As students navigate an increasingly competitive job market, the Stevens Career Center is introducing new initiatives to help them prepare for their futures. Rebecca Andersen Polimeda, the new Senior Director of the Career Center, hopes to make career development a more accessible and supportive experience for students throughout their time at Stevens.
Polimeda brings over 20 years of experience in higher education, including positions at New York University and Columbia University. Throughout her career, she has worked in student advising, recruiting, professional development, and alumni relations. She was particularly drawn to Stevens because of its strong reputation and the opportunity to work with both undergraduate and graduate students.
Her passion for helping students stems from her own experiences.
“Since I did not receive mentorship when furthering my education after my military service in the Marine Corps, I have made it my passion to give back to the student population as much as I can,” she shared.
Since joining Stevens, Polimeda has introduced several changes to the Career Center, including updated branding, improved career resources, and new outreach efforts through social media. The center has also expanded its workshops, webinars, and employer events while strengthening partnerships with student organizations and academic departments.
One of Polimeda’s main priorities is encouraging students to begin exploring career opportunities early in their college experience. The Career Center is incorporating career development into the First Year Experience course, allowing students to create individualized career plans from their first year rather than waiting until graduation approaches.
Additional initiatives include a Senior Year Experience Passport Pathway, which will provide structured career preparation for graduating students, and a two-year career development kickoff for graduate students.
The Career Center is also emphasizing opportunities for students to connect with professionals and alumni. Alongside the return of the large-scale, in-person Career Expo this fall, the center is launching a biweekly alumni panel series covering industries such as finance, engineering, healthcare, technology, and artificial intelligence.
These efforts come as many college students face uncertainty about their professional futures. Polimeda recognizes how increased competition, lengthy hiring processes, and changing employer expectations have made the job search particularly stressful.
She has also noticed that students increasingly compare their progress with their peers, often feeling discouraged when they have not yet secured internships or full-time positions.
“One of my primary goals is to help alleviate some of the pressure they are experiencing by providing clear direction, actionable goals, and a sense of perspective as they continue to move forward,” Polimeda explained.
Rather than focusing solely on resumes and job applications, she believes career services should also help students develop confidence, resilience, and realistic expectations about entering the workforce.
Ultimately, Polimeda hopes students will view the Career Center as a resource they can turn to throughout their academic journeys, regardless of where they are in their career preparation.
“The goal is simple: Make sure no Stevens student feels like they are navigating this alone.”
