When Mary Andrade first stepped onto Purdue University's campus, she felt a spark of excitement and purpose. With a wealth of experience in career development and a vision for the future, Andrade will oversee Purdue’s Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) as senior director of Career Success, effective Aug. 15.

A Vision Rooted in Collaboration and Lifelong Learning

Andrade’s journey to Purdue is driven by a deep belief in the power of collaboration and the necessity of lifelong learning. “Purdue has a strong career services ecosystem across majors and colleges,” she said, tipping her hat to Purdue’s latest Top 20 ranking for career services at public institutions (Purdue ranked No. 17) by Princeton Review. “My vision is to strengthen collaboration amongst the amazing services that are already in place. I look forward to partnering with career services offices and the many supporters across campus that are having career conversations in varying capacities.”

As the job market continues to evolve, Andrade is keenly aware of the shifting demands. She highlights the growing importance of soft skills alongside technical expertise. “Current trends show that soft skills will be as important as technical skills,” Andrade explained. “Students must be committed to lifelong learning, coupling their education with additional skill development and technological literacy as the job market demands.”

Integrating Career Development into Every Aspect of Education

One of the most significant challenges Andrade sees in career services today is the need to embed career development into the heart of college education. She envisions a future where career development is embedded into the curriculum across all Purdue programs. “I hope to find ways to integrate reflection pieces into the curriculum so that we can help students do this very important work and develop data that demonstrate the high level of career readiness our students achieve.”

This integrative approach is not just about curriculum; it's about meeting the diverse needs of Purdue’s student body. This is also aligned with the broader mission of Purdue’s World Readiness unit, of which Career Success is one part. “I believe that an integrative approach like this provides the best opportunity to meet students where they are,” she said, underscoring her commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Innovative Programs and Employer Partnerships

Andrade brings with her a portfolio of innovative programs from her previous roles, which she is eager to implement at Purdue. One such initiative is an upskilling program that includes badges and certificates to highlight students’ skills and areas of interest. “I hope to continue this tradition at Purdue in a way that aligns with the initiatives of the university,” she shared.

Her dedication to developing intercultural competency and her extensive work with international students and employers are also key components of her vision. Andrade’s experience in creating international courses and facilitating opportunities for international students will be instrumental in expanding Purdue’s global reach.

Building robust relationships with employers is another cornerstone of Andrade's strategy. She recognizes the critical role employers play in the educational experience and aims to create seamless pathways for them to connect with Purdue’s campus and students. “Employers are critical partners in the educational experience,” Andrade emphasized. “I will be seeking opportunities for connecting with industry and creating seamless pathways for employers to connect with our campus and our students.”

Listening to and Engaging with Students

Ensuring that career services meet the needs of students involves active engagement and feedback. Andrade plans to conduct student listening sessions and reach out to student organizations for feedback. “With a large student body, I think it’s important to create opportunities for students to be heard,” she said. “I want to ensure that all Purdue students have access to services and resources that will help them develop the next step in their life journey.”

Andrade said she’s looking forward to helping create excellent programs, services and delivery options to meet the needs of Purdue’s student body. As she steps into her new role, Andrade is excited to help prepare students for successful futures in an ever-evolving job market.