The Office for Talent and Career Development here at Eastern has recently added Joanna Craig to its staff. Dr. Craig works alongside Sarah Todd, meeting with students to discuss resumes, majors, career paths and internships. In addition, Craig consults with local employers to find job opportunities for students. Prior to working at Eastern, she attended Queens College of New York and earned her bachelor’s degree in political science. Shortly after, she attended Harvard Law School to receive her Juris Doctor and then worked as an attorney for four years. Craig was most recently the Assistant Director of Career Services at George Mason University School of Law.
Craig was drawn to Eastern for many reasons, one of which was the fact that Eastern is a Christian university. She loves the idea of being able to incorporate faith into discussions with students about their futures. Craig also expresses an excitement about having the opportunity to work with students who are still unsure of their major and career path. Previously, Craig worked with students who were already confident in the career path they wanted to take, so having the chance to help students at Eastern discover their calling is very exciting for her.
Regarding her time as an attorney, Craig says, “There were definitely parts of the job that were really exciting…but it wasn’t a job that I felt was using my talents in the best way, and therefore I didn’t feel fulfilled doing it.”
Craig shares that her favorite part about the work she does is engaging with students and getting to know them. She is extremely passionate about helping students find their talents and callings and explains that she loves when she talks with a student and he or she has that “aha!” moment. Those moments reassure her that this is what she loves to do.
Craig shares that her favorite part about Eastern so far is most definitely the people. She says that working with Sarah Todd is awesome and that students and faculty have all been so welcoming.
Craig says, “Eastern students are so positive, and I can see how much passion they have for wanting to serve the community and serve others,” which has added greatly to her positive experience thus far at Eastern.