Jeannine Berge has found her new home at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as the Haslam College of Business director of professional development and career management for undergraduate programs. Since she assumed the position in early January, the Nebraska native has taken an active role in working to develop a student-focused strategy for career development.

While this may be a new role for Berge, she is no stranger to the university. Following her time at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, she served as Haslam’s career services consultant from 2007-11 when her husband was given a career opportunity in Nebraska.

While she loved her experience at UT, she knew it was the right decision to make the move. This choice enabled her to find a position opening at the University of Nebraska which provided her with an exceptional learning experience.

“At the same time as the move, the University of Nebraska decided to launch a new career services office in their college of business,” Berge says. “There, I had the chance, along with a colleague and long-time friend, to build an office from the ground up. It was such a rewarding endeavor to see a vision come to fruition.”

Berge jumped head first into her new role by implementing a four-course development curriculum designed specifically for undergraduate students. Once completed, the program immediately saw results through the enhanced engagement between employers and students.

She enjoyed success in her role and loved being back in her home state, but when her current position at Haslam was created, she knew it deserved serious consideration. “I had to go for it,” she says. “I loved the student-centered focus, the drive to see students succeed and the spirit of collaboration with other offices and resources.”

Berge is quickly readjusting to life here on Rocky Top while taking the first steps to build Haslam’s professional development and career management program. Eager to learn the status of career development within the college, Berge plans to complete her initial assessment of student and faculty perceptions just in time for spring recruitment where she will then strategically gather employer feedback and identify their needs and concerns.

Berge also is looking forward to her husband and 4-year-old daughter joining her in Knoxville so they can explore all the activities the area offers. “I’m definitely excited to get back to the mountains of East Tennessee and start getting our daughter out hiking on the hills,” she says. “It’s nice to be so close to so much of the country, allowing for some easy weekend excursions. It will be nice to show our daughter everything the area has available.”

The Haslam College of Business is delighted to have Berge on staff, as she will surely be a game changer for student success in every area of career development. Her experience, coupled with her ability to drive organizational change, will provide students with every opportunity, not only to succeed, but also excel in their career paths.