Please tell me about your background and what led you to become Director of the Lowcountry Graduate Center.

Continuing education is where I have been for the last few years here in Charleston, but I have also been on the receiving end of looking to continue my own education. That is how I became the Director of the Lowcountry Graduate Center, to help others find their journey of continuing their education here locally.

What does CHS have that other mid-sized markets don’t?

Charleston has a combination of aerospace, automotive, defense, tech, life sciences, logistics, the deep-water port, and more. It also has the combination of lower business costs and the benefits of a mid-size economy even as it continues to grow.

What is one question talent should ask themselves before pursuing continuing education?

I think the best question to ask is “why” – why do you want the job, or why do you want to further your education? There is a lot to be said for motivation and goals, and hiring managers and educational support staff want to know what you think you can learn and how it supports your long-term goals.

What’s the best networking or collaboration event in CHS?

Thrive by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce – a networking and educational program for women.

Are there any mentoring, shadowing, or professional development opportunities you recommend for young professionals?

Find someone doing what you want to do and ASK! I can tell you from experience, it is really nice to be asked to be a mentor, and I will make time to make sure that I can, so just ask! If they say no, ask for a recommendation for someone who can be a mentor.

What have been your biggest challenges to date? Are any of those barriers surprising?

I think the thing to remember with higher education is that getting that degree or that certificate speaks volumes to the soft skills that employers are looking for. It says that you started something, you committed to it, and you completed it even when it was hard. That shows employers a level of resilience and long-term commitment that many employers are looking for.

Questions about working in Charleston? Connect.

• Find job openings in the Charleston region
• Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn