The Career Hub Team

Jennifer is the Director of Career Services at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She has supported students’ career journeys in both public and private institutions, working with students and alumni from diverse backgrounds and a wide variety of career interests. As a first-generation college graduate, Jennifer believes career education should be a transformative experience for students and works to develop new approaches to engage, educate, and empower them as they create visions and strategies for fulfilling personal and professional lives.

Jennifer holds a BA in French from Indiana University and an MA in French Literature from the University of Texas in Austin.

1. How did you get to your position at O’Neill?

My career path has been varied but always grouped around service and management.  While earning my anthropology degree, I worked for a national bookstore and I decided to shift my career path to retail management, then into hospitality management, and finally to student career services where I have truly found my home.

2. What part do you enjoy the most about working in the Career Hub at O’Neill?

For me this is a tie between watching students discover how they can “Lead for the Greater Good” in their own authentic way, and connecting with an organization or company who hired one of our students/alumni and they can’t wait to hire another one!

3. What are some of your favorite things outside of work?

I love to read, cook, watch movies, and swim!

4. What is a quote or saying that you live by?

“There is no story that is not true.” ― Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart

5. Favorite album of all time?

I can’t answer this, give me a mix tape! Anyone know what that is now?

6. Advice for students?

Your first destination after your degree program is not your final destination.  Choose what you want to do next, not forever, it’s much less intimidating.

I am excited to join O’Neill after 10 years as the Director of Career Connections at the School of Education, three years at the Career Development Center, and 3 years at Manchester University. Seeing students’ growth–whether it is through self-assessment, internship experience, discovering a major/career, or engaging with potential employers–keeps me energized. I love music, sports, games, art, and coffee!

How did you get to your position at O’Neill?

I grew up in central Nebraska and completed a Music Education degree at the University of Nebraska. During college, I worked for several non-profit fine arts organizations as a music director and loved this work.  After college, I served as recruiter for a nonprofit summer fine arts camp, then moved over to recruit at the University of Nebraska.  I loved promoting educational experiences to students and families, particularly first generation and low income families.  Admissions introduced me to the world of Student Affairs and higher education and I knew the college environment was a great fit for me.  Next, I completed a Master’s degree in College Student Personnel from the University of Wisconsin and completed an internship with the Career Center at Luther College.  Since graduation, I’ve worked in the areas of Career Services and Student Activities and Leadership at Bethany College and Emporia State University in Kansas, and now the Career Hub in the O’Neill School.  As I was relocating to Indy, my Kansas buddies reached out to Pat Donahue and Jennifer Schepers and introduced us.  Little did I know the O’Neill School had such a great commitment to the greater good!

What part do you enjoy the most about working in the Career Hub at O’Neill?

O’Neill students and alumni are incredibly talented and motivated to do great things.  The Career Hub is focused on guiding students into career paths and to build and market out those professional skills.

What are some of your favorite things outside of work?

I love running, boating, and hanging with my four kids who are all in college and beyond.  I’m also a Lionel Richie superfan and love college football.  I have a chihuahua and a chiweenie at home that my kids conveniently forgot to take with them….

What is a quote or saying that you live by?

Show up, be seen, answer the call.  

   -Brene Brown

Favorite album of all time?

Hands down:  Rumours by Fleetwood Mac

Advice for students?

Make every connection count, treat each professional relationship with care, and never underestimate the significance of every single experience.  Even that part-time summer job that just pays the bills builds skills and knowledge that may come around later.  You never know!

Former U.S. Marine Corps Officer turned O’Neill School Career Coach, passionate about guiding veterans, students, alumni, and professionals to achieve their full potential. With over two decades of experience spanning military public affairs, public relations, and higher education, I bring a unique perspective to career development. As a recent O’Neill School MPA graduate myself, I offer a fresh, insider’s view of the student experience and the challenges of transitioning into the professional world. As a career coach, I leverage my diverse background and recent academic journey to support students in their professional development. This dual perspective as both a recent graduate and a seasoned professional gives me a deep understanding of the needs of our students and alumni. I aim to empower O’Neill undergraduates, graduates, and alumni to translate their military, academic, and work experiences into compelling career narratives. I thrive on connecting people with opportunities and am known for my ability to build strong relationships across diverse groups. Whether it’s developing impactful resumes, crafting targeted cover letters, honing interview skills, or navigating career transitions, I’m committed to helping others succeed. My recent graduation experience enhances my ability to provide relevant, up-to-date guidance on academic and career pathways. Let’s connect! I’m always eager to discuss career strategies, internship or job opportunities, veteran support, or swap stories about life in the Corps. As a fellow O’Neill alum, I’m particularly excited to share insights about maximizing your O’Neill experience for career success.