Online graduate students face unique challenges. Balancing full-time careers, family responsibilities and advanced education requires exceptional time management and dedication. At William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business, the Graduate Career Management Center (GCMC) understands these challenges and provides personalized career support that adapts to the diverse needs of online students.
Leading this effort is Shontae Taylor, Ph.D., director of Online Graduate Career Services, whose approach to career development is shaped by nearly two decades of experience in higher education and her own journey balancing professional growth with personal responsibilities. Under her guidance, the GCMC offers tailored resources and innovative programs that set William & Mary apart from other business schools.
Taylor’s Journey: From Marketing Professional to Career Development Leader
Taylor’s path to career development leadership began in the marketing field, where she gained valuable experience at the U.S. Census Bureau and in private industry. Her transition to academia wasn’t initially part of her career plan.
“I didn’t think I was going to teach, but I had a mentor who reached out to me and shared an opportunity,” Taylor explained. What started as a casual invitation to speak to students about her professional experiences sparked an unexpected passion. “The students were so amazing. I was like, I kind of like this.”
This new direction led to a 15-year tenure at Hampton University, where she taught marketing courses while simultaneously pursuing her doctoral degree and expanding her family. This experience gave her firsthand insight into the balancing act that many online graduate students navigate daily.
Her pivot toward career development started when Hampton University implemented a new initiative requiring students to complete internships before graduation. Taylor stepped up to serve as a liaison between the marketing department and the career center.
“It was a directive from the new Dean, and I totally understood it and wanted that for our students,” she recalled. “I thought it was vitally important that students had those opportunities as they were matriculating throughout their undergraduate years.”
What began as a supportive role eventually evolved into a passion for helping students navigate their career journeys, leading her to William & Mary, where she now leads career services for online graduate business programs.
Understanding the Varied Needs of Online Students
Unlike traditional residential students who often seek their first post-graduate positions, online students come with established careers and diverse professional goals. Taylor recognizes this fundamental difference.
“For our online students—for some it’s simply upskilling and wanting to transition within their organization; for others, it’s wanting to transition outside of the organization, or maybe into a new industry,” Taylor explained. “Tailoring has been at the forefront for me, ensuring that whatever service they receive is personalized.”
Applying Personalization at the Graduate Career Management Center
Understanding the needs of online students shapes how the GCMC approaches each student interaction, whether it’s a comprehensive career strategy or a specific need like resume review or salary negotiation. Taylor emphasized that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when supporting online students.
Flexible and Accessible Support Systems
Working professionals pursuing graduate degrees can’t always access traditional nine-to-five career services. The GCMC adapts accordingly, with flexible scheduling options that accommodate busy lives.
“A traditional nine-to-five may not be feasible,” Taylor acknowledged. “Offering workshops in the evening or maybe on a Saturday morning is going to be key."
This flexibility extends to understanding life’s unexpected interruptions. Taylor shared an example: “I had a student today, and we were talking about offer negotiation, and in the middle, she said, ‘Shontae, my child is calling. Is there any way I could reschedule?’ I understand that life happens, and I want to still be there for them as they are matriculating through their various facets of life.”
This responsive approach ensures that career support remains accessible despite the complex demands on students’ time and attention.
Cutting-Edge Tools and Resources
The GCMC provides online students with advanced career tools that they can access on their own schedule:
- AI-powered resume tools that scan job descriptions and suggest targeted improvements to help resumes pass applicant tracking systems
- Virtual interview preparation platforms like Big Interview, where students can practice answering questions and receive feedback
- Mock interview simulations that prepare students for AI-driven interview technologies increasingly used by employers
- Handshake platform for job opportunities and event notifications
“We have various tools available to students,” Taylor explained. “What I am learning is that some students just aren’t familiar with the tools. So, my upcoming workshops will now focus on highlighting the tools and what they can offer to our students.”
Monthly workshops cover topics ranging from library resources for career research to optimizing LinkedIn profiles. Special sessions prepare students for both virtual and in-person career fairs, offering strategies tailored to each format.
Innovative Programs for Professional Development
Beyond tools and individual support, the GCMC is developing programs that connect students with industry professionals who can provide guidance and insights.
Online students will soon enjoy access to more mentorship opportunities. A mentorship program is currently in development that will match students with alumni who have similar industry interests. Additionally, the GCMC is expanding its Executive Partners program to include online students. Through this program, executives (many retired) offer their time to students, providing career insight, feedback on resumes, networking opportunities and more.
These initiatives provide students with valuable connections and perspectives that extend beyond classroom learning, helping them navigate their next career moves with confidence.
The William & Mary Difference
What sets William & Mary’s career support apart from competing programs? Taylor believes it’s the personalized approach that considers each student’s unique circumstances.
“Our differentiator is the fact that we have offerings that include this very personalized approach, from tools to our Executive Partners to the support here in the GCMC. That allows for our students to flourish as they’re matriculating through that particular process,” she explained.
This personalization is especially important for online students, whose career needs and goals vary widely. “We’re learning that some schools and some of our competing schools just don’t have that very personalized hand of support,” Taylor noted.
As her team expands, Taylor envisions even more comprehensive support for online students.
Get the Career Support You Deserve at William & Mary
For online graduate students at William & Mary’s Mason School of Business, career development isn’t an afterthought—it’s an integral part of the educational experience, adapted to meet their unique needs and circumstances.
Taylor’s commitment to personalized support extends beyond conventional career services. It’s about understanding the whole person—their professional goals, educational journey, and personal responsibilities—and providing the right resources at the right time.
“I want them to understand that that’s why we’re here to support them. However they need to be supported, and what that would look like—it’s going be different for each individual,” she emphasized. “Understanding life and education and career and a combination of all of those things, and then just letting them know that I’m here to support them through all of it as much as I can.”
For current and prospective online students weighing their educational options, this personalized approach to career development represents a significant advantage—support that adapts to their needs rather than requiring them to adapt to a standardized system.
Learn more about how the Graduate Career Management Center can support your professional goals, and schedule a call with one of our helpful admissions outreach advisors as you begin your William & Mary Mason online graduate journey.