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About Mari Steffensmeier

A picture of Mari Steffensmeier

Mari Steffensmeier

My role at CSU San Marcos

My role involves handling employer relations for the Career Center in order to develop more job and paid internship opportunities for students and alumni, and to develop long term relations with employers.   I work with employers to let them know how we can work together to fill their employment needs through their participation in numerous Career Center and campus venues, such as job fairs and networking events, sponsorship, online job postings and other avenues that may be of interest to them.   

Additionally, I provide individual career counseling and workshop facilitation to students, particularly on topics related to job search.  

My career path

The “first half” of my career was in business, in sales, marketing and public relations in private firms and Fortune 500 companies, in industries ranging from publishing to technology.  While this experience gave me a realistic perspective of the workplace that I wouldn’t “trade in” in my role as a career counselor, I wanted to have a more direct impact on individuals’ lives. 

When I was an undergrad psychology student I wanted to be a counselor or therapist.   I pursued this goal by combining my business experience with a master's degree in counseling with an emphasis in career development.   For the past 15 years, I have thoroughly enjoyed helping many types of individuals reach their career and educational goals, assisting students in private, international, community college and university settings, and assisting adults in transition in an outplacement firm, overseeing career assessment and counseling at a community based career center, and in private practice with contracts with veterans, professionals in transition and laid off employees. 

The rewards in doing what I do

I believe I get to have a positive impact on the personal and professional development of individuals.  I hope that I get to help people find more satisfaction and joy in their work lives than if we had not had the opportunity to work together.  I find this especially rewarding because of the amount of time we spend at work. 

My words of wisdom to students

In good or bad economic times, it’s important to work as hard at getting that internship or job as you work on your classes.  Once you have a career direction (and it is important to have this before starting your job search!), get guidance on steps that will pay off, take initiative  in your search, persist in your follow up and be kind to all you meet.

In my free time

I love the outdoors, running and hiking and walking on the beach.  I enjoy staying up-to-date on current events, especially  on topics related to business and health, and staying connected to my large family and friends, and participating in personal growth activities.