New Graduate Career Exploration Specialist to Support Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Students

April 14, 2025

Graduate Career Exploration Specialist Marjorie (MJ) Mosereiff joined the Graduate School to provide career and professional development support for doctoral and master’s students in arts, humanities, and social sciences fields by offering one-on-one appointments, co-teaching a course, and designing workshops.

Students can book an appointment and connect with Mosereiff on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Mosereiff’s background, goals, and interests in the following Q&A.

What is your educational and professional background?

I hold a master’s degree in Southeast Asian studies from Cornell and dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and Russian studies from West Chester University, along with a secondary teaching certificate. Before this role, I spent three years in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and seven in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning working in career development. Prior to higher ed, I taught high school world history and U.S. government for three years, and English as a foreign language in Thailand for two. I’m a certified professional coach through the Academy for Creative Coaching and trained in Gallup’s Successful Strengths Coaching course. My own career path has been nonlinear—housekeeper, barista, museum and movie theater attendant, grounds crew, teacher—and ultimately led me to the energizing world of professional development and coaching!

What is your role in the Graduate School?

I’m the new graduate career exploration specialist for doctoral and master’s students in the arts, humanities, and social sciences fields.

What excites you about this position?

I’m excited to empower students to explore any career path—inside, outside, or adjacent to academia—through individualized sessions and dynamic, creative, and practical programming. I love helping students become confident, proactive, and resilient decision-makers. I’m also passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where all students can thrive. And I’m super stoked to co-teach GRAD 9110—there’s nothing better than engaging with students in the classroom. I’m also thrilled to be back in the intellectual world of the arts, humanities, and social sciences!

What do you want graduate students to know about your role?

I’m here as a coach, advisor, and advocate. I’m available for 1:1 appointments to talk about career exploration, CVs, resumes, cover letters, job searching, interviews—you name it—and help students communicate their strengths and skills to varied audiences. I’ll also be co-teaching GRAD 9110 and designing workshops that are useful and supportive of student needs.

What are your goals in this position?

To normalize career exploration as a vital part of the grad experience. To co-create programming that’s relevant and empowering. To expand employer outreach for arts, humanities, and social sciences grads. To partner with faculty in supporting students’ career goals. And, of course, to meet amazing students and have fun along the way!

Can you provide some context to your personal experience in graduate school?

I earned my master’s in Southeast Asian studies at Cornell from 2012–2014. I wanted to deepen my history background and thought I might return to high school teaching, but not through a generic education degree—I wanted regional expertise. My research explored ethnic identity and community building in martial arts gyms in Yangon, Burma/Myanmar. I took courses in anthropology, art history, and Asian studies, and did eight weeks of ethnographic fieldwork. I once planned to pursue a Ph.D. in anthropology, but when that didn’t work out, it unexpectedly opened the door to a new and fulfilling path: career coaching and advising in higher ed. Perhaps I’ll pursue a Ph.D. someday—who knows! But for now, I’m excited to be doing meaningful work that supports students’ growth and exploration.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Rock climbing, hiking, and walking around Beebe Lake, reading sci-fi and fantasy novels, and spending time with my family—especially playing tons of Pokémon, D&D, and building epic Lego worlds with my two kids.