Florida State University’s Career Center recently honored its final group of Garnet & Gold Scholars, culminating 16 years of student achievement and impact. Thirteen students were inducted at a ceremonial celebration breakfast.

Established in 2010, the Garnet & Gold Scholar Society was created to recognize students who engage in meaningful experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Since then, experiential learning has become a defining component of the undergraduate experience and has been integrated into the CoreFSU curriculum for all students.

Reflecting on the legacy of the program, Li P. Pon, senior assistant director for Experiential Learning, emphasized the collective commitment and success of the Garnet & Gold Scholar Society. Its prominence is a result of the efforts of its founders, current leadership, overall program advisors, area contacts, area approvers and FSU Career Center’s Experiential Learning team.

“The Florida State University Career Center extends its sincere appreciation to those whose dedication has sustained the Garnet & Gold Scholar Society throughout the years,” Pon said. “We are deeply grateful to our administrators, campus partners and colleagues for their commitment to undergraduate student success.”

Each student received a medal and was celebrated for their honorable level of dedication and discipline for international experience, internship, leadership, research and service beyond the classroom.

2026 Garnet & Gold Scholar Society Honorees
(listed alphabetically by last name):

Marcy Bedaw, Biological Science, Palm Harbor, FL

Jude Bogusz, Nursing, Orlando, FL

Constanza Cescato, Behavioral Neuroscience, Rosario, Argentina

Patrick “Joey” DeMarco, Exercise Physiology, Jacksonville, FL

Grace Elliott, Behavioral Neuroscience, Clearwater, FL

Mia Gold, Biological Science; Russian, Tampa, FL

Richard “Richyie” Gonzaga, Psychology, Miami, FL

Isabelle Krukoski, Editing, Writing, and Media; Media and Communication Studies, Montverde, FL

Amber Losciale, Cyber Criminology, Inverness, FL

Rachel McCann, Finance; Marketing, Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Marissa Rouse, Information Communication Technology; Digital Media Production, Cincinnati, OH

Emma Sag, Behavioral Neuroscience, Wellington, FL

Hannah Squier, Biological Science; Economics, Stuart, FL

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Florida State University Career Center’s Professional Clothing Closet is ready to refresh for spring.

The fifth annual Spring Cleaning with Meaning Clothing Drive: Restock the Racks will run from March 2 through April 3. The official kickoff for the annual drive will happen from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, March 6, at the Westcott Fountain and Plaza.

The Professional Clothing Closet provides free professional clothing for students to wear for future interviews, internships, career fairs, presentations, workplace experiences and more. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and businesses are encouraged to drop off career-ready attire and accessories and be part of this campuswide effort to help students step confidently into their futures.

During the 2024-2025 academic year, more than 3,100 FSU students utilized the Professional Clothing Closet. The closet accepts gently used professional attire all year long, as limited inventory continues to be a challenge.

This spring, the Career Center aims to collect at least 3,000 clothing items and raise $10,000 to help meet growing student demand and ensure the closet remains fully stocked for the year ahead.

“By donating to the closet, you’re giving students an advantage to excel in their academic and career pursuits with confidence and professionalism,” said Heather Lazar, senior assistant director of Employer Relations. “This year marks an exciting milestone as we introduce our first-ever kickoff event, designed to celebrate past donors, honor the students who rely on the closet and provide a convenient opportunity for supporters to drop off clothing donations in person.”

The closet’s greatest needs include:

• Women’s professional clothing, including suits, blazers, dress slacks, skirts, dresses and blouses (small sizes preferred).
• Men’s professional clothing, including suits, blazers, dress pants and dress shirts (small sizes preferred).
• Dress shoes in like-new condition (all sizes welcomed)
• Professional accessories such as ties and belts.

All donations must be clean and lightly used, in current professional style and appropriate for business professional or elevated business casual settings. Items not suitable for the Professional Clothing Closet will be donated to other local charities.

In addition to the kickoff, there are additional ways to support students and the Professional Clothing Closet during the clothing drive, including:

• Donation Locations: Donation boxes will be available at convenient locations across campus and throughout Tallahassee at Champions First Credit Union branches and the Southwood Association Community Center.
• Curbside Donations: Schedule a curbside drop-off at the Career Center — no need to find parking!
• Special Saturday, March 28 Donation Event: Community members can also participate in a drop-off donation event from 2:30 – 5 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Thomasville Road Baptist Church.
• Monetary Donations: Financial gifts help purchase the most-needed items and supplement in-kind donations, ensuring students have access to essential professional attire year-round. Those who wish to make a monetary contribution can donate directly to the Professional Clothing Closet Foundation account (F09092).

To learn more about the Professional Clothing Closet, please visit career.fsu.edu/ClothingCloset.

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Florida State University students can further their future and expand their career connections through the Seminole Futures Recruitment Series Tuesday, Feb. 3 through Friday, Feb. 13 at various campus locations. The recruitment series is open to all majors and class levels.

Led by FSU’s Career Center within the Division of Student Affairs, Seminole Futures offers seven days of guided career exploration to help support students at every stage of their professional journey while preparing them for future careers. Whether they’re seeking an internship or a full-time position after graduation, students can connect with a range of employers to increase their professional network and discover career paths.

This emphasis on career readiness secured FSU the No. 13 spot on The Princeton Review’s 2025 list of the Top 20 Best Schools for Internships among public schools across the U.S.

“Our primary objective is to ensure our students are equipped, empowered and employed,” said Rob Liddell, assistant vice president for Career Services. “The Seminole Futures series provides interactive, experience-driven engagement that supports student success and assists our employer partners with the next generation of professional workers.”

Throughout the week, students can take part in several career-focused activities, such as taking a professional headshot, having their resume reviewed and meeting with Career Center team members for interview and presentation tips in preparation to meet with prospective employers.

The signature Seminole Futures Job & Internship Fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 at the FSU Student Union. More than 70 employers across industries will be present to discuss early career prospects. Among them are Insight Global, Enterprise Mobility, NewDay USA and ReliaQuest.

“We are thrilled to host the Seminole Futures Fair at the Student Union this spring,” said Christy Mantzanas, employer relations program director at the FSU Career Center. “This centralized location cultivates a vibrant, energetic networking environment that will benefit our students and employer representatives.”

Justin Mohabir, a finance and accounting student who took part in the reimagined Seminole Futures series last fall, said, “Every event challenged me to grow a little more outside my comfort zone. Each conversation with employers became smoother, and I could see my confidence, communication and networking skills strengthening with every interaction.”

To view the full list of employers attending this semester’s fairs and events, visit  Nole Network.

Below are some Seminole Futures Recruitment Series key events. For the complete list and schedule, visit career.fsu.edu.

Tuesday, Feb. 3

Dedman College of Hospitality Career & Internship Expo

1 – 4 p.m. | Champion Club Ballrooms 

Meet with top hospitality organizations and FSU partners. This expo is open to all Dedman College students and anyone taking a hospitality class, pursuing a minor in hospitality or intending to work in hospitality.

Thursday, Feb. 5

Engineering Employer Resume Review Day

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

Meet with leading engineering employers and Career Center staff who will critique students’ resumes and offer advice on how to best represent themselves on paper for upcoming fairs and recruiting season.

Friday, Feb. 6

Prepare for the Fair with the Career Center

1 – 4 p.m. | Dunlap Success Center 

Attend this interactive prep event designed to bolster your confidence before connecting with employers. Includes resume critique, printing, networking lab, professional photobooth and more.

Tuesday, Feb. 10

Engineering Job & Internship Fair

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

Meet with leading engineering firms looking for talented students for internships or full-time roles. This fair is designed to connect students with Engineering industry employers.

Wednesday, Feb. 11

Virtual Spring Summer Camp Job Fair

1:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Virtual via Zoom

Connect with summer camps that are hiring FSU students seeking summer opportunities. Whether you’re seeking a role as a counselor, operations staff, educator or an instructor in outdoor adventure or the arts, this fair offers a great opportunity to virtually meet.

Wednesday, Feb. 11 and Friday, Feb. 13

Engineering & Seminole Futures Interview Days

Dunlap Success Center 

Interviews are by invitation only at the discretion of employers who elect to host interviews with students they meet at the fairs.

Thursday, Feb. 12

Seminole Futures Job & Internship Fair

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Student Union Ballrooms 

Meet with employer representatives from a variety of industries, including science, technology and mathematics, who plan to meet students across majors to fill full-time jobs and internships. Opportunities and connections abound!

FSU’s Career Center, located in the Dunlap Success Center, offers a variety of resources and services, including one-on-one career advising, resume workshops, mock interviews, internship search assistance and tools for major exploration. These services aim to empower students in building the skills and confidence needed to achieve their professional and academic goals.

For more information about the Career Center visit career.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University has once again received the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a prestigious designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching that recognizes institutional commitment to community engagement.

This is the third time FSU has earned the honor. FSU first received the Carnegie Community Engagement designation in 2010 and then again in 2020.

“We celebrate each of these institutions, particularly their dedication to partnering with their neighbors — fostering civic engagement, building useable knowledge and catalyzing real world learning experiences for students,” said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation.

FSU is among 237 U.S. colleges and universities that have earned the 2026 classification. The Carnegie Classifications are the nation’s leading framework for categorizing and describing colleges and universities in the United States. Utilized frequently by policymakers, funders and researchers, the classifications are a critical benchmarking tool for postsecondary institutions.

“As a public Research I institution, Florida State University exists to serve the people of Florida and beyond, from our Tallahassee neighborhoods to communities across the nation and around the world,” said Jarrett Terry, assistant vice president and assistant provost for Academic Affairs. “Whether supporting local schools and economic development, contributing to state and national policy solutions, or collaborating on global health and sustainability initiatives, FSU’s community engagement reflects the scope and scale expected of a top-rated public university.”

The 2026 designation follows an intensive process of self-study and reflects the university’s community engagement efforts to ensure the work of faculty, staff and students is meaningful and furthers the work of community partners.

“The fact that we have been consistently successful with reclassification is an honor and testimony to FSU’s commitment to community engagement,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “It validates FSU’s efforts to fulfill our mission to unleash the potential of every student, enrich their experience through service, discovery and innovation, and be a supportive partner to the many communities we serve.”

“Whether supporting local schools and economic development, contributing to state and national policy solutions, or collaborating on global health and sustainability initiatives, FSU’s community engagement reflects the scope and scale expected of a top-rated public university.” 

– Jarrett Terry, assistant vice president and assistant provost for Academic Affairs

FSU defines community engagement as the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources between the university and local, regional, national and global communities. The application highlighted the importance FSU places on ensuring that university-community partnerships foster dynamic relationships based on mutually beneficial and reciprocal goals and that initiatives center around community voices.

Joi Phillips, director of the Center for Leadership & Service (CLS), led the nine-month long, university-wide team effort to earn recertification. She noted that over the last several years, FSU has refined and deepened their commitment to the community.

The team highlighted several of FSU’s many partnerships, such as the Experience Recognition Program hosted by the Experiential Learning team within the Career Center, formative experience opportunities offered by the Division of Undergraduate Studies, service and community-based learning options housed out of CLS, and participatory research that is connected to every academic unit and  initiative across the institution.

“For me, the focus is on appreciation and gratitude to the community for allowing us to share space with them,” Phillips said. “I don’t think we can express enough appreciation for their willingness to allow us to learn from them.”

FSU also provided data extracted from the ServScript Program, which has been the primary means to track student community engagement across the university since the system was implemented in the late 1990s. During the 2023-2024 academic year, more than 4,452 students documented 226,777 hours of service.

Here are some other noteworthy data shared:

• FSU students make a significant impact through community engagement and service in supporting the Tallahassee economy, contributing $7.5 million in volunteer hours.
• 427 faculty across 26 departments teach community-engaged designated courses accounting for 20.2% of FSU faculty teaching such courses.

• 14,697 undergraduate students (46% of the undergraduate student body) are enrolled in community engaged designated courses, an increase of 4,737 students since the last application cycle.

For more information about the Center for Leadership & Service and community engagement at FSU, visit community.fsu.edu.

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Seven Florida State University students are spending their spring semester living and learning in the heart of Washington, D.C., as the first participants in the university’s new FSU DC Study Away Program.

The group — Rachel Armstrong, Gabriella Burke, Ryan Nutzman, Isabella Perez, Mickey Wagoner, Jonah Watson and Mia Zamora — will gain hands-on experience through internships at congressional offices and other organizations while residing in FSU-managed housing just blocks from the U.S. Capitol.

In 2025, Florida State University purchased two townhomes in a residential neighborhood to provide FSU students with a supportive living environment as they pursue internships at agencies, advocacy and association groups, corporations and government sites. The university’s innovative housing solution allows students to make the most of their internships and network opportunities in D.C. as they continue their academic coursework. The housing includes a house manager who offers on-site support, monitors the units and communicates student needs to the FSU Housing Office.

“This initiative is yet another great milestone for Florida State University,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “The FSU network in Washington is strong, home to more than 7,500 alumni. By providing our students with housing options, they have even more support as they gain hands-on experience in the nation’s capital.”

The FSU DC Study Away Program is a collaboration among FSU’s Division of Student Affairs, the Career Center and University Housing. Students can apply to participate during the fall, spring or summer semesters. If accepted to the program, they have easy access to the Capitol, both major political party’s headquarters, and House and Senate office buildings.

“We’re truly excited to offer this opportunity to our students, providing them safe, affordable housing to bolster their educational and professional journeys,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “Even though they’ll be farther from campus, they will remain deeply connected to Seminole spirit and community.”

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As part of Florida State University’s Careers in Student Affairs Month, students from three area colleges had the chance to attend a panel with leading student affairs professionals. During the event, these panelists discussed their career journeys, the obstacles they’ve overcome and future opportunities in the field.

The leadership panel featured Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs at Florida State University; William Hudson Jr., vice president for Student Affairs and enrollment manager at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU); Christen Givens, dean of Enrollment Services at Tallahassee State College; and Amelia Parnell, president and CEO of NASPA — Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

The unique networking event with distinguished alumni was among several activities organized by the FSU Division of Student Affairs in support of Careers in Student Affairs Month, a nationwide initiative dedicated to acknowledging and promoting the student affairs profession throughout October. The event was filmed in a special episode of Connect with VP Amy Hecht, FSU’s Student Affairs podcast, shared on YouTube and Spotify.

Parnell moderated the 90-minute discussion before addressing the audience’s questions. Panelists were asked to speak about their career paths and what motivates them, as well as any advice for those considering a role in student affairs.

Givens, who holds a master’s in counseling psychology, said she “fell into student affairs and fell in love with it,” finding that she can apply and use her previous training when speaking with parents and students.

Hudson, who earned his doctorate in rehabilitation counseling from FSU, said he originally wanted to be a guidance counselor. He recognized he had a heart for CARE — FSU’s Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement, which offers multiple programs that support student success.

The FAMU Vice President for Student Affairs of 15 years said, “Seeing the impact you have on students — we have students whose family are below poverty level — and by one degree, it changes that family. It touches my heart and rejuvenates it.”

Hecht earned her undergraduate degree in mass communications and television production from FSU, then went on to earn her Ed.D. and MSEd in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. She shared that as an undergraduate, she never imagined she’d come back to FSU.

In addition to encouraging “a love and willingness to learn,” Hecht emphasized the importance of balancing the role of administrative duties and leadership and not losing touch with students, a lesson from a course she took in 2002 that she still remembers to this day.

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Florida State University is offering a new housing and internship option for students looking to gain hands-on experience in the nation’s capital.

The FSU DC Study Away Program, located in Washington, D.C., will provide students with the opportunity to obtain direct experience through internships at agencies, advocacy and association groups, corporations and government sites. A ribbon cutting was held on Thursday, Sept. 25, to commemorate the occasion.

Starting January 2026, students will live in a supportive community with their peers, where they can focus on their internships while benefiting from shared support and connection.

“Florida State is on the rise — this is our time,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “With more than 200 students and 7,500 alumni already in the D.C. area, this new housing initiative gives our students a front-row seat to opportunity. This is about giving our students access and a direct path to success.”

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Florida State University students will have the chance to connect with a variety of employers and explore career paths across industries during the reimagined Seminole Futures Recruitment Series, Wednesday, Sept. 24, through Thursday, Oct. 2. The recruitment series is open to all majors and class levels.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, students who participate in career fair networking receive 20% more job offers.

Led by the FSU Career Center within the Division of Student Affairs, Seminole Futures has evolved into a dynamic weeklong series offering guided career exploration and interactive events designed to support students at every stage of their professional journey.

“Our top priority is accelerating student success,” said Rob Liddell, assistant vice president for FSU’s Career Services. “To achieve this, the FSU Career Center has engaged partners, both on campus and from our valued employer network, to deliver a truly unique set of experiences. We want to ensure we meet the expectations, goals and interests of our students while rewarding the confidence of our employer partners. The redesigned Seminole Futures series will continue to position FSU as the premier source of talent for their recruitment needs.”

Whether seeking an internship or a full-time position after graduation, students have the unique opportunity to increase their professional network and discover career paths. The series is designed to connect students with employers through interactive, experience-driven engagement.

The Princeton Review’s latest college rankings placed FSU at No. 13 on the “Top 20 Best Schools for Internships (Public Schools)” list, making it the top public institution in Florida for internships.

Kicking off the Seminole Futures Recruitment Series this year is a new segment, “Power Players: Real Talk,” featuring FSU alum and Chief Operating Officer of Insight Global, Tim Stutz. The event will share tough challenges and real work expectations, giving actionable steps on how to use the feedback to grow professionally and personally. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, in the Student Union Ballroom.

Stutz, who graduated from FSU with a bachelor’s in English Literature, said his personal goal is for every student who attends the event to walk away knowing how to build confidence by seeking out feedback from a variety of sources.

“I can still vividly remember that scary feeling that the ‘real world’ is looming,” he said. “I want to reassure as many students as possible that it’s not scary at all. It’s all about your commitment and confidence that will set you up for success.”

Throughout the week, students can take part in several other career discovery opportunities, including the Seminole Futures Job & Internship Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. More than 115 employers from numerous fields will be present to discuss early career prospects. Among them are Champion Partners: Danfoss Turbocor, Enterprise Mobility, Insight Global and ReliaQuest, and Gold Partners: Aldi, Amazon, CherryBekaert, L3Harris, Southwestern Advantage and Whiting-Turner Contracting. To view the full list of employers attending this semester’s fair, visit Nole Network.

“By participating in the Career Center’s preparation events, students significantly improve their chances of accessing the ‘hidden job market,’” said Christy Mantzanas, employer relations program director at the FSU Career Center.

Mantzanas said that according to CNBC, nearly 70 percent of jobs are never publicly posted, making strategic preparation essential for a job market that rewards early, experience-based learning.

“We’ve tailored programming to student interests and with direct access to more than 300 employer representatives at Seminole Futures, our students will not only gain confidence, but they will also be well positioned to cultivate a fruitful professional network to excel in the job market,” Mantzanas said.

Below are some Seminole Futures Recruitment Series key events. For the complete list and schedule, visit career.fsu.edu.

Wednesday, Sept. 24

Power Players: Real Talk with Tim Stutz

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Student Union Ballroom

Join us for a bold talk about how to build resilience and confidence. It’s not your average keynote!

*Student check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. Presentation begins at 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 26

Prepare for the Fair with the Career Center

1 – 4 p.m. | Dunlap Success Center

An interactive and energizing prep event designed to help you feel confident and prepared to connect with employers, including a professional photobooth, résumé critique and printing, networking lab and more.

Monday, Sept. 29

Prepare for the Fair with Employers

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Dunlap Success Center

Ready to kickstart your career fair week? Stop by to connect with recruiters from multiple industries and get tips, ask questions, and boost your confidence before the big days ahead.

Tuesday, Sept. 30

Engineering Job & Internship Fair

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

Meet with leading engineering firms, government agencies and more who are looking for talented engineering students! Whether you’re exploring internships or full-time roles, this is your chance to shine.

Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship Recognition & Networking Event

5 – 7 p.m. | Jim Moran Building Event Space

The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship is hosting a reception to recognize students who have been awarded JMC scholarships and for students to network with business partners. Maximize your relationship-building opportunities and mingle with business representatives.

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Seminole Futures Job & Internship Fair

9 a.m. – noon; 1- 4 p.m. | Donald L. Tucker Civic Center

Calling all students across all majors: Meet with more than 300 employer representatives offering full-time jobs and internships across many industries. The opportunities are limitless!

FSU Panama City Campus Job & Internship Fair

3 – 6 p.m. | Holley Bldg., FSU Panama City Campus

Gain information about potential career opportunities from employers in the area who are looking to network and build your connections.

Thursday, Oct. 2

Interviews & Meet Ups

Dunlap Success Center

Interviews are by invitation only at the discretion of the employer. Students must be present at the Engineering Fair and/or Seminole Futures Fair to be eligible for an interview offer. Meet Ups are open and hosted by the employer to strengthen your connections after the fair.

FSU’s Career Center, located in the Dunlap Success Center, offers a variety of resources and services, including one-on-one career advising, résumé workshops, mock interviews, internship search assistance and tools for major exploration. These services aim to empower students in building the skills and confidence needed to achieve their professional and academic goals. For more information about the Career Center, visit career.fsu.edu.

To stay up to date with the Career Center and the Division of Student Affairs, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X and the FSU Calendar.

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Florida State University continues to be recognized among the best in the nation according to The Princeton Review’s latest college rankings list, adding to FSU’s nationally renowned reputation in providing exceptional educational value and meaningful student experiences.

Florida State secured the No. 22 spot for Best Value public college nationally and No. 1 in the state of Florida according to The Princeton Review.

“Florida State University is deeply committed to academic excellence and to helping every student fulfill their highest potential,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “What’s very special is that students, regardless of family background or major, graduate at some of the highest rates in the country. FSU is an amazing place to be, where students can experience both a rigorous academic environment and a vibrant community where we all really care about and support one another.”

The rankings are based on a survey of 170,000 students at 391 schools. Students were asked 98 questions in four sections about their school’s academics and administration, life at their college, their fellow students and themselves.

• FSU is No. 1 in the state of Florida on the “Their Students Love These Colleges” list based on student satisfaction, earning the No. 2 spot among public universities nationally. The student-led recognition reflects the university’s continued investments in student success and resources.
• FSU’s Career Center works to prepare students for their future careers with numerous career services and events. The university climbed one spot to No. 13 on the “Top 20 Best Schools for Internships (Public Schools)” list, making it the top public institution in the state for internships.
• FSU students are the most spirited in the state when it comes to the university’s numerous intercollegiate sports teams. The university checked in at the No. 10 spot on The Princeton Review’s “Students Love Their School Teams” list.
• FSU placed No. 13 on the “Top 20 Best Alumni Networks (Public Schools)” list.
• Students enjoy many options for recreational and athletic facilities on and off FSU’s campus, from classes and workout spaces at the Bobby E. Leach Center and Fitness & Movement Clinic, to FSU’s Lakefront Park and top-notch athletic facilities. FSU claimed the No. 15 spot for “Best Athletic Facilities” and best in the state according to the student survey.

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Florida State University recently held the Graduate Student Resource Fair, where approximately 250 new and returning students received guidance to be proactive in their journeys toward success.

Hosted by the Office of the Provost’s Graduate Student Resource Center (GSRC) and the FSU Career Center, the fair connected graduate students with more than 20 campus and community service providers and facilitated networking among students from various colleges and departments.

“One important measure of graduate student success is persistence — staying in school and finishing a degree,” said Emily Leventhal, director of FSU’s Graduate Resource Center. “What we know is that persistence isn’t just about being strong-willed; it’s affected by the communities that graduate students are integrated within — their academic programs, professional networks within their disciplines and personal communities. The annual GSRC Resource Fair allows graduate students to build new ties to the FSU community and gives them tools to support themselves across their journey.”

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Florida State University’s Career Advisor Scholarship Program recognizes graduate students with outstanding academic and professional records who have made a commitment to career counseling.

Selected recipients receive around 20 hours of training, where they learn how to provide general career advising and counseling resources to other students. Since 1995, the program through FSU’s Career Center has awarded over $350,000 to 141 graduate students pursuing career counseling and human services professions. The program is supported by eight different endowment funds, combining funding, academic training and practical experience for the professional journey of recipients.

Robert Reardon, long-time FSU employee and alumni with over 40 years of counseling and teaching experience, oversees the scholarship process and is passionate about helping students succeed.

“Former career advisors continue to make meaningful contributions to the career development field, especially during times of workforce uncertainty and change,” Reardon said. “I hope that FSU alumni and friends will continue to invest in this impactful program that exists nowhere else.”

FSU’s Career Center plays a vital role in shaping student success through its collaborative, research-driven approach to career services. FSU students and university constituents benefit from a wide range of services, including career counseling, faculty-employer collaborations and alumni networking.

“The Career Advisor Scholarship, alongside the support of donors and incredible mentors like Drs. Reardon, Lenz, Dozier, Osborn and Mrs. Erin Bennett, has eased my financial burden and opened doors to meaningful professional development.”

– Asia Henry, third-year FSU doctoral student and Driver Fellow

Asia Henry, a third-year doctoral student pursuing a combined degree in counseling and school psychology, is the scholarship’s newest Driver Fellow—the fund established in 2013 in memory of Joel Ross Driver, a career counseling alumnus and former assistant director at the Career Center. The Driver Fund has more than 90 contributors and has awarded upwards of $83,000 to FSU graduate students.

“As a first-generation doctoral student, navigating the financial and professional demands of my program has been challenging,” Henry said. “The Career Advisor Scholarship, alongside the support of donors and incredible mentors like Drs. Reardon, Lenz, Dozier, Osborn and Mrs. Erin Bennett, has eased my financial burden and opened doors to meaningful professional development. From teaching and publishing in ‘Career Convergence’ to advising diverse students and managing the Garnet and Gold Scholar Society, this support has brought me closer to my dream of becoming a psychologist.”

Donors play a direct role in shaping future contributions by the Career Advisor Scholarships. These expand the reach of the Career Center’s activities while supporting the development of those aspiring to provide leadership in the broad area of career success and human services.

 For an overview of career advisor funds, a list of scholarship recipients and an update on past fellows, visit career.fsu.edu

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An international group that supports work-integrated education has announced multiple awards honoring Florida State University’s success in preparing students for the workforce, including an inaugural award that recognizes a member of the faculty.

The Cooperative Education & Internship Association (CEIA) will honor FSU with three awards:

• Best Practices Award – Experience Recognition Program
• Engagement Fellowship – Career Center Senior Assistant Director and InternFSU Program Manager Li Pon
• Charles Kettering Award, which recognizes an outstanding internship employer – E. & J. Gallo Winery recognizing the contributions of Amanda Bussey, an FSU alumna, former sales recruiting manager for her leadership in supporting experiential learning opportunities within the company

  

The CEIA is a leader in work-integrated learning that provides opportunities for professional development while advocating for best practices in co-ops, internships and other forms of experiential education. The awards will be presented at CEIA’s annual conference April 6-8 in Tucson, Arizona.

“It’s a privilege to acknowledge Florida State University’s enduring legacy and profound impact on the field of cooperative education and internships,” CEIA President Andrew Harper said. “I’ve witnessed firsthand FSU’s unwavering dedication to fostering high-quality work-integrated learning. Their longstanding commitment to CEIA, through board service, expert guidance and innovative presentations, has elevated work-integrated learning standards nationwide.”

CEIA’s first-ever Faculty Champion Award will recognize Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Joe O’Shea for his contributions to the promotion and advocacy of work-integrated learning by a member of the faculty.

“We’re honored that CEIA recognizes FSU’s commitment to enriching the student academic journey through experiential learning,” O’Shea said. “Our work at FSU wouldn’t have been possible without outstanding students, faculty and staff at the university who believe in the power of experiential education and in making engagement a possibility for every student, from every background.”

Work-integrated learning complements academic studies with practical, real-world experiences outside of the classroom such as internships, undergraduate research, community service engagement and global studies.

FSU’s commitment to work-integrated learning includes the “formative experience” graduation requirement, implemented in Summer 2019 and continuing today, which ensures that all students get a chance to learn and engage outside the classroom.

Students find opportunities to complete the requirement throughout the university, within their colleges and beyond through programs such as the Applied Politics & Policy Learning Experience, the Legislative Internship Program, classroom field experience, the sport management practicum, internships through various academic units and programs such as InternFSU and InternFSU: TLH, and production work for ESPN through Seminole Productions.

As a legislative intern, international affairs and political science double major, Sofia Casas has gotten to work directly under a Florida state senator and her legislative aide in tracking pending legislation, coordinating schedules and handling constituent services.

“This position has given me the opportunity to engage firsthand with the legislative process and apply what I have learned in my political science coursework at FSU,” said Casas, who is from Miami. “Through my experience in this internship, I have discovered I have a genuine passion for local policy and am looking forward to pursuing a career in Miami-Dade politics after graduating.”

FSU Career Center program director now president-elect of CEIA 

In addition to recognizing FSU at the upcoming awards ceremony, CEIA has named Tracey Dowling, FSU’s program director of experiential learning within the Career Center, the next president of the association.

Dowling has been instrumental in building programs such as InternFSU, which provides on-campus internships; InternFSU: TLH, which partners with companies in Tallahassee to hire student interns; FSUshadow, which connects students with one-day job shadowing opportunities; and the Part-Time Job & Internship Fair, a semesterly event that connects students with on- and off-campus jobs.

“It has been a dream come true to collaborate across campus for the last decade to reduce FSU student barriers to engagement in experiential learning,” Dowling said. “Seeing programs come to fruition — with support from academic affairs and partnerships across student affairs — and hearing students talking about them excitedly fuels motivation and innovation.”

An experienced career services professional and FSU alumna, Dowling has previously implemented services and programs at Emory University, the University of Georgia and the University of Virginia’s Semester at Sea program. She has served on the board of directors for CEIA since 2016.

“FSU’s success inspires us all to continue pushing boundaries and creating meaningful opportunities for students across the country,” CEIA President Andrew Harper said.

To learn more about FSU’s Career Center and some of the university’s work-integrated learning opportunities, visit career.fsu.edu. For more information about FSU’s Division of Undergraduate Studies, visit undergrad.fsu.edu.

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