Joy Jones, assistant director of the Career Center, has seen many changes to UAB Career and Professional Development services in her 19 years at UAB, and she's adapted.
"Throughout these years Joy has seen a lot of changes and has adapted her work and her style to fit the needs of the department through all of its phases, never losing her can-do attitude, an attitude that is hard for most people to sustain through change," said Melissa Whatley, associate director of Career and Professional Development.
Whatley said Jones has made a name for herself by collaborating with people and departments across campus to help support students. Last year, Jones collaborated with UAB Hospital, Human Resources and the School of Nursing to increase the number of nurse-shadowing programs for pre-nursing students.
During the past year, Jones has given 50 classroom presentations helping faculty provide career-related information to their students. Jones also teaches a three-credit course called Career Mapping, which requires students to conduct information interviews with professionals in their chosen field, present themselves with confidence and professionalism and articulate why they are a good candidate for a job.
"This course reflects the nature of what we do and is very aligned with Joy’s values of helping students develop to their highest potential," said Suzanne Scott-Trammell, executive director of Career & Professional Development.
Jones said one of the most fulfilling moments of her career happened this spring.
"This spring 100 percent of my students in Career Mapping completed an anonymous student survey voting 'yes,' they would recommend the course to others," Jones said. "It confirmed the students valued the professional preparation they experienced within the course."
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Jones said she began her career at UAB in an entry-level position, but her passion for helping others helped her move up.
"There are many personal rewards to doing your job well," Jones said. "Having career success increases your quality of life. And learning about the successes of our students motivates me to keep working hard."
Veronique Zimmerman-Brown, Ph.D., instructor in the School of Education, said she has seen a significant increase in the number of students with positive remarks for interviews and résumés in the five years Jones has been providing workshops to her students.
"I have witnessed Mrs. Jones’ kind-spirit and willingness in providing individualized help to those in need," said Zimmerman-Brown.. "Mrs. Jones epitomizes the true UAB spirit of impacting knowledge that truly does change our world for the better."
Outside work, Jones enjoys spending time with family and friends. She and her husband also enjoy visiting Alabama bed and breakfast inns and collecting recipes along the way. She said she's honored to be part of the UAB community.
"I value the impact our efforts have here at home as well as around the world," Jones said. "Thank you, individually and collectively, for enriching my life and sharing with me, all that you have to offer."
