Associate Director
praut@central.uh.edu

Priyanka Raut is the Associate Director of University Career Services at the University of Houston, where she brings over 18 years of experience in higher education, career development, and student success. She provides strategic vision and leadership for career education initiatives, while overseeing the development, delivery, and assessment of comprehensive career services for undergraduate and graduate students.

In her role, Priyanka leads and manages a diverse team of career counselors, interns, and student staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment through intentional coaching, mentorship, and professional development. She is deeply committed to building staff capacity and supporting continuous learning, regularly engaging in one-on-one coaching, supervision, and team training to ensure the delivery of high-quality, student-centered career services.

Priyanka is a skilled career counselor and certified CliftonStrengths coach, with extensive experience guiding students and alumni through all stages of career development. She has provided individualized coaching on career exploration, job search strategies, resume and interview preparation, and professional identity development. She is also experienced in administering and interpreting career assessments, helping individuals make informed and confident career decisions.

Her leadership extends to strategic planning, program development, and data-driven assessment. Priyanka has led departmental assessment initiatives, co-developed strategic plans aligned with institutional priorities, and implemented innovative programs such as mentoring initiatives and large-scale career development events that enhance student engagement and career readiness. She actively collaborates across campus and with employers to integrate career development into the student experience and expand opportunities for experiential learning and professional networking.

Priyanka has a strong record of teaching and facilitation, having served as an adjunct faculty member and presented over 500 workshops on topics such as career readiness, job search strategies, and student success. She is also an active contributor to the field, with past presentations at national conferences and involvement in professional organizations such as NACE and NCDA.

She holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kansas, along with advanced training and certifications in career assessment and strengths-based coaching. Her work is grounded in a passion for empowering students, developing talent, and creating inclusive pathways to meaningful careers.