Henry Goodelman is a veteran campus professional with a background working across enrollment management and student affairs. Earning a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Higher Education Management, he dedicated himself to enhancing student services and campus resources, driving institutional success. Stepping away from campus, Henry founded ReJews, a sustainability and social entrepreneurship nonprofit, which eventually led him to a career in renewable energy. Now serving as the National Retail Training Manager for Momentum Solar, Henry focuses on supporting the success of new hires and managers alike, drawing on his background in psychology applied to education. He engages with families as customers, ensuring their needs are met while driving positive outcomes in the industry. Though on a hiatus from his career in higher education, Henry’s unique trajectory underscores the value of diverse experiences and the potential for professionals to make impactful shifts in their careers, demonstrating the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating professional pathways while remaining actively involved in volunteer mentoring and career service initiatives.
A college administrator by trade, my journey from managing student services and campus resources to overseeing sustainability outreach campaigns has consistently given me the opportunity, and responsibility, to support the success of college students and young professionals. On campus, my offices have advised students to help them navigate their admissions process and degree progress. In the workforce, my teams design training programs to guide staff toward their professional goals. In both realms, my work has been driven by a dedicated focus on applying the discipline of psychology to the field of education.
Years ago, when I completed dual B.S. degrees in different areas of psychology and earned my M.Ed. in higher education management, I was fortunate to transition immediately into roles across enrollment and student services at Drexel, Touro, EDMC, and my alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh. Eventually stepping away from campus life to found the ReJews 501c3 sustainability and social entrepreneurship nonprofit, initially promoting recycling as part of a student-led initiative. As the campaign picked up steam and garnered a good amount of press coverage, it evolved into a full-fledged organization, securing grants and support from Google, GoDaddy, Microsoft, the United Nations, as well as some really great corporate sponsors and private foundations along the way. It was through my work in the world of sustainability that I was introduced to the renewable energy sector.
As the National Retail Training Manager for Momentum Solar, the intersection of psychology with our training strategies is always clearly evident. Collaborating with retail partners to operate marketing campaigns in hundreds of store locations, our brand ambassador team plays a central function in our business. Their ability to pitch effectively, schedule consultations, and build rapport hinges on their understanding of the psychological aspects of these interactions, emphasizing the need for them to grasp some basic psychology.
Providing comprehensive training that incorporates psychological principles, staff excel in their roles and drive positive outcomes. This approach ensures that individuals are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in their roles and contribute effectively to organizational success. Just as students require guidance and support to build confidence, young professionals also benefit from mentorship, training, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Recognizing the transformative power of leveraging psychology in both academic and professional settings, when you build teams focused on their self-awareness, you create environments conducive for growth and accomplishment. Whether it’s advocating for the utilization of support centers to assist students with coursework, application deadlines, and graduation requirements, or it’s implementing community engagement strategies to broaden access to the financial and infrastructure benefits available to homeowners as incentives for getting solar panels, there is a great deal of value found in tailoring support to meet every individual’s needs, and making sure that they themselves are aware of their needs. This approach facilitates goal achievement while recognizing and addressing the specific challenges and opportunities faced by each person.
Promoting mentoring, resume writing, and career advising programs has underscored the importance of effective communication and psychology in building confidence among students and young professionals alike. Training modules cover communication strategies and active listening techniques to help staff learn to engage effectively with customers, enhancing the overall customer experience and driving brand loyalty. Staff are also trained to anticipate customer needs and tailor their approach accordingly, understand customer motivations and preferences, and adapt their communication style and approach to meet the diverse needs of customers. Strategies for empowering and developing leadership skills among young professionals have helped create unprecedented success in residential solar. This success not only breeds organizational outcomes that transcend individual achievements but also fosters the growth and thriving careers of young colleagues and team members.
Tapping into principles from psychology and education in successful training initiatives must extend beyond simply coaching new hires. Staff are trained in emotional intelligence skills, ensuring they can navigate challenging situations with professionalism and empathy, fostering positive outcomes, and maintaining customer satisfaction. Tailoring training methodologies involves supporting regional market trainers and adjusting strategies to meet the diverse needs of young professionals. Supporting career development initiatives and bridging the gap between academia and real-world careers is crucial for the success of both college students and young professionals.
Reflecting on my transition from college administration to sustainability advocacy, the importance of psychology always stands out as a common thread linking the academic world to the professional arena. By integrating psychology into training and support programs, we can better assist students and young professionals as they navigate their academic and career journeys.
From administration to advocacy, from textbooks to solar panels, and ultimately from campus to community, the goal remains consistent in supporting both students and young professionals. By acknowledging the parallels between these groups and remaining mindful of the numerous psychological factors at play in both contexts, we can effectively succeed in our endeavors with others, regardless of the setting.
As higher education professionals, it’s essential to consider these insights and apply them in our organizations to foster growth and development. Let’s remain committed to providing ongoing assistance and mentorship to help them achieve their goals and reach their full potential. By applying these principles in their everyday life, we can foster growth and development among the next generation of leaders.
In conclusion, the transition from college to the professional world often presents new challenges and goals for recent graduates. Just as they received support during their academic journey, they now require guidance and resources to navigate their careers successfully. Let’s remember the importance of teaching how different people think and learn differently to help ensure that all are equipped with the necessary skills and support to thrive. Whether you’re working for a college, a community partner, as a recruiter, or as a manager in any industry, let’s remember that ongoing support and mentorship are essential tools to use when helping others. Successful college students, after graduation, embark on new challenges where the same skills will help them succeed there, too.