Career Services Director Lisa Mann Is All About the Journey

Scroll through Lisa Mann’s social media and you’ll find more than just snapshots — you’ll see stamps in her passport and stories from around the globe. Whether it’s Ireland in March, Boston in May, or France last year, travel is her passion.

“I love exploring new and exciting places full of rich culture, beautiful scenery, and great food,” Mann said.

As Director of Career Services at Piedmont University, Mann brings that same sense of adventure and discovery to her work with students — helping them launch journeys of their own. Some graduates head straight into the workforce; others pursue graduate school. For Mann, who is entering her eighth academic year at Piedmont this fall, guiding them through those transitions is deeply rewarding.

“I love working in private education,” she said. “You really get to know your students and be part of their journey. The students, faculty, and staff are the reason I’ve stayed. Piedmont is full of incredible people.”

Over the years, Mann has worked with aspiring doctors, future educators, entrepreneurs, and more.

Watching students grow over four years is the best part of my job,” she said. “Knowing I played even a small role in their success is what motivates me every day.”

Her impact doesn’t go unnoticed. Just ask recent graduate Abby Mauldin, now pursuing her law degree at the University of Wyoming.

“I would not have known what to do,” Mauldin said. “Lisa and I are best friends. I was in her office every other week while applying to law school. She was the first person I told — after my roommates — that I got into Wyoming.”

Mann lights up when she hears stories like Mauldin’s.

“We have such a diverse group of students with amazing stories,” she said. “So many of them are on truly remarkable journeys.”

And those journeys don’t stop after graduation. At Piedmont, Career Services is a lifelong resource.

“We support students at every stage — from their first day on campus to their tenth year in the workforce,” Mann said. “Whether they’re applying to grad school or transitioning careers, we’re here to help.”

She encourages students to visit Career Services early — ideally during their first semester. One of the first classes they’ll take, Piedmont 1101, is a first-year seminar that focuses on college success. Career Services plays an active role in those courses.

“By the end of the class, students will have a polished resume and cover letter, a LinkedIn profile, and the beginnings of a professional network,” Mann said. “The goal is to equip them with tools they’ll keep building on throughout their time at Piedmont.”

That head start matters, she emphasized.

“Students who begin early are far more confident and less stressed when it’s time to search for jobs or internships,” she said. “It’s all about building the toolkit over four years.”

Parents, too, have a role to play. Her advice? Encourage exploration.

“We offer intern-for-a-day opportunities that let students shadow professionals in the field,” Mann said. “It’s a great way to test-drive career paths they might not have considered.”

While many Piedmont graduates go into nursing or education — two of the university’s strongest programs — Mann notes that students also find success in sales, accounting, and management.

“A liberal arts education really does make students more marketable,” she said. “They’ve been encouraged to explore, think creatively, and chart their own course. And every employer I talk to is looking for strong soft skills — teamwork, time management, problem-solving. Even with AI on the rise, it’s the human skills that are hardest to find.”

Lisa Mann helps students find those strengths — and discover where they might take them next.