From Classroom to Career: Randolph’s Career Development Center partners with students to reach goals

Adrienne James, director of Randolph’s Career Development Center, enjoys doing résumé work with students as they search for internships and jobs. It’s one of the many services her department provides.

Randolph College played a pivotal role in preparing Grace Duckworth ’23 for her current career as a museum educator at George Mason’s Gunston Hall. 

Grace Duckworth ’23

From hands-on experiences at the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College to in-depth class discussions, Duckworth credits the College with shaping her professional approach to museum work.

“It also prepared me for the before-working part too: job hunting,” Duckworth said. “I had a lot of support from the Career Development Center to prepare for looking for work in the first place, with mock interviews and guidance writing my résumé and cover letters. They hosted open houses, networking practice events, résumé review coffee chats, and more.” 

These resources—and the availability of the office—helped Duckworth confidently navigate the job search process. 

“I leaned on the CDC for support many times, so I became close with staff members,” she said. “As a result, they knew my goals and aspirations, so whenever they came across an opportunity I’d be interested in, or a good fit for, they’d go out of their way to forward it to me. The staff always went above and beyond, and I always felt comfortable asking for help.” 

Starting college can be an overwhelming process in and of itself. Adding in the pressures of internship and job hunting—and even knowing when that process should start—adds to the challenge. 

Many students feel the weight of figuring out their future from the very beginning. 

“Students think they’re expected to have all the answers, but they’re not,” said Adrienne James, director of the Career Development Center. “That’s what we’re here for: to help them figure out the answers and what’s best for them. And it’s not going to be the same for everybody. It’s not one-size-fits-all, and we tailor services to each student. This is our fishbowl here, but there is a huge ocean out there once you start applying for jobs and internships.” 

Services include the aforementioned mock interviews—in various formats, from virtual to in-person to one-on-one to panels—and résumé  assistance, along with professional development programming, networking opportunities, career immersion trips, career and graduate school fairs, and application assistance. 

And they’re not just for current students; alums can also utilize the services listed above, along with consultations and career support. 

“We still kept in touch even after I graduated,” Duckworth said. “While I was searching for jobs post-grad, they still made the effort to keep me in mind and send me job listings.” 

On campus, James regularly organizes panel discussions and workshops and tables outside of the dining hall. She also sends out information on internship opportunities in addition to the College grant programs that can help pay for them. 

She has a particular affinity for résumé work. 

“I really enjoy doing résumé  building one-on-one, where the student and I can do a deep dive,” James said. “We focus on transferable skills and a wide range of things they might not think about. And it’s good for them to hear from someone with a different perspective from what they’re used to hearing.” 

She encourages students to use Focus 2, a self-paced career and educational planning assessment tool that gauges where they rate in regards to eight career readiness competencies developed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. 

The competencies include career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and technology. 

The assessment provides students with an action plan to improve on any areas they’ve scored low, while also exploring career fields and areas of study most compatible with their results. 

“Everything you’re doing from day one is helping build your résumé,” James said. “Sophomore year is a great opportunity and time to really start focusing on the career development piece. I tell students they want to make use of all of their time here and not just wait until the end of their junior year to look for an internship.” 

James’ background in education and human resources gives her a unique insight and ability to help students as they launch or continue their careers or pursue graduate school. 

“It’s meaningful to me and satisfying to be able to help students grow,” said James, who majored in sociology and elementary education at William & Mary and later earned her MBA from Liberty University.  “I think there is a great need there and being able to fill that felt right.” 

She taught in Lynchburg City Schools for nearly 10 years before transitioning into human resource work in a variety of industries. 

She’s worked as human resources manager for the Gretna trucking company, Amthor International, talent training manager with First National Bank, talent acquisition specialist for Lynchburg City Schools, and, most recently, human resources director at Freedom Aviation, the fixed-base operator at Lynchburg Regional Airport. 

“I know what goes on in human resources and I know what students will be facing,” said James, who maintains her certification through HRCI, the professional credentialing organization for human resources management. “I myself have been out there on my own career journey. I’ve switched careers.” 

James also emphasizes the importance of students’ mental health.

“Looking for a job is a job,” she said. “It can be frustrating and overwhelming. Sometimes you have to just step back. You need someone in your corner, and that’s what this office can do.

“It takes time, and it takes effort,” she added. “I’m here to partner with you, the student, to get it done and reach whatever goals you have.” 

This story appears in the Fall 2024 edition of Randolph College’s magazine, Vita Abundantior.