Career support at WashU doesn’t end at graduation; it evolves. Through the CCE, alumni continue to access coaching, job boards, and a network that opens doors long after they leave campus. From Handshake and WashU CNX to one-on-one advising and alumni-led programs, the CCE is built to meet graduates where they are and guide them toward what’s next.
“Once you’re part of WashU, you’re part of our community for life,” said Guerra Gaier. “Alumni can schedule appointments with career coaches, participate in networking events, and even return to campus, or join virtually, to mentor current students.”
For many graduates, that lifelong connection becomes essential during moments of transition like in those early years when careers shift, confidence wavers, or life circumstances require a new direction.
Finding steadiness in a first job
Hailey Goldberg, AB ’24, discovered the value of that support not long after beginning her role on the Global Chief of Staff team at Mastercard. After receiving a full-time offer from her junior-year internship, Goldberg thought her path was set. But months into the job, she realized the transition was more overwhelming than she expected.
“I didn’t know postgraduates had access to the CCE,” she said. “A friend told me she’d used it and found it extremely helpful, so I booked an appointment.”
Working with her Career Coach April McLellan became a turning point, and it was her coach’s steady, personalized approach that helped her build a plan to navigate her role with confidence.
“April’s warm, compassionate nature made our interaction memorable,” Goldberg said. “She was incredibly empathetic and thoughtful. She helped me carve out an action plan to improve my situation at work and encouraged me to check in as often as I needed.”
With renewed clarity, Goldberg learned how to advocate for herself and prepare for internal mobility. “This may be one of the most underrated resources WashU offers its alumni,” she said. “Once a Bear, always a Bear.”
Reframing a winding path
Josephine Lyss Williams, AB ’20, turned to the CCE under very different circumstances. After graduating with majors in film and media studies and political science, Williams entered what she describes as a “tough transitional period,” moving through roles that didn’t align with her interests or values.
“I decided to take advantage of this free resource I had access to as an alum,” she said. “This time, I approached the conversation with an open mind.”
Over two years, Williams built a consistent advising relationship that helped her clarify her goals and rethink her approach to career exploration.
“My coach met me exactly where I was and helped break down my goals into actionable steps,” she said. “She motivated me to talk to people in different fields instead of just mindlessly applying online. She gave me confidence to see myself as someone capable of being professional while staying true to my values.”
That shift helped Williams navigate her entry into teaching fifth grade math—without prior classroom experience. Encouraged to seek perspective from other educators, she connected with a supportive network that led her to Atlas Elementary in St. Louis, where she now teaches and works toward her certification.
“I never thought I would do anything like this,” she said. “But I’m grateful for the growth that came from staying open and asking for help.”
Pivoting with purpose after a major move
For Risa Hoffman, AB ’02, the CCE became invaluable decades after graduation. A Spanish major who built a successful career in hospital language services in New York City, Hoffman relocated to St. Louis when her husband accepted a job. Suddenly, she needed to reimagine her path within a small and specialized field.
“I needed help to envision what other fields might make good use of my skills and experience,” she said.
She connected with Career Coach Carol Moakley, and the two worked together for months, exploring career paths, revising materials, and planning informational interviews.
One conversation stands out. “After I received a promising job offer, Carol advised me on how to negotiate for everything that mattered, not just salary,” Hoffman said. “It was a very impactful conversation.”
“Don’t hesitate,” she said. “You will gain something—whether it’s a critical edit or encouragement to take your aspirations in a new direction.”