New Director Looks to Increase Career Center Visibility
The Career Center has something for everyone – from first-year students to job-hunting seniors. That’s the message Alison Ayers would like all students to keep in mind.
Ayers is the new executive director of career services and employer relations. She began overseeing the Career Center in May after having most recently served as the career services lead instructor at ACI Learning Tech Academy and as the assistant director of Student Involvement and Fraternity & Sorority Life at Missouri S&T. She has also coached individual clients ranging from recent graduates to mid-level professionals and executives. Ayers relocated to the area to be closer to family and to make a more local impact in her profession.
“This opportunity felt like the perfect blend of everything I’m passionate about: career services, student development and building meaningful relationships,” she said. “More than just a job, it’s a chance to support students while investing in the region my family proudly calls home.”
While the Career Center has been a valuable campus resource for decades, Ayers has plans to expand its impact. New endeavors include a career closet offering free professional attire for interviews, and participation in Handshake, a powerful online platform that connects students with employers, internships and job opportunities nationwide.
“I’m thrilled to continue growing our resources to ensure students are prepared and confident in today’s fast-evolving career landscape,” Ayers said. “Whether students are just beginning to consider their future or preparing to land their first job, we’re here to help.”
One key factor that could help students realize the importance of using Career Center services early in their time on campus is its relocation to the newly remodeled Kirk Building. The campus landmark has been transformed into a Student Success Center with a collaborative service model. Multiple departments will work in conjunction to assist students, including: the Student Health Center; Counseling Services; Student Access and Disability Services; the Center for Academic Excellence; the Communication Lab; and the Writing Center.
Greater visibility and accessibility will help the Career Center as it looks to expand programming, form deeper campus partnerships and increase student engagement.
“Whether it’s through pop-up events, new employer connections, skill-building opportunities or the simple ability to drop by a more central, welcoming space, we want students to see the Career Center not as a last stop, but as a key part of their Truman experience,” Ayers said. “Career development is truly a collaborative effort, and I’m committed to fostering strong partnerships across campus to create a supportive ecosystem that prepares students for success beyond graduation.”
The Career Center is now operating out of the first floor of the Kirk Building. For more details on the services available, visit career.truman.edu. For more information, contact careers@truman.edu or call 660.785.4353.
