Debra Manente

• Danbury, CT

Debra Manente **Career Development Professional Who Strives to See People Succeed**

Debra Manente's Experience:

• Associate Director, Career Success Center at Western Connecticut State University

  December 2015 - Present | Danbury, CT

  * Develop marketing strategies to engage students, alumni and faculty * Provide students with high-level service, career education and job and internship preparation * Research and communicate career development trends and Best Practices * Perform statistical analysis of career outcomes data * Cultivate relationships with students, faculty and alumni * Recruit, train and manage student workers and career center interns * Provide career coaching and instruction regarding resume writing, interviewing and effective job searching, critical thinking and communication skills * Head annual career fairs, exploration events and etiquette dinners

• Associate Faculty at Post University

  2013 - 2017 | Waterbury, CT

  Facilitates CSS 101: Learning Across the Lifespan/Career Success Seminar, to approximately 20 - 28 students per MOD; Six MODs a year at eight weeks a MOD • Guide and teach students regarding the use of proper APA guidelines, time management skills, how to work in the Blackboard application, and Microsoft applications such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel • Communicate in a timely manner so students are aware of their progress and can make timely alterations according to the goals they set • Provide exceptional feedback and work within the students' capabilities so to encourage them to continue their course of action • Serves a wide diverse student population; students from all ethnic groups, educational backgrounds, located in 12 countries

• Online Learning Lab Manager/Workforce Development Professional at Career Team

  July 2015 - December 2016 | Hartford, CT

  Works with dislocated workers, Veterans, returning offenders, those with disabilities and the homeless to help bridge the skills gap and find employment

• Associate Director of Career Services at Post University

  January 2012 - July 2015 | Waterbury, CT

  Created and presented a variety of workshops such as "Understanding Linkedin," "Write a Winning Resume," "How to Use Your Transferable Skills," and "Making the Most of Linkedin Groups" • Created over 100 eye catching flyers for job fairs, contests, workshops, and career related announcements while utilizing Publisher, PowerPoint and Word documents • Created and implemented a variety of campus contests such as "Dress for Success," "Post Pitch Contest," and "Best Linkedin Profile" • Handled all product management of the annual "Business Professional Interview Panel Discussion," and "Annual Etiquette Diner and Networking Event" • Worked with and guided over a 1,000 students to help them reach their career goals and secure employment • Researched and created a new website for Post University, Career Services, with over 1800 job search links and resources • Created Resume Writing, Interviewing, and Cover Letter handbooks to help guide students on how to create and execute their personal brands • Spoke at New Student Orientations and New Hire Orientations • Wrote monthly articles for the University blog regarding career development and personal branding • Worked with students, one-on-one, with resumes and cover letters while utilizing Optimal Resume

• Guidance Counselor at (Fieldwork)

  October 2010 - December 2011

  Bristol Eastern High School, Bristol, CT 2011 - 2012 • Taught and guided students through Naviance and College Board websites regarding personality and career profilers (Holland Code, Myers Briggs) • Explained and facilitated Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) scores and Career Decision Making(CDM) tools • Coached and oversaw students with various online applications such as part-time employment, college admissions, and the Common Application • Proctored SAT, CAPT, and AP tests • Followed strict state requirements regarding the organization and confidentiality of CMT, CAPT, SAT, and AP tests • Promoted and facilitated "Challenge Day" • Communicated with various school departments and reinforced programs and guidelines regarding 504's, PPT's, and mandates for students with special needs • Worked with students regarding teen pregnancy, teen/parent suicide, Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Transexual (GLBT), parental issues, cutting, drugs/alcohol, anger, insecurities, gang violence, etc. • Guided high school students with their college admissions and wrote college recommendations • Instructed students in regards to creating timelines for high school progress, career decisions and college plans _________________________________________________ Pulaski Middle School, New Britain, CT 2010 • Explained and facilitated Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) scores and Career Decision Making(CDM) tools • Followed strict state requirements regarding the organization and confidentiality of Connecticut Mastery Tests (CMT) • Conducted groups with students ages 11 to 13 regarding anger management and life skills • Communicated with various school departments and reinforced programs and guidelines regarding 504's, PPT's, and mandates for students with special needs • Worked with students regarding cutting, parental issues, bullying, career decisions, peer pressure, and academic success • Instructed students in regards to creating academic timelines for middle school progress

• Career Services Director at New Horizons Computer Learning Center

  August 2006 - 2010

  Guided over a 1,000 students in four Northeast locations; Boston, MA., New York, NY., Trumbull, CT., and Bloomfield, CT • Studied and follow career trends in Information Technology to provide competitive solutions for IT students • Wrote effective resumes for students working in the IT field; Help Desk, C++, Cisco, Graphic Arts, HTMAL, XML • Tracked students and trained employees with the Career Management System (CMS) software • Developed, wrote, and taught a curriculum titled “Career Strategies: 2009 and Beyond” to over 1,000 students • Liaison with local and national agencies regarding disabled and veteran students; certifying Veteran Official • Networked with companies and attended monthly association meetings with the Central Connecticut Human Resources Association (SHRM) • Conducted cold calling on a daily basis to learn of unfilled positions then presented job leads to students and graduates • Prepared/organized for, participated in, and scoped opportunities at various career/job and college fairs • Devised career development plans which included resume/cover letter construction, interviewing skills, marketing skills and furnished job leads • Wrote and implemented training materials and skills assessment packets • Conducted monthly mock interview sessions in Connecticut, New York City and Boston locations; had a different recruiter or industry professional to visit each time • Organized and hosted new student orientations in Bloomfield, CT and Trumbull, CT locations

Debra Manente's Education:

• Western Connecticut State University

  Master of Business Administration
  Concentration: Organizational Leadership

• Cambridge College

  2008 – 2012
  Master in Education
  Concentration: Double Concentration: School Guidance/Psychology; GPA 3.9/4.0
  Activities: Master Thesis: The Assessment and Treatment of Dislocated Workers for Career Counseling

• Connecticut School of Broadcasting

  1997 – 1997
  diploma
  Concentration: Broadcasting/Media

• Central Connecticut State University

  1992 – 1997
  Bachelor of Science
  Concentration: Communication/Journalism-Writing

Debra Manente's Interests & Activities: