Jesse Downs

Senior Director, Olinde Career Center

 

I do this work because of the boundless potential that exists in college students. College is such a formative time and the available paths are abundant. What a gift to help college students learn about themselves, explore opportunities, build skills and start on a career path. Career development is messy and beautiful, scary and exciting, a slow process and a grind - and I love every bit of the nuance.

"Our worth in life, will by thy worth..." is a line from the LSU Alma Mater that centers me. So many of my life's purposes (career and personal) sprouted from seeds planted as a student at LSU. I also do this work to pay it forward - to share the fruits of those seeds planted in me many years ago.

 

Career development is messy and beautiful, scary and exciting, a slow process and a grind– and I love every bit of the nuance.
-Jesse

My Ready to Roar advice

Get involved and lean into opportunities to lead (formal and informal) is my best advice for students who want to a competitive job applicant/well-rounded intern or new hire.  

How I create conditions that matter

Students’ needs are changing quickly, and demonstrating the value of a college degree is more important than ever. I create conditions that matter by helping shape a clear vision for how LSU can prepare students for a changing world of work. I stay curious about what students and employers will need tomorrow, challenge assumptions about how career readiness happens, and lead our team in making thoughtful choices about where we invest our time, talent, and resources. For me, creating the right conditions means helping LSU continually evolve how we prepare students to recognize what’s possible, build the skills to pursue it, and be ready for what comes next.

Advice I don't leave home without

"It's not about you" - Patrick Downs

Education

MS, Florida State University
BS, Louisiana State University

Contact Jesse

jdowns@lsu.edu
225-578-7180
158 LSU Student Union