Nick Goffard
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Pronouns: he, him, his
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Senior Career Coach
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360 Education Sciences Building
56 East River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55455 - ngoffard@umn.edu
Areas of interest
- Exploring majors and careers for students who are undecided or have many interests
- Navigating your career development while holding marginalized identities
- Cultural capital and demystifying the hidden curriculum of college
- Identifying high-impact practices (internships, research, volunteering) that align with your
values and boost your resume - Graduate school planning and answering the question 'is it right for you?'
- Strategically utilizing AI in the job search process
- Brainstorming transferable skills for resumes, especially for those with nontraditional
paths - Interview preparation and practicing answers to common and industry-specific questions
- Understanding, negotiating, and maximizing your job offer
As a child, I always knew I was destined to help others. I spent years playing doctor with any toys I could find, and my parents encouraged me to pursue a biology/pre-med track in college. As a first-generation student, I accepted this plan because I couldn’t yet visualize a future of my own. However, after my first biology course, I quickly realized that the medical field wasn’t for me and that I had more exploring to do. Although I didn’t fully utilize academic advisors or career counselors at the time—in hindsight, I wish I had, and I encourage students to do so—I learned through trial and error. I took unique classes and joined student organizations, eventually landing on majors in sociology and communications, which aligned with my passion for people, coaching, community development, societal issues, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Today, as a proud first-generation, LGBTQ+ professional, I take great pride in investing in students’ lives and helping them plan for fulfilling futures. I strive to create an accepting space for all students while guiding them through action steps to reach their individualized goals. I am an effective communicator who enjoys incorporating efficiency, inclusion, and fun into my work. Some of my strengths include teaching and instructional design, technology, student advocacy, and engaging audiences in captivating ways.
Outside of work, you’ll typically find me at my local CrossFit gym in Uptown Minneapolis, sipping on cold brew coffee year-round, or attempting to pet as many dogs as I can. A fun fact about me is that I ran my first marathon in 2021 with a sub-four-hour pace! I am an Enneagram 7, meaning I’m often the life of the party, always starting new hobbies, and planning my next vacation. Self-care for me includes naps with my dog, Mr. Feeny, binge-watching reality TV, or trying out new restaurants in the Twin Cities with my husband. I’m excited to connect with you and support your career development journey in the near future!"
Education:
- Bachelors in Sociology and Organizational Communication from the University of
Wisconsin - Eau Claire - Masters in Leadership in Student Affairs from the University of St. Thomas
Strengths: Arranger | Woo | Communication | Positivity | Connectedness
Myers-Briggs Type: ESFP
Strong Interest Inventory Profile: Social | Artistic | Investigative
Hogwarts House: Gryffindor