Employee Career Development Program

The Employee Career Development Program is dedicated to fostering the professional growth of NC State staff.

Our mission is to empower employees to explore and shape their career journeys, ensuring alignment with their aspirations while staying true to the university’s theme of Think and Do.

Think, Do…and Elevate Your Career

Think: Empowering People

At the heart of our coaching program is empowerment. We provide the tools, resources, and support needed for employees to think strategically about their career paths. By focusing on collaboration, workforce development, and creating meaningful connections, we enable employees to thrive within a dynamic community, both professionally and personally.

Do: Making a Difference

Our coaching program is designed to drive results. We help employees solve problems, refine their professional brand, and enhance their skills to ensure operational excellence. Through targeted support in career planning and development, participants are empowered to make a real difference in their roles and contribute to the university’s mission by delivering impactful results.

Elevate: Advancing the Pack

Our holistic coaching program helps employees advance not only their careers but also contribute to the collective success of the university. By aligning individual goals with the broader vision and mission of the university, we foster innovation and leadership, ensuring that every participant can elevate their potential and drive progress within their teams and the organization.

Let Us Help You Along Your Career Journey

We provide a variety of career development resources, personalized coaching, and skill-building opportunities to help professionals discover and navigate their career path at NC State and beyond. Learn more about how the Employee Career Development team can help you reach your full potential.

Individual Career Coaching

Our 1-on-1 career coaching program is a 6-8 week experience designed to help you clarify your goals, align your values, and unlock your professional potential. With expert guidance, you’ll gain the tools and resources needed to explore career options, make informed decisions, and achieve meaningful growth.

The program takes an interdisciplinary approach to provide comprehensive support for your personal and professional growth, with a focus on three key areas:

Career Counseling: A holistic approach that considers all aspects of your life – skills, values, interests, and environment – to provide personalized guidance and support for informed career decisions.
Career Pathing: Utilizing the career lattice model rather than a traditional linear approach, this component helps you identify opportunities based on your skills, enabling a flexible and dynamic career progression.
Professional Development: Focuses on professional branding and skill enhancement through tailored training and resources to strengthen your career readiness and marketability.

Contact the ECD team for more information.

Professional Development Workshops

Elevate your skills with our interactive, hands-on workshops. Led by our career experts, these sessions are designed to enhance your professional branding and job search success.

Resume Workshops: Learn how to craft a standout resume that highlights your strengths and accomplishments.
Interview Workshops: Practice your responses and build confidence with actionable feedback and proven strategies.

Contact the ECD team for more information.

Guidance on Your Career Journey

Our experts have developed a range of on-demand resources exclusively for NC State employees. These tools are designed to support your career progression and include Career Planning Guides, Job Search Resources, and Interview and Resume Guides.

Access these resources anytime to take the next step in your career with confidence.

On-Demand Resources

The sun sets on a warm summer evening on Centennial Campus at the Hunt Library. Photo by Becky Kirkland.

Meet Our Team

Juanita Barkley, Employee Career Development Counselor
Juanita Barkley has over 10 years of experience helping professionals across various industries advance and transition in their careers. A Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) with a Master’s in Psychology, she specializes in aligning careers with core values for fulfillment and growth. Juanita has also developed career coaching frameworks for organizations, guiding professionals to thrive. She uses neuroscience and psychology to empower individuals in discovering their potential and navigating successful career paths.

Chris Vestal, Employee Career Development Coordinator
Chris Vestal, Ph.D., is an experienced career coach and organizational development professional with over a decade of expertise in designing and managing strategic enterprise-level programs. As the Employee Career Development Coordinator, Dr. Vestal specializes in creating impactful initiatives, including career path mapping, skill development, and coaching, to foster growth and opportunity for NC State staff. His work is driven by a passion for empowering individuals and building innovative programs that deliver meaningful, lasting results.

Contact Us

For more information about how the Employee Career Development Program can help you navigate your career journey, please contact us via HRNow.

Contact the ECD Team