Sharon Wiatt Jones

Hi, I'm Sharon Wiatt Jones, and I write to help high-achieving college students and veterans identify their career options, internships, and potential employers.

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Sharon Wiatt Jones is an expert blogger on new and emerging careers. She has 20 years of experience in college career counseling. An author, writer, and speaker, Sharon Wiatt Jones has been cited by publications such as USA Today, U.S. News & World Report Online, and the Boston Globe. She has been a career advisor to trailing spouses of transferred Fortune 500 employees and served as an officer in the U.S. Army. 

Assistant Director at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

2005 - 2011

Specialized in career advising to students in education, information and library science, computer science, mathematics, statistics and operations research, and advanced material sciences. Served graduate students who target faculty positions and students interested in federal employment. Member and former chair, Employer Outreach Team.

Supervisor/Career Consultant at Ricklin-Echikson Associates

1999 - 2004

Provided assimilation and job search assistance to "trailing spouses" of relocated Fortune 500 employees, which required extensive knowledge of community resources. Participated on management team to help develop vision and create strategic plan. Recruited, trained, and supervised up to 12 career consultants who worked remotely in southeastern states.

Associate Director at UNC-Chapel Hill

1985 - 2004

Provided services to Kenan-Flagler Business School undergraduates, faculty, and administrators. Participated on Undergraduate Program Committee. Coordinated annual career fair attended by more than 200 recruiters and up to 1,400 students. Initiated and presented employment seminar for small businesses. Conducted annual survey of over 2,000 bachelor's degree recipients and wrote report. Initiated and co-wrote a grant proposal to develop eight career-enrichment projects for minority students, which was funded $23,000 by Prudential Foundation. Wrote article for Journal of Career Planning and Employment which was cited in book about best practices, The Changing Role of Career Services.

Recruiting and Training Advisor/Staff Assistant at Mobil Oil Corporation

1982 - 1985

Conducted on-campus recruiting and initiated use of career fairs and open houses. Provided new employee orientation. Wrote job descriptions and participated in salary surveys.

Senior Analyst/Recruiting Specialist at Exxon Office Systems Company (parent corporation was Exxon)

1980 - 1982

Developed recruiting procedures for a start-up of Exxon Corporation. Sourced executive through entry-level candidates with search firms and newspaper advertising. Researched competitor practices and wrote personnel policies.

Teaching Assistant at Purdue University

1978 - 1980

Taught a senior-level Labor Relations course to 650 students during four semesters.

Lieutenant at US Army

1974 - 1978

Supervised and presented race relations and German-relations training to all ranks. Oversaw and gave presentations on youth activities services to two-star general. Performed as personnel generalist in Adjutant General Corps. Served on dependent misconduct board.

Writer and former career advisor at Career Moves

January 1999

Research and write about career topics. Previously provided career exploration, decision-making, and job search coaching for clients. Assisted local and out-of-state clients with identifying job leads, researching employers, writing resumes and cover letters, and preparing for interviews.

Purdue University

1978 – 1980

M.S. Industrial Relations, Krannert School of Business

Southern Colorado State College

1972 – 1973

B.S. Behavioral Science

Cottey College

1970 – 1972

A.A.

New and emerging occupations, internships and jobs for high-achieving students, enhancing marketability through college course selection, transition of military veterans to higher education or civilian careers. Prevention of child abuse, adoption of homeless cats and dogs, advocacy for those with mental illness and ADD.