Q&A with new Career Services Director Kim Barberich

Kim Barberich wants students to practice their interviewing techniques, preferably while wearing well-pressed suits. She'd also like it if they took another close look at their resumes and considered personal, hand-written thank you letters to prospective employers. More than anything, as the new director of Career Services, Barberich wants students to take advantage of the many events, services and expert trainers students have access to in her office (located on the second floor of the Bart Luedeke Center, Suite 237).

Prior to joining Rider in September 2015, Barberich spent eight years as the director of Career & Leadership Development at Columbia University School of Social Work. Before Columbia, Barberich managed a leadership development program in the Talent Development Department at American Express. She also worked as a director in the Office of Career Development at Barnard College and as a researcher on the GoodWork Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Baberich has a bachelor's degree in art history from Barnard College, Columbia University and a Master of Education in human development and psychology from Harvard University.

What brought you to Rider? 

I worked for eight years at the Columbia University School of Social Work, and in December of 2012, my husband and I moved from New York City after buying a house in Hunterdon County. I soon found that the daily four (plus) hour commute to Manhattan was grueling, very expensive and not sustainable.  I was ready for a new and challenging professional opportunity. I started looking for a position closer to home in April of 2015. A friend forwarded me the position at Rider and the rest is history.

What do you wish students knew about your office? 

I work with students to help them understand that deciding on a career and professional development is a process. It is not something that can be conjured in April of a student's final year. Students should build a relationship early on with Career Services and let us partner with them on this journey and eventual transition into the professional world.

What new things are happening in Career Services? 

We are in the process of developing some exciting programs for and with alumni that we expect to be in place for spring and fall 2016 semesters including formal and informal mentoring programs, virtual networking events, career panels and more.

Any advice as to what students should be reading to prepare for their careers? 

Reading biographies can be very useful in helping anyone figure out a career path. It's always good to hear about the struggles and challenges people face in rising in their chosen fields. Some good ones that come to mind are Steve Jobs by Walter Issacson, In the Shadow of Man by Jane Goodall and Dreams of My Father by Barack Obama.

What's on your nightstand at home? 

I read a lot of fiction. Right now, I am reading Just Kids by Patti Smith and Redeployment by Phil Klay. Both are amazing.