Meet the Career Services team at College of DuPage.
Melissa Schertz
Manager, Career Services
What do you enjoy about the work you do?
The challenge of helping students become aware of not only our office but the services we provide. I truly enjoy the challenge of shifting the perception that we're much more than just "that office you visit near graduation." My favorite moments are those when a student stops and says "wait I had no idea this is what you do and this is exactly what I need."
What hobbies, volunteering or passion projects do you do outside of work?
Figure skating, knitting, baking, Disney Parks, watching The Office, hanging with her doggie, Logan, and husband Mike.
What advice would you give to your college aged self?
I wish someone would have said "SNAP OUT OF IT" and made me recognize that college is much more than just going to class. There's no harm in learning about campus resources and branching out during your first year. Recognize that you don't know what you don't know and ask questions. What you learn might surprise you. There are a number of valuable resources I was unaware of until I became a Career Specialist. Don't fall into the rut of only going to class. There's so much more!
Rebecca Harrington
Career Services Specialist
What do you enjoy about the work you do?
I love helping people reach their goals. Career prep and job searching can be nerve-racking, so I enjoy listening and sharing ideas with students, alumni, and community members that help make that process easier.
What hobbies, volunteering or passion projects do you do outside of work?
Outside of work I have a podcast, Ghostly, that keeps me very busy. I am also a member of a local theater development company focused on bringing more arts to the suburban Chicago area called Memoriam Development.
What advice would you give to your college aged self?
Don't be afraid to explore. It is okay to try out different career ideas and to remember that while your major helps you in your career, it doesn't always decide your career.
Michelle Malik
Career Services Specialist
What do you enjoy about the work you do?
I love clarifying information for students and helping them feel more informed about processes and resources at COD. It’s neat to see the light bulb go off and to assist our students in feeling more comfortable on campus. I enjoy helping students advocate for themselves as well.
What hobbies, volunteering, or passion projects do you do outside of work?
When I’m not at work, I love spending time with family, friends, and my cat, Penny. I also enjoy listening to true crime podcasts, walking/getting lost in new neighborhoods, baking, and being creative. Pre-pandemic, I enjoyed attending rock concerts and make it a point to listen to music every day. I can’t live without it!
What advice would you give your college-aged self?
Practice school-life balance because your undergraduate years go by too quickly. Make new friends, attend school events/games, and push yourself outside of your comfort zone! Also, being a first generation college student, I would remind myself that it’s okay to ask questions to learn, and I would want to find a mentor who could support me through my college journey.
Pierre Michiels
Career Services Specialist
What do you enjoy about the work you do?
It is never the same, each person is unique with different goals and backgrounds. With my work I get to know people, discover their differences, and help them communicate that to employers/others. Along with providing support for their professional growth.
What hobbies, volunteering or passion projects do you do outside of work?
Almost every Sunday you can find me volunteering in the children's ministry at church. Beyond that I am always happy to lend a helping hand for those that need it, more specifically I am passionate about helping those that are homeless and advocating for individuals with disabilities. For hobbies I just enjoy being active and involved. During the summer I am always looking to be outdoors hiking or taking in music at local fests. I really enjoy discovering new music!
What advice would you give to your college aged self?
I would tell my college age self to go out and explore more. I grew up in a sheltered household and never got to experience or truly discover the different cultures, landscapes, and possibilities out there. As a college student I got to see some of it but there was so much more I could have done at that time. It was not until the end of my college experience I really started exploring more and that is when I truly discovered myself and how I wanted to be moving forward.