FYPC Podcast Ep 37: Nadene Reynolds, University of Florida Career Connections Center

Nadene Reynolds is the Director for Career Foundations at the University of Florida Career Connections Center. She is responsible for leadership of the Industry Relations and Career Engagement teams to simultaneously cultivate business and industry relationships and education and prepare UF candidates.

The Career Connections Center aids students in finding the synergy from where they are to where they want to be. “We look at how do we systematically weave students through the development process,” said Nadene.

Tune into my conversation with Nadene as she shares her experience helping students find opportunities on the Find Your Passion Career podcast!

With any journey comes cheerleaders constantly supporting you and building you up to reach your highest point. Nadene Reynolds does that and more. Nadene works to connect students with their industry early on in their college career. “No matter where a student finds themselves, we can help them lay out a plan for their developmental process,” said Nadene.

She constantly asks herself “What are students struggling with, and how can I assist them?” It’s up to Nadene to create a framework that help makes the career development process less lonely.

“The why is simultaneous. I’m really driven by helping students,” said Nadene.

Asking for directions

A typical day in the life goes something like this – meetings, on meetings, on meetings. To stay organized, Nadene starts her week off by creating a week sheet – agile is an understatement when it comes to Nadene.

Nadene hopes that by staying organized and on top of her schedule, she can help students be intentional with their journey. “If they have been intentional…they have a good sense of who they are and what they want,” said Nadene.

But this all starts with students taking the first step and asking for help. Nadene notes that students have a hard time doing just that. Fear of failure holds them back. “If you are in a place where you need help, that’s not surprising to us…it’s asking for directions,” said Nadene.

You never know

The passion career journey isn’t linear, and it was no different for Nadene. She originally thought she was going into genetic research, but a few chemistry classes later, she had a change of heart. “There’s purpose in the process…student affairs and career services found me,” said Nadene.

She’s always had a passion for helping people. “Everyone needs help in something at some point in their life,” said Nadene. You just have to be open to opportunities and ask for directions when you feel a bit lost.”

“Assess where you are and dream about where you want to be.”

I challenge you to tune into Nadene’s advice on the podcast and instead of projecting who you want to be, start asking for directions on how you can get there.

Download our podcast interview with Nadene here on iTunes.

Once you’re inspired by Nadene’s story, we’d love to read your review. Thanks so much!