Phyllis M. Bickers, M.Ed., N.C.C.
(334) 826-6198 ● [email protected]
Summary of Experience
• Seventeen years experience in college-level career counseling and job search assistance
• Over 30 years experience in higher education in student and academic affairs
• Nationally Certified Counselor
• Successfully completed MBTI & Strong Interest Inventory Certification Workshops
• Currently pursuing MBTI Master Practitioner Certification
Education
Counseling & Counseling Psychology Department, AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Auburn, Alabama
• Completed required coursework for National Board of Certified Counselors
M.Ed. in Counseling, UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA, Carrollton, Georgia
• Emphasis: Community Counseling
• Phi Kappa Phi
B. S. in Sociology, UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA, Carrollton, Georgia
• Emphasis: Social Work and Criminal Justice
• Dean’s List
Professional Experience
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Auburn, Alabama, 2000 to Present
Career Counselor, Career Center, January 2004 – Present
• Serve current students, alumni, and prospective students with variety of career concerns including career planning and job search skills through one-on-one appointments, walk-ins, by phone, and by e-mail averaging about 500 contacts a year.
• Assist students in making decisions on or changes in major including looking at coursework required and completed. Coordinate efforts with Academic Advisors in the areas of prospective majors.
• Lead weekly group interpretations of Strong Interest Inventory and/or Myers Briggs Type Indicator.
• Give classroom and campus organization presentations throughout academic year on career topics per request.
• Provide mock interviews to students and alumni preparing for job search process and students preparing for admission to professional programs.
• Initiated Resume Critique Drop-off Service for students who desire written critiques “in a hurry”. Program has now been expanded to include “e-resume review” offering critiques to students online.
• Participate in staff planning for upcoming workshops and events, marketing ideas, and website renovation.
• Work closely as liaison to College of Agriculture, College of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, College of Human Sciences, and Athletic Academic Services Program and maintain hours at each college to be accessible to students in these colleges for one-on-one assistance.
• Train and supervise Counseling and Counseling Psychology Department graduate practicum and internship students and Ph.D. students in Graduate Assistantships with our office to function as career counselors.
• Invited to participate on the Counselor Education Advisory Committee which meets annually to give the department input on improving curriculum , preparation of students for practicum and internship experiences and suggestions to department to better serve and support sites for graduate students.
• Present MBTI Workshops for professional development with AU-affiliated offices, departments, organizations, and human resources programming.
• Served on assessment committee to create assessments and document all areas of services provided to students.
• Designated as qualified counselor to purchase Strong Interest Inventory and MBTI assessment reports.
• Research and purchase library resources to update and expand materials on job search skills and career exploration.
• Develop working relationships with faculty, college administrators, academic advisors, and staff members across the campus.
• Serve veterans and hold regular hours in the Veteran Resource Center assisting with their career planning and job search activities.
• Currently serving on university committee to determine the use of e-portfolios by students through their academic programs to use for admission to graduate/professional programs and for job search activities.
Instructor, Fall 2000 – Spring 2011, Spring 2013 - Present
• COUN 1000 – Career Planning for Freshmen & Sophomores (2 hours credit)
• COUN 2970 – Career Success for Juniors & Seniors (2 hours credit)
Athletic Career Coordinator & Academic Counselor, Athletic Dept., January 2000 to December 2003
• Designed and implemented first-ever career planning programs and resources for all student-athletes including
coordinating workshops through Tiger CHAMPS/Life Skills program, researching and purchasing appropriate career materials, providing one-on-one counseling services to students, and creating and teaching career courses for athletes. Assessed programs and compiled findings when department applied for and received CHAMPS/Life Skills Program for Excellence.
• Monitored academic progress according to NCAA and SEC regulations for approximately70 athletes including varsity baseball, volleyball, men’s and women’s tennis teams.
• Assisted athletes in making academic decisions including coursework selection and declaration of major/minors.
• Provided academic assistance to students through advising, Study Table assignments, tutor requests and/or counseling.
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY, Cullowhee, North Carolina, 1996 to 1999
Coordinator of Career Services, Career Services, July 1996 to November 1999
• Coordinated Cooperative Education experiences for students in 13 majors within Colleges of Applied Sciences and Arts and Science.
• Assisted in planning and implementation of annual Career Day (110+ registered employers) and Fall and Spring Interview Days (average 25 – 30 employers).
• Co-coordinated on-campus recruiting activities involving 100+ company visits as well as Resume Referral Service which totaled 1104 resume referred to 122 employers in last year.
• Cultivated relationships with prospective and active employers to encourage on-campus recruiting, information sessions, in-class presentations, and co-op positions.
• Provided counseling and assistance to students and alumni on job search issues including resume and cover letter writing, networking, and interviewing skills (total 342 students/alumni in last 12months) .
• Planned and implemented Mock Interview Workshops held every semester involving select recruiters, faculty, and administration.
• Spoke to classes, clubs and organizations on various career issues (total 59 groups/1236 students in last 12 months).
• Developed highly successful 24-hour drop-off Resume Critique Service with a 200% participation increase in second year (794 resumes were critiqued in past 12 months.) Service became a class requirement in many disciplines.
• Critiqued an average of 35 resumes a month through 24-hour drop-off Resume Critique Service or submitted through on-line resume job search system.
• Supervised interns developing promotional materials for Career Services events and services for publications to campus newspaper advertisements, radio spots, fliers, and brochures.
• Participated in Admissions Office recruiting activities such as Open House representing Career Services and WCU Family Nights across the state representing Career Services, Advising and Retention Services, and Student Support Offices.
Instructor, Fall 1997 Semester
• Taught USI 130 (University Studies – Interdisciplinary) “Academic and Career Planning” course for beginning freshmen (undeclared majors).
• Served as Academic Advisor to students until major was declared.
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA’S COLLEGE AT WISE (formerly Clinch Valley College), Wise, Virginia, 1993 to 1996
Director of Career Development, Career Development Office, July 1995 to June 1996
Interim Director of Career Development, Career Development Office, August 1994 to July 1995
• Established school’s first full-time career services center including facility design, selection and purchase of furnishings and resources. Utilized student input regarding all purchases, services and programming.
• Initiated procurement of computerized career planning and directory software and hardware.
• Designed and conducted introductory and advanced career workshops.
• Promoted services and placement information to students, alumni, faculty, prospective students, and employers.
• Counseled students and alumni in career development and job search issues.
• Designed and conducted employment surveys of graduates and presented findings to Board of Trustees.
• Doubled attendance of student participation to annual regional Career Fair.
• Increased student use of Career Development Center by 200% in one year.
• Provided graduate school and professional program information and testing materials.
(334) 826-6198 ● [email protected]
Summary of Experience
• Seventeen years experience in college-level career counseling and job search assistance
• Over 30 years experience in higher education in student and academic affairs
• Nationally Certified Counselor
• Successfully completed MBTI & Strong Interest Inventory Certification Workshops
• Currently pursuing MBTI Master Practitioner Certification
Education
Counseling & Counseling Psychology Department, AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Auburn, Alabama
• Completed required coursework for National Board of Certified Counselors
M.Ed. in Counseling, UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA, Carrollton, Georgia
• Emphasis: Community Counseling
• Phi Kappa Phi
B. S. in Sociology, UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA, Carrollton, Georgia
• Emphasis: Social Work and Criminal Justice
• Dean’s List
Professional Experience
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Auburn, Alabama, 2000 to Present
Career Counselor, Career Center, January 2004 – Present
• Serve current students, alumni, and prospective students with variety of career concerns including career planning and job search skills through one-on-one appointments, walk-ins, by phone, and by e-mail averaging about 500 contacts a year.
• Assist students in making decisions on or changes in major including looking at coursework required and completed. Coordinate efforts with Academic Advisors in the areas of prospective majors.
• Lead weekly group interpretations of Strong Interest Inventory and/or Myers Briggs Type Indicator.
• Give classroom and campus organization presentations throughout academic year on career topics per request.
• Provide mock interviews to students and alumni preparing for job search process and students preparing for admission to professional programs.
• Initiated Resume Critique Drop-off Service for students who desire written critiques “in a hurry”. Program has now been expanded to include “e-resume review” offering critiques to students online.
• Participate in staff planning for upcoming workshops and events, marketing ideas, and website renovation.
• Work closely as liaison to College of Agriculture, College of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, College of Human Sciences, and Athletic Academic Services Program and maintain hours at each college to be accessible to students in these colleges for one-on-one assistance.
• Train and supervise Counseling and Counseling Psychology Department graduate practicum and internship students and Ph.D. students in Graduate Assistantships with our office to function as career counselors.
• Invited to participate on the Counselor Education Advisory Committee which meets annually to give the department input on improving curriculum , preparation of students for practicum and internship experiences and suggestions to department to better serve and support sites for graduate students.
• Present MBTI Workshops for professional development with AU-affiliated offices, departments, organizations, and human resources programming.
• Served on assessment committee to create assessments and document all areas of services provided to students.
• Designated as qualified counselor to purchase Strong Interest Inventory and MBTI assessment reports.
• Research and purchase library resources to update and expand materials on job search skills and career exploration.
• Develop working relationships with faculty, college administrators, academic advisors, and staff members across the campus.
• Serve veterans and hold regular hours in the Veteran Resource Center assisting with their career planning and job search activities.
• Currently serving on university committee to determine the use of e-portfolios by students through their academic programs to use for admission to graduate/professional programs and for job search activities.
Instructor, Fall 2000 – Spring 2011, Spring 2013 - Present
• COUN 1000 – Career Planning for Freshmen & Sophomores (2 hours credit)
• COUN 2970 – Career Success for Juniors & Seniors (2 hours credit)
Athletic Career Coordinator & Academic Counselor, Athletic Dept., January 2000 to December 2003
• Designed and implemented first-ever career planning programs and resources for all student-athletes including
coordinating workshops through Tiger CHAMPS/Life Skills program, researching and purchasing appropriate career materials, providing one-on-one counseling services to students, and creating and teaching career courses for athletes. Assessed programs and compiled findings when department applied for and received CHAMPS/Life Skills Program for Excellence.
• Monitored academic progress according to NCAA and SEC regulations for approximately70 athletes including varsity baseball, volleyball, men’s and women’s tennis teams.
• Assisted athletes in making academic decisions including coursework selection and declaration of major/minors.
• Provided academic assistance to students through advising, Study Table assignments, tutor requests and/or counseling.
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY, Cullowhee, North Carolina, 1996 to 1999
Coordinator of Career Services, Career Services, July 1996 to November 1999
• Coordinated Cooperative Education experiences for students in 13 majors within Colleges of Applied Sciences and Arts and Science.
• Assisted in planning and implementation of annual Career Day (110+ registered employers) and Fall and Spring Interview Days (average 25 – 30 employers).
• Co-coordinated on-campus recruiting activities involving 100+ company visits as well as Resume Referral Service which totaled 1104 resume referred to 122 employers in last year.
• Cultivated relationships with prospective and active employers to encourage on-campus recruiting, information sessions, in-class presentations, and co-op positions.
• Provided counseling and assistance to students and alumni on job search issues including resume and cover letter writing, networking, and interviewing skills (total 342 students/alumni in last 12months) .
• Planned and implemented Mock Interview Workshops held every semester involving select recruiters, faculty, and administration.
• Spoke to classes, clubs and organizations on various career issues (total 59 groups/1236 students in last 12 months).
• Developed highly successful 24-hour drop-off Resume Critique Service with a 200% participation increase in second year (794 resumes were critiqued in past 12 months.) Service became a class requirement in many disciplines.
• Critiqued an average of 35 resumes a month through 24-hour drop-off Resume Critique Service or submitted through on-line resume job search system.
• Supervised interns developing promotional materials for Career Services events and services for publications to campus newspaper advertisements, radio spots, fliers, and brochures.
• Participated in Admissions Office recruiting activities such as Open House representing Career Services and WCU Family Nights across the state representing Career Services, Advising and Retention Services, and Student Support Offices.
Instructor, Fall 1997 Semester
• Taught USI 130 (University Studies – Interdisciplinary) “Academic and Career Planning” course for beginning freshmen (undeclared majors).
• Served as Academic Advisor to students until major was declared.
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA’S COLLEGE AT WISE (formerly Clinch Valley College), Wise, Virginia, 1993 to 1996
Director of Career Development, Career Development Office, July 1995 to June 1996
Interim Director of Career Development, Career Development Office, August 1994 to July 1995
• Established school’s first full-time career services center including facility design, selection and purchase of furnishings and resources. Utilized student input regarding all purchases, services and programming.
• Initiated procurement of computerized career planning and directory software and hardware.
• Designed and conducted introductory and advanced career workshops.
• Promoted services and placement information to students, alumni, faculty, prospective students, and employers.
• Counseled students and alumni in career development and job search issues.
• Designed and conducted employment surveys of graduates and presented findings to Board of Trustees.
• Doubled attendance of student participation to annual regional Career Fair.
• Increased student use of Career Development Center by 200% in one year.
• Provided graduate school and professional program information and testing materials.
Instructor, Fall 1995 and Spring 1996 Semesters
• Spring Semester 1996 - Taught Career Development Course for sophomore level and above (2 hours credit).
• Fall Semester 1995 – Taught Career Development Course for undeclared major beginning freshmen (1 hour credit). Served as Academic Advisor to students until major was declared.
Adjunct Professor, Fall 1994 and Spring 1995 Semesters
• Instructed 3 hour credit “Introduction to Psychology” course once each semester.
• Ranked 4.6/5.0 by students for overall effectiveness as instructor.
• Named Who’s Who Among American Teachers, 1996.
• Spring Semester 1996 - Taught Career Development Course for sophomore level and above (2 hours credit).
• Fall Semester 1995 – Taught Career Development Course for undeclared major beginning freshmen (1 hour credit). Served as Academic Advisor to students until major was declared.
Adjunct Professor, Fall 1994 and Spring 1995 Semesters
• Instructed 3 hour credit “Introduction to Psychology” course once each semester.
• Ranked 4.6/5.0 by students for overall effectiveness as instructor.
• Named Who’s Who Among American Teachers, 1996.
Public Relations Consultant, December 1993 to March 1994
• Assisted in planning CVC’s 40th Anniversary Benefactor’s Dinner.
• Coordinated with Alumni Director first annual Alumni Phonathon fundraising event.
STATE UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA (formerly West Georgia College), Carrollton, Georgia, 1986 to 1991 and 1980 to 1984
Financial Aid Counselor, Financial Aide Office, 1989 to 1991
• Administered Pell Grant Program involving approximately 1350 students and 1.8 million dollars.
• Provided financial aid counseling to students and their families.
• Presented financial aid workshops on and off campus.
• Awarded financial aid packages and monitored academic progress.
Additional Administrative Experience:
• Held leadership positions within student services middle administrative staff development program.
• Administered and proctored regionally scheduled SAT for high school seniors.
• Trained college staff in communication skills workshops.
Coordinator of Alumni Services and Athletic Fundraiser, 1986 to 1989
• Coordinated all alumni activities including homecoming.
• Established first class reunion rotation plan.
• Generated a 75% class reunion participation rate.
• Supervised publication of alumni directory and quarterly newsletter.
• Advised alumni council and committee activities.
• Initiated program involving alumni in admission’s open house activities.
• Designed and implemented program linking alumni with the college’s career services office assisting students in career development (ALNET.)
• Supervised maintenance of 25,000 alumni records.
• Developed athletic fundraising program involving college’s athletic department and booster club organization.
• Assisted in planning CVC’s 40th Anniversary Benefactor’s Dinner.
• Coordinated with Alumni Director first annual Alumni Phonathon fundraising event.
STATE UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA (formerly West Georgia College), Carrollton, Georgia, 1986 to 1991 and 1980 to 1984
Financial Aid Counselor, Financial Aide Office, 1989 to 1991
• Administered Pell Grant Program involving approximately 1350 students and 1.8 million dollars.
• Provided financial aid counseling to students and their families.
• Presented financial aid workshops on and off campus.
• Awarded financial aid packages and monitored academic progress.
Additional Administrative Experience:
• Held leadership positions within student services middle administrative staff development program.
• Administered and proctored regionally scheduled SAT for high school seniors.
• Trained college staff in communication skills workshops.
Coordinator of Alumni Services and Athletic Fundraiser, 1986 to 1989
• Coordinated all alumni activities including homecoming.
• Established first class reunion rotation plan.
• Generated a 75% class reunion participation rate.
• Supervised publication of alumni directory and quarterly newsletter.
• Advised alumni council and committee activities.
• Initiated program involving alumni in admission’s open house activities.
• Designed and implemented program linking alumni with the college’s career services office assisting students in career development (ALNET.)
• Supervised maintenance of 25,000 alumni records.
• Developed athletic fundraising program involving college’s athletic department and booster club organization.
Assistant Director of Admissions, 1980 to 1984
• Conducted campus tours, visited high schools and junior colleges, attended college career fairs, and other recruitment activities.
• Evaluated foreign student applications for admissions.
• Planned, coordinated, and administered summer orientation sessions involving four two-day sessions of 200 – 250 students (and parents) attending each session.
CARROLLTON STATE BANK, Carrollton, Georgia, 1984 to 1986
Student Loan Officer, 1984 to 1986
• Generated and administered two million dollar student loan program.
GEORGIA EPILEPSY FOUNDATION, Atlanta, Georgia, 1976 to 1979
Acting Executive Director, 1978 to 1979
Director of Social Services, 1976 to 1978
Phyllis Bickers, page 4
Professional Activities and Affiliations
American Counseling Association, 2006 – Present
National Career Development Association, 2005 – Present
• Presenter, 2007 NCDA Conference Roundtable “College Career Courses: Does One Size Fit All?”
Alabama Psychological Type International, 2004 to Present
National Association of Colleges and Employers, 1995 to 2008
Southern Association of Colleges and Employers, 1996 to 2008
North Carolina Association of Colleges and Employers, 1996 to 1999
American Association of University Women, 1994 to Present
Southern College Placement Association, 1994 to 1996
Virginia College Placement Association, 1994 to 1996
Virginia College Personnel Association, 1994 to 1996
Georgia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, 1989 to 1991 & 1984 to 1986
West Georgia College Alumni Council, 1985 to 1986
Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, 1980 to 1984
Georgia Education Articulation Committee, 1984
National Orientation Directors Association, 1983 to 1984
National Association of Epilepsy Executives, 1976 to 1979
Special Training and Computer Skills
Distance Credential Counselor (Center for Credentialing and Education), 2005
MBTI Qualifying Workshop (Otto Kroeger Associates), Fairfax, VA, July 2001
Strong Interest Inventory Qualifying Workshop (CPP), Bloomington, IN, October 2000
Career Track “How to Deal With Difficult People”, Asheville, NC, 1998
Career Track “How to Design Eye-Catching Brochures”, Gainesville, GA, 1998
Career Track “The Grammar Game”, Asheville, NC, 1997
Career Track “Negativity in the Workplace”, Johnson City, TN, 1995
Computer Software: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Conducted campus tours, visited high schools and junior colleges, attended college career fairs, and other recruitment activities.
• Evaluated foreign student applications for admissions.
• Planned, coordinated, and administered summer orientation sessions involving four two-day sessions of 200 – 250 students (and parents) attending each session.
CARROLLTON STATE BANK, Carrollton, Georgia, 1984 to 1986
Student Loan Officer, 1984 to 1986
• Generated and administered two million dollar student loan program.
GEORGIA EPILEPSY FOUNDATION, Atlanta, Georgia, 1976 to 1979
Acting Executive Director, 1978 to 1979
Director of Social Services, 1976 to 1978
Phyllis Bickers, page 4
Professional Activities and Affiliations
American Counseling Association, 2006 – Present
National Career Development Association, 2005 – Present
• Presenter, 2007 NCDA Conference Roundtable “College Career Courses: Does One Size Fit All?”
Alabama Psychological Type International, 2004 to Present
National Association of Colleges and Employers, 1995 to 2008
Southern Association of Colleges and Employers, 1996 to 2008
North Carolina Association of Colleges and Employers, 1996 to 1999
American Association of University Women, 1994 to Present
Southern College Placement Association, 1994 to 1996
Virginia College Placement Association, 1994 to 1996
Virginia College Personnel Association, 1994 to 1996
Georgia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, 1989 to 1991 & 1984 to 1986
West Georgia College Alumni Council, 1985 to 1986
Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, 1980 to 1984
Georgia Education Articulation Committee, 1984
National Orientation Directors Association, 1983 to 1984
National Association of Epilepsy Executives, 1976 to 1979
Special Training and Computer Skills
Distance Credential Counselor (Center for Credentialing and Education), 2005
MBTI Qualifying Workshop (Otto Kroeger Associates), Fairfax, VA, July 2001
Strong Interest Inventory Qualifying Workshop (CPP), Bloomington, IN, October 2000
Career Track “How to Deal With Difficult People”, Asheville, NC, 1998
Career Track “How to Design Eye-Catching Brochures”, Gainesville, GA, 1998
Career Track “The Grammar Game”, Asheville, NC, 1997
Career Track “Negativity in the Workplace”, Johnson City, TN, 1995
Computer Software: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint