At ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥, the journey from classroom to career is a transformative experience, and no one understands this better than Dianna L., our Career Services associate director at the Orange County campus. With a passion for student success and a background in HR and recruitment, Dianna has dedicated the last four years to helping students not only achieve their career goals but also discover their “why” in the healthcare field. 

A Passion for People: From Recruitment to Career Services 

Dianna’s journey to ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ began in the healthcare recruitment industry, where she connected with aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals. Her role allowed her to delve into the personal stories of candidates, understanding their motivations and aspirations. This interest in people’s stories is what drew her to a career in Career Services at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥. 

“I was always interested in getting to know the candidates’ stories and understanding why they became nurses,” Dianna explained. “When I learned about what ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ does to prepare its students for the job search, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.” 

Transitioning from recruitment to Career Services was a natural fit for Dianna. It allowed her to continue her passion for guiding individuals on their career paths while also playing a more direct role in their professional development. 

“I love getting to know all my students, learning about their journeys, and helping them with the skills they need to excel in their interviews and job search,” she said. 

The Heart of Career Services: Understanding the Student’s “Why” 

For Dianna, one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is understanding each student’s unique reason for pursuing a career in nursing. 

“Every student has their own story, often rooted in personal experiences,” she shared. 

Whether it’s a former CNA who discovered their calling through hands-on care or a volunteer who found their passion in the hospital setting, these stories are what drive Dianna to provide the best support possible. 

She emphasizes the importance of helping students articulate their “why” during the job search process. 

“Employers want to know why a candidate chose nursing as a career, and it’s our job to help students convey that passion in a way that resonates during interviews,” she explained. 

From Student to Professional: A Journey of Growth 

Dianna described Career Services as the “endpoint” in a student’s journey at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥, where all their hard work culminates in landing their first nursing position. This journey is often filled with emotions — nerves, excitement, and a sense of achievement. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to receive that call or email from a student saying they’ve received an offer,” Dianna said. “Seeing their growth from their first day in nursing school to the moment they accept a job offer is one of the best parts of my role.” 

She takes pride in the fact that her team is there every step of the way, from preparing students for interviews to celebrating their successes. But Dianna is quick to remind students that their success is ultimately due to their hard work and determination. 

“I always tell them, ‘It was all you.’ They put in the effort, excelled in school, and presented themselves well during interviews,” she added. 

A Collaborative Culture Focused on Students 

What makes ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ truly unique, according to Dianna, is its student-centric approach. 

“Every decision we make in Career Services is with our students in mind,” she said. 

Whether it’s planning workshops, organizing employer events, or providing one-on-one support, the goal is always to enhance the student experience and prepare them for success in the real world. 

This student-centric focus is supported by a collaborative culture across all campuses. Dianna highlights the teamwork that exists not only within the Career Services department but also with other departments like Student Affairs, the Nursing department, and the NCLEX team. 

“We all have different roles, but at the end of the day, we work together with a common goal: our students,” she explained. 

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.