Brittany Grubbs-Hodges (left) receives a Career Influencer Award from Senior Director for Career Services Ja’Net Glover. (Courtesy of the Career Connections Center)
Beyond120’s Brittany Grubbs-Hodges Receives 2022 Career Influencer Award
Brittany Grubbs-Hodges, lecturer in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the assistant director of experiential learning for the Beyond120 program, received a 2022 Career Influencer Award from the University of Florida Career Connections Center in recognition of her exceptional contributions preparing students for life after graduation.
The award honors faculty university-wide who have “championed the career development of students at the university through collaboration or mentorship.” Winners are selected by a committee of faculty and staff from across the University of Florida.
Grubbs-Hodges has demonstrated her passion for supporting student success by expanding the reach and impact of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ career preparation initiatives. Beyond120, the college’s signature career readiness and preparation, has seen its programming and participation grow through her continued efforts.
In 2022, Grubbs-Hodges led the relaunch of Beyond120’s career excursions, which had been paused following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The excursions lead students to different cities, where they create connections with business leaders and alumni and learn about different professional pathways.
As a lecturer, Grubbs-Hodges designs and teaches career-focused courses that develop students’ skills and understanding of the workforce. She further connects with students one-on-one in career advising sessions. Along with engaging students, she enlists alumni employers to partner with Beyond120, advocating for student internship opportunities and other chances to experience potential careers. Grubbs-Hodges also serves as the coordinator for Beyond120’s Experiential Scholars program and the online alumni mentorship platform MentorConnect.
This year, she has presented her research at the National Association of Colleges and Employers Conference and Expo and the Duke University Innovation in Pedagogy Conference, and next month will present at the National Association of Experiential Education conference.
“It is difficult to imagine how a single faculty member could possibly have a greater influence on career development in our college,” Ryan Braun, director of Beyond120, said in nominating Grubbs-Hodges for the award.
Grubbs-Hodges said she was shocked and honored to receive the award.
“Having the privilege to guide students in their career path is something I don’t take lightly,” she said. “I’ve seen many students begin their journey with me at Preview, participate in Beyond120 courses and activities throughout their tenure at UF, and eventually graduate and join their dream company full-time. I love to see students share these announcements via LinkedIn or email, and knowing I was a small part of that process is priceless.”
The award, Grubbs-Hodges said, is a testament to the impact of the entire Beyond120 team, which has grown from two to six faculty in the past four years. She thanked the Beyond120 team for their support and encouragement, along with former Associate Dean Joe Spillane and the entire Academic Advising Center team. She also acknowledged the support of Dean David E. Richardson and the Dean’s Office for their coordination of Beyond120 events and excursions, in addition to the department faculty who partner with the program.
Learn more about the Career Influencer Awards here.
