GSAS Compass assists students in identifying and achieving their post-graduation career goals and in accessing professional development opportunities within GSAS and across the university. Our inclusive approach fosters exploration, nurtures diverse interests, and prepares GSAS students for a range of careers that are well suited to their individual skills, interests, and values. Above all, we empower students to demonstrate agency in their professional growth and harness their academic training in any career path they pursue.
Meet Our Team
Rachel Bernard, PhD
Director of Graduate Career & Professional Development
Rachel Bernard has been director of GSAS Compass since 2020 and has worked in higher education since earning her PhD in history at the University of California, Berkeley. Her first role in career development was at the Center for Career Education at Columbia. She then moved on to American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), where she managed fellowship and grant programs for humanities and social science scholars at every stage of their career—from graduate students to senior academics. Rachel has a deep interest in the career exploration process for doctoral students and early career PhDs in the humanities and humanistic social sciences, and has written about this topic for Inside Higher Ed. When she is not on campus, you might find Rachel jogging around the reservoir in Central Park or spending time with her family. Contact Rachel at [email protected].
Nicole DeLeon, MS
Assistant Director of Employer Engagement
Nicole DeLeon is a Southern California native who relocated to New York in 2021. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Prior to joining Columbia, Nicole supported students and recent graduates in the Career and Professional Development Office at Marymount Manhattan College. Nicole is passionate about building meaningful relationships with employers and alumni to create valuable opportunities for students and is active in the Metropolitan New York College Career Planning Officer’s Association and the Graduate Career Consortium. Outside of work, you can often find her enjoying a walk through Central Park or working on her latest crochet project. Contact Nicole at [email protected].
Francesca Fanelli, EdM
Senior Associate Director of Graduate Career Development
Francesca Fanelli has over 10 years of experience working with graduate students at Columbia University. She started her work in career development at the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, where she founded and developed the Office of Career Services. She instituted a career advising program and a robust suite of workshops and events, including a mentorship program and career fair. Francesca received an MA and EdM in Counseling Psychology from Teachers College and is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Francesca uses her counseling degree to provide holistic career support to students. When not helping people explore their career interests, Francesca can be found running after her young son at Wave Hill in the Bronx. Contact Francesca at [email protected].