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Emily Merritt
Career Coach - Intern Program Manager - Early Career Specialist - she/her
Professional Background
Emily Merritt is a dedicated and accomplished professional in the field of higher education and career development. Currently serving as the Senior Assistant Director at the Center for Student Success & Career Development at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, Emily plays a pivotal role in overseeing Trinity's comprehensive career coaching initiatives. Her innovative approach to career development is evident in the design and implementation of the team's career community strategy, which fosters a collaborative environment aimed at providing students and alumni with the support they need for meaningful career growth.
With a passion for helping individuals reach their full potential, Emily supervises both professional and student staff, manages the operations of the Career Studio, and oversees the Career Development Intern program. She is also a co-leader of the Connect Mentoring program, which connects students with mentors who guide them in their career paths. Through her one-on-one career coaching sessions, Emily emphasizes creating an inclusive, strengths-based environment where students can reflect on their aspirations, set achievable goals, and actively pursue impactful experiences. Her commitment to student success is apparent in every aspect of her work.
Education and Achievements
Emily's academic journey laid a strong foundation for her career in higher education. She earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Higher Education Administration from Boston College, where she gained essential insights into the complexities of student affairs and university operations. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology and minors in Human Development and Family Studies, and Women and Gender Studies at the University of Vermont. This background provides Emily with a unique perspective on the social dynamics that influence student development and career outcomes.
In her role at Trinity College, Emily's expertise has been recognized through various accolades, including a prestigious award received in 2016 from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), recognizing her team's contributions to career development. This recognition speaks volumes about Emily's dedication and effectiveness in the field of career coaching.
Notable Presentations and Contributions
Emily is not only a practitioner but also a thought leader in career development, having presented at numerous national and regional conferences. Her presentations focus on vital topics such as Design Thinking, innovative career coaching strategies, and the importance of personalized career plans. Her recent appearances at conferences organized by the Student Career Counseling Association (SCCA), Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE), the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), and the National Career Development Association (NCDA) highlight her commitment to professional development and her desire to share her knowledge and best practices with peers across the country.
Clifton Strengths
Emily's approach to coaching is further enhanced by her unique strengths in various areas, as indicated by her CliftonStrengths profile. Her top strengths include Input, Strategic, Achiever, Individualization, and Relator. These strengths reflect Emily's ability to gather information and insights (Input), create dynamic strategies for student engagement and support (Strategic), achieve quantifiable results in her programs and initiatives (Achiever), customize her coaching methods to fit individual needs (Individualization), and build meaningful relationships with students and colleagues (Relator). This combination of strengths positions Emily as an effective mentor and advocate for career success among the student body at Trinity College.
Achievements
Emily Merritt's remarkable career in career development showcases her dedication to student success. With an impressive array of professional experiences and educational background, she continues to make significant contributions to the field. Some of her notable achievements include:
- Overseeing innovative career coaching initiatives at Trinity College, focusing on personalized experiences for students and alumni.
- Co-leading the Connect Mentoring program, fostering valuable relationships between students and professionals in their field of interest.
- Presenting at esteemed national and regional conferences, sharing insights on career coaching and program implementation, thus positioning her as a respected thought leader in the industry.
- Receiving the National Association of Colleges and Employers Member’s Choice Award in 2016, an accolade that highlights her team's excellence in career development practices.
- Contributing to the field of higher education through previous roles as a Career Consultant at the University of Connecticut, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs of students pursuing their career goals.
