Drew Genova, MA ’22, is the first to admit they’ve had a nontraditional career path, filled with quite a few mistakes.
“I had seven different jobs when I first moved to Boston,” they said. “I had a job for three days. I hated it.”
But Genova doesn’t apologize for those experiences. In fact, it’s what has helped make them so successful as a staff member in Emerson’s Career Development Center. “Even those failures that I’ve had—they’re all part of my career,” they said.
As assistant director of career access and equity, Genova helps students find career pathways and possibilities. And that includes encouraging students to be themselves—especially in job interviews. “I want them to come as their authentic selves. I want them to know they can show up as themselves,” said Genova, who in 2022 won Emerson’s Robert Colby Kindness Award.
This spring, Genova and colleague Crystal Gomez, MFA ’24, the program manager for Hub for Inclusive Visionary Engagement (HIVE) in the Social Justice Collaborative, opened Emerson’s Career Closet, where students can “shop” (for free) for clothes to wear during job and internship interviews. (All of the clothing and accessories are donated.) Students make appointments for 30 minutes of dedicated time to browse the closet; they can take up to 10 pieces with them. “When I’m there with students, it’s not like I just turn on the lights for them,” Genova said. “I talk to them about their career paths.”
Making the closet open and accessible to students has been incredibly important to Genova. “As someone who has struggled with their gender identity, I never felt completely comfortable showing up in workplaces [as myself ],” Genova said. “Until I started transitioning and taking a stand, it was always, ‘Can I do this? Am I allowed to?’ I didn’t want others to feel that way.”
The Career Closet is just one way in which Genova helps students. Genova also runs the Emtern Summer Experience, which gives 20 students (10 in Boston, 10 in Los Angeles) access to alumni mentors, professional development, housing, and community events while they participate in summer internships. The program is designed for students who, due to economic hardship, have previously had limited internship experience.
Whether they are working with students through the Emtern Experience, the Career Closet, or one-on-one sessions, Genova is committed to helping students gain confidence in themselves.
“It’s important for people to feel comfortable and confident,” Genova said. “When they do, that’s when the best work comes out.” To learn more about the Career Development Center, visit emerson.edu/departments/career-development-center.
