Uzma H Shah
Academic Advisor
Pittsburgh,PA
The best way out is always through.
Robert Frost
Summary
Motivated Academic Advisor experienced in delivering academic counseling and planning services to diverse student populations. Exceptional expertise in academic support techniques, procedures, and plans. Skilled in establishing trust with students. Demonstrated ability to be cool under pressure and take charge in emergency situations. Proficient in thinking and reacting quickly to accomplish tasks and comfortable working in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Professional
Not Forgotten Home & Community Services
Carnegie, PA
07.2020 - Current
- Determine specific needs and provide most appropriate level of services for client well-being.
- Use Therap to maintain records of services performed and apparent condition of client.
- Maintain clean personal areas and prepare healthy meals to support client nutritional needs.
Freelance College Essay Counselor
Self-employeed
Pittsburgh, PA
01.1997 - 04.2021
- Counseled clients one-on-one regarding current situation, desires, aptitudes, education, employment history, and essay writing.
Founder of 501c3 DaFEAT
DuBois Area Families Effective Autism Treatment
DuBois, PA
01.2010 - 06.2018
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial program and fundraising growth.
- Created annual community-based autism resource events, continuing education trainings for professionals and caregivers, and recreational activities for those living with and effected by autism in rural communities.
- Trained and managed 15+ volunteers and discussed issues to provide resolution and apply best practices.
- Delegated assignments based on project needs and knowledge of individual team members.
- Developed impactful and strategic partnerships with community entities to drive outreach
- Developed and maintained content for social media and website with high SEO score
Stay at Home Parent/Disabilities Advocate
Self-employeed
Rochester, NY
01.2000 - 01.2010
- Interviewed individuals and families to assess needs and provide informational resources.
- Supported individuals with legal, physical or mental health concerns in dealing with routine needs and complex problems.
- Educated potential participants on available services and processes to engage in program.
Enrollment Management Specialist
University Of Toledo College Of Arts & Sciences
Toledo, OH
03.1997 - 06.1999
- Increased recruitment and retention over 28% with improved promotional approaches, outreach strategies and parent engagement plans.
- Optimized student educational strategies with clear advice on course choices, progression and career options.
- Boosted effectiveness of department retention by conferring with Department Chairs to rebalance classes, increase resource utilization and integrate new technology.
- Consulted with Ohio Board of Regents and accreditation agencies to verify institutional conformance with applicable standards.
- Completed all paperwork, and proofread publications, recognizing any messaging discrepancies and addressing them in a timely fashion.
- Collaborated with department chairs, admissions, and oversaw academic advising center and learning resource center to achieve increases in student retention and success.
Undergraduate Admissions Counselor
University Of Toledo
Toledo , OH
08.1997 - 03.1998
- Explained institution's fee structure, amenities, courses offered and facilities to prospective students and parents.
- Assessed student interests and skills and provided strategic information about pursuing suitable courses.
- Increased interdepartmental relationships within university to improve student success.
- Reviewed admissions applications and evaluated student credentials.
- Developed and implemented specific recruitment projects and completed routine reports pertaining to recruitment.
- Conducted seminars, workshops, and educational presentations for enrichment opportunities for students.
- Received and reviewed transcripts to determine eligibility for admission to college or specific programs.
- Discussed student success strategies and development of study skills.
- Advised students individually and in groups on academic programs for individual interests.
- Assisted students in selecting courses to align with interests and abilities.
Administrative Assistant
University Of Michigan Business School
Ann Arbor, MI
09.1996 - 07.1997
- Coordinated travel arrangements, including booking airfare, hotel and ground transportation.
- Supported logistics for programs, meetings and events, including room reservations, agenda preparation and calendar maintenance.
- Performed general office duties, including answering multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to faculty and greeting visitors.
- Composed internal memos and external correspondence for senior management faculty and reviewed all documentation to eliminate errors.
Assistant Director of Academic Advising
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
09.1995 - 07.1996
- Instructed over 10 students in ESL environment to master English language.
- Answered student inquiries and resolved problems related to curriculum and course prerequisites.
- Advised Equal Opportunity Fund (EOF) students individually and in groups on academic skills and tools for college success.
- Assessed data gathering methods for validity and reliability purposes.
- Helped students with initial adjustment to university academic life and interpreted institutions policies and requirements.
- Maintained student database and electronic records for each student contact.
- Mentored students, offering advice and support on topic selection, appropriateness and academic value.
- Evaluated transcripts for graduation requirements and advised on areas of concern.
Education
Master's of Educations - Higher Education
08.1997 - 05.2007
- Member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
- Graduated with 4.0 GPA
- Awarded Judith Herb College of Education Student of the Year
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
08.1990 - 05.1995
Skills
Community integration
Course planning and organization
Excellent oral and written communication
Academic counseling
Career counseling
College application assistance
Strategic decision-making
Mediation and crisis intervention
Special education
Individualized education programs
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Direct Support Professional - Not Forgotten Home & Community Services
07.2020 - Current
Founder of 501c3 DaFEAT - DuBois Area Families Effective Autism Treatment
01.2010 - 06.2018
Stay at Home Parent/Disabilities Advocate - Self-employeed
01.2000 - 01.2010
University of Toledo College of Education - Master's of Educations, Higher Education
08.1997 - 05.2007
Undergraduate Admissions Counselor - University Of Toledo
08.1997 - 03.1998
Enrollment Management Specialist - University Of Toledo College Of Arts & Sciences
03.1997 - 06.1999
Freelance College Essay Counselor - Self-employeed
01.1997 - 04.2021
Administrative Assistant - University Of Michigan Business School
09.1996 - 07.1997
Assistant Director of Academic Advising - Rutgers University
09.1995 - 07.1996
Rutgers University - Bachelor of Arts, Sociology
08.1990 - 05.1995