Melissa Ruggiero

Since I graduated from my Master of Education in 1997.  I began my career counseling career in the Career Design Center (then called Career Planning and Placement) advising engineering students.

The variety of meetings with smart, ambitious, incredible students, as well as planning events which educate students and provide them with opportunities. And of course, our CRC and SOM staff, who make it worthwhile “going to” work every day.

Switchtasking. With so many different demands and some being immediate, it is difficult to focus at times, especially when we put the students’ immediate needs first.

All of my achievements have been due to team efforts (in and out of the CRC), but I’d like to take a small portion of credit for our school’s jump in the national rankings in my 19 years in the School of Management.

We have a library of books and resources for students to borrow, free of charge. Yes, we have A LOT online, but some students still like to read bound, hand held books on topics such as networking, case interviewing, international job hunting, etc.

We spend so much time helping our students and giving of ourselves. Remember to focus on your own career development and self-reflection from time to time.  Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk! It will make you a better professional for those sake too.

Not really a hobby, but for fun, I love to go listen to live local music and support our local musicians.  I aspire to be a professional traveler after retirement (many years from now).

Haha, don’t ask me to cook you a meal!  But I make a mean stuffed mushroom or any appetizer with lots of cheese. And of course, Christmas cookies.

All over the Mediterranean. I’d love to hear your suggestions.