Career Counseling

Rick Roberts has over 30 years of experience in the field of career planning and placement. He graduated from Thiel College in May 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classical Language and received his Master's Degree in Counselor Education from Canisius College in 1980. After teaching Latin and English in the Avonworth School District in Pittsburgh, PA, he has worked as a Job Developer for Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program (1981-1983) Employer Relations Coordinator at Medaille College in Buffalo, NY (1983-1985), a Career Development Specialist at Boston University (1985-1987), Assistant Director of Career Planning and Placement at Harvard University (1987-1991), Director of the Career Center at The Colorado College (1991-1997), and Director of Career Services at the University of North Florida (1997-present). He is also an adjunct instructor for the UNF College of Education and Human Services. His experience includes career counseling, career assessment interpretation, career workshops and programs, Job Fairs and Career Expos, Employer Relations, and On-campus recruiting programs.

Valarie Robinson has over 23 years of experience in the career development field with the University of North Florida and INROADS/NC Triangle, Inc. (a non-profit internship organization). She has worked with alumni and students at all academic levels concerning exploration and decision-making, resume and interview skill development, job search strategies, and graduate school preparation. She instructs two courses: Experiential Learning-IDS 3949 and Career Planning-EDG 2000. She has also served as a program presenter for two Academic Adviser Retreats, the 7^th UNF Staff Training and Development Forum, the 4^th Taylor Leadership Institute's Student Summit, two African American Faculty and Staff Association's Family and Friends Day, and Duval County's Teen Court. Workplace awards include: Soaring to Excellence, Outstanding Achievement, two Exemplary Educator Awards, and the Sigma Alpha Pi (National Society of Leadership and Success) Excellence in Service to Students. She earned the following degrees: Master of Arts, Guidance and Counseling-North Carolina Central University, Master of Business Administration, Marketing-Clark Atlanta University and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Tuskegee University.

Maria Castro received her Master of Education Degree from the University of North Florida in December 2001. She also received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the State University of New York Purchase College in May 1994. Maria currently is employed with Career Services at the University of North Florida as a Career Coordinator and Liaison to Housing and Residential Life. Previous experiences include: UNF Career Services Liaison to the College of Education and Human Services, UNF Career Services Cooperative Education Coordinator, 9/2005-8/2008; UNF Brooks College of Health, Academic Advisor, 12/2003-5/2005; UNF Career Services, Job Location Development Program Coordinator, 8/2001-4/2002; Bentley College, Waltham, MA, Residence Director, Summer 1994; and SUNY Purchase Residence Life, Assistant Residence Director, 8/1991-May 1993.