Starting this fall, UHD students won’t have to go far for career advice. The Center for Career and Professional Development is moving into the heart of each of the university’s four colleges, making career support a natural part of daily campus life.
For years, UHD’s career services operated in two separate spaces: one in the Marilyn Davies College of Business dedicated to business students, and another in the One Main Building, often referred to by Executive Director Brett Hobby as “up the hill,” serving all other colleges. Now, career services are uniting under a single approach that places dedicated career coaches directly within each college.
“Being close to students, faculty, and advisors builds natural, everyday connections,” Hobby said. “Those moments lead to stronger career outcomes.” With over 28 years of experience in higher education career services, including at UH’s Bauer College of Business, Hobby brings a proven perspective to shaping UHD’s new model.
By working alongside academic departments, these college-based specialists can offer timely career guidance, integrate employer engagement into coursework, and help students see clear pathways from their studies to the workplace.
“Our goal is for every student to graduate with internship experience and a full-time role within their major or intended career path,” Hobby added. “Embedding specialists within colleges creates a direct link between what students learn in the classroom and the professional skills employers are looking for.”
Each college will have at least one dedicated career coach, making support a consistent presence on campus. These professionals will provide one-on-one advising, resume reviews, interview preparation, and employer connections tailored to the academic and career interests of each college.
The central CCPD office on the fourth floor will serve as the hub for all CCPD locations on campus. Each location will have expanded evening hours Monday through Thursday and options for both in-person and virtual appointments.
To kick off the new model, all CCPD locations will host open houses on Tuesday, August 26, giving students the chance to meet their embedded coaches and explore upcoming opportunities.
Throughout the year, programs will be offered across campus—including Career Bootcamp, networking workshops, Student Organizations Day, etiquette dinners, the Internship Symposium, and more.
Career support at UHD is free and available to every Gator, whether you are a new freshman, a transfer student finding your footing, or an alum planning your next step. “Those informal moments, chatting in the hallway, stopping by after class, can spark connections that lead to internships, job offers, and long-term success,” Hobby said. “Now, careers are part of the conversation from day one.”