown significantly. According to Rebekah Truog, office manager at UCS, 160 students have thus far benefited from the scholarship with close to $250,000 distributed. Initial funding for the scholarship came from the University Life Parents Fund, which continues to occasionally contribute.</span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2024-01/k_newman_internship_story.jpg?itok=Hvf7Cxjr" width="300" height="380" alt="Kayleigh Newman headshot" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Kayleigh Newman. Photo provided</figcaption> </figure> <p><span><span>“Most of our funding comes directly from revenue from our Career Fairs,” said Truog. “We also get funding from our <a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/employers/become-partner">Employer Partner Program</a>, as well as <a href="https://securemason.gmu.edu/s/1564/GID2/16/19-giving.aspx?sid=1564&amp;gid=2&amp;pgid=651&amp;cid=1709&amp;bledit=1&amp;sort=1&amp;dids=60.170&amp;appealcode=IUL14">direct donations to Career Services</a>. Of those direct donations, 100 percent goes to funding for the scholarship.” </span></span></p> <p><span><span>And with those funds, students get to take on opportunities that can make a real difference in securing a career in their dream field after graduation. Among the organizations that Mason students have interned with and gained valuable experience from, Truog noted that many are community health organizations, nonprofits,&nbsp; the federal government, or nongovernmental organizations.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>For some of these students, an internship is necessary to gain professional hours required for licensure. This was the case for Nathan Park, who is pursuing an MEd in counseling and development, with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>“My internship allowed me to obtain counseling hours so that I may apply for licensure in the state of Virginia,” said Park. “Receiving the scholarship alleviated my financial distress in paying for gas and rent.”</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Kinesiology major Kayleigh Newman received the scholarship this past fall to intern at Innovative Physical Therapy and Wellness. “Being exposed to my field [physical therapy], getting to be hands on…and being inspired by seeing the things I am learning in practice” were all benefits of her internship, she said. “My internship has really confirmed to me that this is the right career path for me.”</span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2024-01/230413092.jpg?itok=fhr6e0nB" width="300" height="404" alt="Nathan Park in Johnson Center" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Nathan Park. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> <p><span><span>Yuliana Rud, a tourism and events management major, echoes the sentiment. Rud interned in Argentina with Hola Veggie, a plant-based meal kit company. “I’m now more sure than ever that the major and career path I’ve chosen is right for me, and this internship was a big factor in that,” she said. “The scholarship helped cover daily costs while I was living in a different country, such as travel expenses, groceries, and materials for my work.”</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Mason alum Austin McManus</span>, BA History ’17, MA History ’18, was one of the first students to benefit. The scholarship helped pay for his housing in Washington, D.C., where he interned for the History Office at the National Archives.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>“My time working at the National Archives was an important step in my professional career as a history educator,” said McManus, who is leads the History/Art Department at Fusion Academy, Tysons. “It was essentially the first time working as a historian in the professional world, and I developed important skills that I use in my current role.”</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="7578f02c-6646-4625-80f9-7bf8bb771853"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://careers.gmu.edu/scholarship"> <p class="cta__title">Learn more about the Scholarship for Unpaid Internships <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="4368619f-2b6f-4545-9694-20bd644bf237" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="6070fe05-8750-4a40-afa3-64fdb92dd2a7" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Read More Internship Stories</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-f6b523402d61e152a2797752efc5eba3e0d174d15d0572a9ad2307caceb36a53"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-06/george-mason-phd-student-recognized-blockchain-privacy-research" hreflang="en">George Mason PhD student recognized for blockchain privacy research</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">June 2, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/internship-helped-connect-eip-grad-career-path" hreflang="en">An internship helped connect this EIP grad with a career path </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 15, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/graduation-spotlight-series-doing-it-all-once" hreflang="en">Graduation spotlight series: Doing it all at once</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 12, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/cambodia-carter-school-avery-butler-builds-future-peacebuilding-george-mason" hreflang="en">From Cambodia to Carter School: Avery Butler builds a future in peacebuilding at George Mason</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 12, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-05/power-showing-how-honors-college-student-built-career-seizing-every-opportunity" hreflang="en">The power of showing up: How this Honors College student built a career by seizing every opportunity </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 12, 2026</div></div></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="13fae75b-e819-4c5f-923f-1abaf14bff38" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><hr> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>This content appears in the Spring 2024 print edition of the </em><strong><a href="/spirit-magazine" target="_blank" title="Mason Spirit Magazine">Mason Spirit Magazine</a></strong> <em>as part of "Career-Ready, Set, Go."</em></p> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="1198643d-0d41-488a-9e92-5026f2c8e4e9"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/spirit-magazine"> <p class="cta__title">More from Mason Spirit Magazine <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 12 Jan 2024 17:43:20 +0000 ckearney 110216 at Fall Career Fair brought record number of job seekers and employers to campus /news/2023-10/fall-career-fair-brought-record-number-job-seekers-and-employers-campus <span>Fall Career Fair brought record number of job seekers and employers to campus</span> <span><span>lclarkg</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-10-05T13:36:41-04:00" title="Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 13:36">Thu, 10/05/2023 - 13:36</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2023-10/230928803.jpg?itok=CMezqPBP" width="1480" height="987" alt="Two female Mason students speak with an employer at the Career Fair" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>A record number of students and alumni attended the Fall Career Fair to meet prospective employers. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>91’s Fall Career Fair, hosted by </span></span><span><a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/"><span>University Career Services</span></a></span><span><span> on the Fairfax Campus, connected students and&nbsp;alumni with prospective employers on Sept. 27–28.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2023-10/230928802.jpg?itok=ewhgaCb4" width="1480" height="987" alt="A group of male students speak to a recruiter at the Fall Career Fair" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Nearly 4,300 job and internship seekers attended the fair, meeting with recruiters from more than 250 different employers.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2023-10/230928801.jpg?itok=lU5dHz6N" width="1480" height="987" alt="A student speaks to a law enforcement recruiter at the Career Fair" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The first day of the fair focused on science, technology, engineering, and math, and the second day focused on business, government and nonprofits.</span></span></span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2023-10/230928804.jpg?itok=XGrD7F4c" width="1480" height="987" alt="A student speaks with a prospective employer at the Career Fair. The recruiter is taking a document from their clipboard" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>91 is committed and successful in producing career-ready graduates. In Mason’s </span></span><span><a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/about-ucs/data-outcomes"><span>Career Plans Survey for the Class of 2022</span></a></span><span><span>, 87% of undergraduate and graduate respondents reported a positive career outcome within six months of graduation (including employment, graduate school, military, or volunteer work). Among those students employed, 89% reported being in positions related to their career goals.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Students were encouraged to prepare in advance for the Career Fair. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ0OToDHoCY">Check out the video</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div alt="Video screenshot: Prepare for the Fair" style="min-width: 50%;"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-video-embed-field field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video"><iframe width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rJ0OToDHoCY?autoplay=0&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0&amp;mute=0"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Hear more about how Mason prepares students to succeed in their dream jobs, and why recruiters want to hire Mason grads. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ybbp3us5VE">Watch the video</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div alt="Screenshot of the Campus Quick Takes: Career Fair video" style="min-width: 50%;"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-video-embed-field field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video"><iframe width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ybbp3us5VE?autoplay=0&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0&amp;mute=0"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="6127a00a-7be7-4999-a7b9-6d994292600b"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://careers.gmu.edu/"> <p class="cta__title">More about University Career Services <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="059de410-70c0-427a-b6c2-24df2113de6b" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/516" hreflang="en">University Career Services</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6416" hreflang="en">Career Services</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/626" hreflang="en">career fair</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7076" hreflang="en">Student news</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/456" hreflang="en">Around Mason (E-Files)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16026" hreflang="en">Picture This</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 05 Oct 2023 17:36:41 +0000 lclarkg 108966 at Off the Clock: Jneva Norfleet, a Toastmasters champion and spoken word artist /news/2023-09/clock-jneva-norfleet-toastmasters-champion-and-spoken-word-artist <span>Off the Clock: Jneva Norfleet, a Toastmasters champion and spoken word artist</span> <span><span>lclarkg</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-09-26T15:10:21-04:00" title="Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 15:10">Tue, 09/26/2023 - 15:10</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of Mason's talented faculty and staff.</span></p> <hr> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2023-09/Jneva%20Norfleet%201.jpg?itok=KWM9v0Gr" width="374" height="560" alt="Head shot of Mason staff member Jneva Norfleet" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Jneva Norfleet, employer engagement consultant with University Career Services, is a Toastmasters champion and spoken word artist. Photo provided</figcaption> </figure> <p><span><span><span>As employer engagement consultant with <a href="https://careers.gmu.edu/">University Career Services</a> at 91, Jneva Norfleet connects organizations with qualified talent from Mason, helping Mason students and graduates achieve their career goals.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Outside work, Norfleet hones other talents of her own—she is a Toastmasters champion and a spoken word artist who shares her poetry to inspire others.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><a href="https://toastmasters.gmu.edu/">George Mason Toastmasters</a> is part of a worldwide network of clubs that help members practice public speaking and leadership skills. Norfleet, a first-year Toastmaster, competed in multiple competitions and advanced to the Region 7 International Speech Contest in June. Though Norfleet did not advance to the world championship, she made an impact and represented her club with her speech, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xKbe25VAdM">“If You Can Declare It, Then You Can Achieve It.”</a> </span></span></span></p> <h4><span><span><span>What brought you to Mason? Once you were here, how did you decide to join George Mason Toastmasters?</span></span></span></h4> <p><span><span><span>I came to Mason in October 2022 to work with University Career Services. I heard about George Mason Toastmasters from my colleague, and I immediately wanted to join. I’m an ordained minister and have been preaching at churches throughout the East Coast since 2018. I’m also a spoken word artist and perform my poetry for community organizations and events. Since I had prior experience with public speaking, I knew Toastmasters would be the perfect opportunity for me to hone my public speaking skills. </span></span></span></p> <h4><span><span><span>What took you down the path to spoken word art, and what do you speak about? </span></span></span></h4> <p><span><span><span>I began to write spoken word poetry at the age of 16; however, I stopped to focus on other hobbies. I started writing again in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Most of my poetry is Christian content and addresses overcoming challenges through faith in Jesus Christ. I knew 2020 was a rough year mentally for many people, myself included, so I wanted my poetry to encourage those who were battling depression and other forms of mental illness. After posting one of my poems on social media, the post received a lot of positive attention and many people were encouraged by my work. It was in that moment that I realized spoken word poetry was a gift of mine, and I continued to do it. &nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <h4><span><span><span>How does spoken word art intersect with the type of public speaking you do for Toastmasters? </span></span></span></h4> <p><span><span><span>Spoken word art intersects with my public speaking for Toastmasters because I have the ability to express myself through speeches similar to the way I would in poetry. I generally gear a lot of my Toastmasters speeches toward overcoming challenges and inspiring people to keep going, because greatness is within them. My speeches give me a chance to be a blessing to others outside of my poetry.</span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2023-09/Jneva%20Norfleet%202.JPG?itok=K17lSObv" width="560" height="448" alt="Jneva Norfleet speaks to a crowd with her hand outstretched, holding a microphone" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Jneva Norfleet. Photo provided</figcaption> </figure> <h4><span><span><span>You’re pursuing a PhD in higher education at Mason. What pushed you to continue your education? </span></span></span></h4> <p><span><span><span>I first desired to continue my education because I wanted to be the first member of my immediate family to obtain an accredited doctoral degree. That desire amplified when I started my career last year in higher education. I developed a love for this field. To accomplish my career goals, I continued my education by working toward my PhD.</span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4><span><span><span>How has being involved with Toastmasters impacted your overall experience working at Mason?</span></span></span></h4> <p><span><span><span>I developed a Mason family through George Mason Toastmasters. My Toastmasters club members continue to cheer me on in my speeches and were a huge support system for me throughout my contest journey. This club has been a tremendous blessing to me and has impacted my overall experience working at Mason, because it showed me that you can develop family outside of your home environment. </span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="aa832ecc-cf35-4c47-b652-6e40516c5ec2"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://toastmasters.gmu.edu/"> <p class="cta__title">Learn more about George Mason Toastmasters <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="56ee341c-d1d6-4b71-9a22-bdac1c0baf47" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-98632561410a26fa99af58215b51375eeb4b1fe28cdbb7386c17fad9354e519d"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-03/meet-mason-nation-john-forgy" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: John Forgy</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">March 24, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-03/clock-physicist-paul-so-boosts-momentum-visual-artists" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Physicist Paul So boosts the momentum of visual artists</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">March 18, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-02/meet-mason-nation-gregg-black" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Gregg Black</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">February 10, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-01/clock-jeffrey-kenney-put-himself-display-virginia-museum-fine-arts" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Jeffrey Kenney put himself on display at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">January 28, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-12/clock-susan-kehoe-unleashes-potential-service-dogs-training" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Susan Kehoe unleashes the potential of service dogs in training</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">December 4, 2025</div></div></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17041" hreflang="en">Off the Clock</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/516" hreflang="en">University Career Services</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18601" hreflang="en">George Mason Toastmasters</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 19:10:21 +0000 lclarkg 108746 at