Career counselor now housed in college

Katelyn Jeffries

Katelyn Jerles at her desk in the Office for Students and Instruction on Aug. 31. (Photo by Sarah Carey)

The UF College of Veterinary Medicine now has a new staff member dedicated to helping professional and graduate students explore and enhance their career options.

Through a partnership with the UF Career Resource Center, Katelyn Jerles has become the college’s dedicated liaison with the UF Career Resource Center. As the assistant director for career and industry engagement, she serves degree-seeking students enrolled at UF with a primary focus on the College of Veterinary Medicine. Through her unique position, she is able to build relationships and work with individuals in the college with the support and resources of the Career Resource Center.

Jerles spends half of her time in the college’s Office for Students and Instruction (her office is in the Veterinary Academic Building, Room V1-100G) and the other portion of her time at the center’s Reitz Union office.  

Jerles will support students with career-related initiatives by providing help in a variety of ways. She can assist in everything from reviewing resumes and CVs to preparing for interviews, exploring various career options, searching for internships and full-time positions and connecting with potential employers. From discussing what’s involved in pursuing board certification versus opening up a private practice to working with students to perfect their job applications, she serves students from their first day on campus. Her position also includes engaging with employers that are interested in recruiting UFCVM students and collaborating with faculty and staff to host workshops and various career-related events.

“My passion is to educate and create connections for the students here at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine,” Jerles said. “I want to equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve their career aspirations now and the ability to utilize these techniques again in the future. With the high rates of student debt in veterinary medicine, it is even more necessary that students be well-equipped to succeed in the workforce and that they are able to utilize these skills throughout their professional career.”

Jerles currently has appointment times available Mondays from 1-3:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 8-11:30 a.m. Appointments can be scheduled by accessing Gator CareerLink at www.crc.ufl.edu/gatorcareerlink. She has express drop-in hours, where appointments are not required, scheduled for Thursdays 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. For more information email Jerles at KatelynJ@crc.ufl.edu.

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Katelyn Jeffries

Career counselor now housed in college

Career counselor joins college staff, aims to assist all degree-seeking students in exploring career opportunities.

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