Meet Gloria: Career Counselor at a Community College

Gloria was ten years away from retiring from a successful career with the FDIC, but she felt the pull for more fulfillment, more purpose, and a more positive  impact in the lives of others. So she made the bold decision to leave the safety and security of her career and enroll in graduate school full-time and earn a degree in counseling.  And now, she has found fulfillment, joy, and purpose in helping guide the careers of community college students, alumni, and local citizens.

Name: Gloria

Occupation: Career Counselor at a Community College

Mid-Career Change

In 2019, Gloria made a bold career shift—ending  her 20-year career  as and then position as a Supervisory Examiner with  the FDIC to enroll in graduate school. During her time at the FDIC, she rose through the ranks to become a Commissioned Bank Examiner, leading bank examinations  and managing teams of examiners, ensuring financial institutions operated in a safe and sound manner . While she was successful in that supervisory role, Gloria began to crave more—more fulfillment and more opportunities to make a meaningful  impact in  people’s lives. She eventually realized that the part of her job that truly energized her was mentoring and guiding her employees professional development. She is currently a Career Coach at North Carolina’s largest Community College that spreads over several campuses and serves over 70,000 students.

Her HBCU

Gloria holds three degrees, including two graduate degrees from NC State University—a Master’s of Education: College Counseling and Student Development, and a Master’s of Science in Management. But her first degree, a Bachelor’s in Accounting, came from a historic HBCU founded in 1867,  St. Augustine’s University. It was an amazing experience that helped shape the person she is today.

Although she lived less than ten minutes from the university, she chose to live on campus. “I was blessed to live on campus and developed some wonderful lifelong friendships there. I also met some of the kindest people and incredible mentors,” she said.

Typical Day/Week

No two days look the same, but every day is about helping students realize and reach their career potential. Gloria rotates between campuses, hosts drop-in lab hours, and meets with students one-on-one. She assists with everything from major selection and career assessments to resumes, mock interviews, and job search strategies. She also visits classrooms to prepare students for upcoming job fairs and career conversations

What She Loves About Her Job

Gloria is mainly assigned to work with engineering and skilled trades students;  she thrives on connecting people to the right resources and career paths. Whether it’s helping a student reframe their interests, preparing someone for a job fair, or coaching them through mock interview sessions,  she finds joy in helping others see their potential. “I love when a student comes in unsure and leaves with a plan and a smile,” she says. “It’s rewarding to watch their confidence grow.”

Advice to Other Black Women Who Want to Do What She Does

“Lived experience matters,” Gloria says. While it's possible to step into this work fresh out of school, she believes her years in leadership, presenting to boards, and managing people give her a depth that can't be taught. “Every job, from Revco (now CVS) to the church ministry work , has added to my toolbox. All of it matters.”

Fun Fact

Gloria has a large loving family that includes 8 siblings: seven sisters and one brother. And she  leads a virtual Bible study for her nieces and nephews. She  calls it the “Caspan Grands” , named after the street she grew up on.