The University of Alabama Career Center named John Railsback as its new executive director. Railsback began his term Feb. 1.
“The University is extremely pleased that Ouhn Railsback is joining the Career Center team as executive director,” said Molly Lawrence, UA associate vice president of Student Affairs. “His experience within the University and outside of higher education have prepared him to take our Career Center to the next level.”
“I consider it a privilege,” Railsback said. “It really is a unique opportunity to lead a team that can play such a pivotal role in helping our students discover and ultimately connect with their passion career-wise.”
Railsback is a two-time graduate of Alabama with a master’s degree in higher education administration. Before returning to the Capstone as an employee, he worked for Rite Aid Corp. While at Rite Aid, Railsback worked with UA staff, undergraduate and graduate students bridging the gap between the classroom and real life work experience.
Railsback worked for the University’s department of human resources before taking the helm at the Career Center. He has been an associate director, manager of recruitment and senior generalist for the human resources department. While at the Career Center, Railsback hopes to build off present projects.
“We are currently in the process of assessing our current career services in an effort to make sure we are meeting the needs of a very diverse student population,” Railsback said. “The results of this assessment will impact how we focus our efforts in terms of new initiatives. One area that I am confident will receive increased attention will be nurturing existing and developing new relationships with employers both inside the state of Alabama and around the country. These relationships are crucial to us providing career opportunities for our students.”
One of Railsback major contributions while working in human resources was the increase in use of the employment website, jobs.ua.edu.
Lawrence said Railsback’s dedication and passion for students starting careers is important in him holding his position.
“He is committed to providing our students excellent career development services and employment opportunities,” Lawrence said. “His understanding of employer development and the challenges employers face will position UA to be a university of choice in meeting employer needs in a global market.”
The Career Center is located on the third floor of the Ferguson Center with satellite locations in Bidgood and Bevill Halls. Railsback looks forward to helping all students as they venture from campus life to the professional world.
“The Career Center has always been a constantly evolving area, and we will continue to change based on student and employer needs,” Railsback said. “We will rely heavily on regular feedback from students, faculty and employers to make sure that our career services are making a difference in helping our students identify and connect with careers that they are passionate about”
