Why is now a good time to work with a Career Counselor?
Students were sent home from campus in February 2020 and the economy hit a rough spot. The economy is faltering, and unemployment has skyrocketed. Finding a traditional job in this economy is more challenging than ever.
What are employers looking for the most?
Aside from the ‘hard skills,” such as accounting or engineering, companies want a diversity of interests and a demonstrated ability to learn. They will be investing in your development and it is important to have a convincing narrative. You will be asked “what did you do during the pandemic?”
Why is Ascend uniquely positioned to help a college student?
Some students enter college without a plan for success. It’s expensive and you want to leave with a job. Do some homework before you enter college and have an idea of what you want to study and what job you want to have. Do everything in your power to get real world experience while you are in college.
What inspired Jessica to start Ascend?
After a career in higher education as an assistant dean at a Business School, Jessica knew her passion was connecting students. She formed relationships that enabled students to work in positions in companies like Wawa, The Boeing Company, Envestnet, KPMG and many more. I know that students have a better chance of getting hired full time if they have an experiential learning opportunity while in college.
Why start career planning while you’re still in college?
Some students come to college without a plan for success. College is expensive and you need to have a good idea of what you want to study. Adding an extra year to job search after graduation is time consuming and costs money. Students should do their best to find an internship or co-op position and get work experience during the summer– beginning as soon as early in their junior year.
What makes Jessica a student advocate?
Having three sons of her own, Jessica realizes students come in different packages. So one of her priorities is helping students who may be overlooked in the employment process. Even the best and brightest students can suffer from anxiety and need help navigating the process. Jessica’s experience in helping hundreds of students realize their career goals has given her the background to provide the effective, actionable coaching students need.
How did Jessica establish relationships with so many Delaware Valley companies?
As an assistant dean, Jessica had the opportunity to meet industry leaders from companies like UPS, Wilmington Trust and PWC. She worked tirelessly to convert those relationships into opportunities for students. She advocated for the students and now they are in positions and can help other young people.
What resources does Ascend have that can help me?
Ascend can offer you introductions and connections that are now not available in this remote world. No one can guarantee you a job, but we can set you up for success with our approach and professional network. In addition, Ascend has mentors who will help you learn more about your career choice and what career is right for you.
“Jessica positions students for future employment opportunities by encouraging their growth and engagement in leadership roles, development forums, training activities, special projects, and mentorships. She helps students build networks, market themselves and, most importantly, navigate today’s complex interview processes, including the virtual components. She has a passion for driving student success, as well as designing and implementing solutions that impact opportunities for future college hires.”
“Of all the people I have worked with, Jessica has the most extensive network of business professionals. Collaborating with Jessica now and being a part of her extensive network will place you in a better position when companies start hiring. In this unfamiliar time, when the job search may feel daunting, Jessica can help you break-down the bigger action items of a job search into smaller manageable steps.”
