Dianne Hull recently joined Penn’s Career Services as an Associate Director working with graduate students, postdocs and alumni of graduate programs. Dianne has worked in career advising for more than 15 years, first as a human resources specialist with a consulting firm and later with students at Saint Joseph’s University and in the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program at Bryn Mawr College. Dianne earned a B.A. in Sociology from Lehigh University and a M.S.ED. from the University of Pennsylvania.
What interests you most about working with graduate students?
I love working with students who have a passion for what they are studying and it is exciting to be able to help them turn that passion into a career. I learn something new each and every day about varying fields.
In what ways has your background prepared you for this work?
In my most recent role, I worked with postbaccalaureate premedical students who were looking to change careers and go into medicine. I worked with them as prospective students throughout the application and interview process to our program, and then assisted them as students while they applied to medical school and glide year jobs. I have interviewed many candidates – some overconfident, some who were nervous, and many who had amazing experience but were challenged in translating their experiences in an interviewing setting. I love working with students to help them create a narrative of their past experiences for job interviews.
What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
My colleagues in Career Services are interesting people who are energized by helping students find their passion and putting it to work. My group which works with graduate students and postdocs work with such a diverse and interesting group of students who come from almost every academic discipline. I’m excited to work with such a wide range of students and helping them to take the next steps in their career.