Jason Cramer, PhD, MEd
CareerWell is led by
Graduate School Director of Experiential Professional Development Jason Cramer.
Dr Cramer is an educator and career coach who draws from nearly 20 years of experience educating, coaching, and mentoring 1200+ individuals—a group comprising high school students, undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and professionals across sectors—to lead the CareerWell program.
His passion for education drove him to teach high school chemistry for nine years, pursue a master’s degree in educational leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), earn a PhD in biochemistry from the VCU School of Medicine, and teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Dr Cramer subsequently joined NC State University where he founded the Accelerate to Industry (A2i) program, an industry workforce development program for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers offered by the NC State Graduate School and 10 other universities across the US. He secured a NSF Innovations in Graduate Education grant to evaluate A2i as a national workforce readiness model and positioned the program to receive corporate sponsorships from several business partners.
Dr Cramer also served as a scientific consultant and grant writing specialist for Eva Garland Consulting and a proposal writer for PRA Health Sciences.
His current role involves liaising with business and government professionals to develop, deliver, and evaluate programming to support graduate students’ exploration of non-academic career options, including careers with companies, nonprofits, and government units. Dr Cramer also works closely with Carolina alumni, faculty, and staff to advance existing partnerships supporting professional development programs, including the Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals program.
Christine Byrne, MPH RD (’21)
CareerWell Marketing Intern
“I started taking CareerWell courses last semester, because I plan to start my own business and know I need skills beyond what’s taught in my program. This semester, I am thrilled to join CareerWell as a marketing intern. The role is teaching me so much about marketing and positioning a new offering, and I’m excited to spread the word to other students who might benefit from the courses and projects.”
Christine Byrne is a second-year master’s student at the Gillings School of Global Public Health. As a CareerWell intern, she is focused on social media and newsletter strategy, as well as the development of the overall marketing plan. She is a journalist who hopes to use both her media experience and her degree to found a nutrition counseling and communications business that prioritizes inclusivity and empathy.
Jaein Yoon, MA Strategic Communications (’21)
CareerWell Marketing Intern
“I am honored and excited to have been selected as a CareerWell Marketing Intern this year. Not only is CareerWell nurturing my passion for marketing and strategy, but it is also a remarkable opportunity that allows me to build win-win relationships for students, colleagues, and leading professionals, helping to combat the difficulties that COVID-19 has brought forth in our job market.”
Jaein Yoon is a second-year master’s student at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media. As a CareerWell intern, she is focused on website and SEO strategy, as well as the development of the overall marketing plan. She hopes to pursue a career in advertising, where she will challenge current business models and cultivate a world that prioritizes equity and corporate social responsibility.
