
Jennifer Oddo
5.0
(7)
Redefine What’s Possible: Career Coaching to Empower Your Future
Studied at University of Akron
Hiring Manager at New Collar Talent, LLC
Successful clients at
Not currently taking new clients
Jennifer’s Career Coaching Qualifications
Experience level: Executive
100+ people coached for Career Coaching
Jennifer has helped clients get into these companies:
Being a great career coach isn’t just about helping people advance in their careers—it’s about sparking transformation and uncovering potential! It takes the perfect mix of being a detective, cheerleader, strategist, and motivator. A great coach listens deeply, asks the right questions, and helps clients connect the dots between their skills, passions, and opportunities they might not have even considered. It’s about bringing energy, empathy, and expertise to the table—offering actionable advice while keeping things inspiring and forward-focused. A great coach doesn’t just tell you what you can do—they help you believe in what you’re meant to do, all while making the journey insightful and even a little fun!
Jennifer can help with:
AI Automation
AI Fundamentals
AI Outreach
AI-Powered Job Search
Career Planning
Cover Letters
Freelancing
General Exploration
Interview Prep
Job Search Strategies
Leadership
Networking Strategy
Personal Branding
Professional Networking
Resume Review
Salary Negotiation
Skill Building
About Jennifer
I have spent an entire career focused on helping organizations and teams design and deploy innovative strategies to attract, develop and retain talent. Having worked in both higher education and industry, recently as Vice President, Workforce Education and Innovation at Youngstown State University and previously in leadership roles at IBM where I helped launch the CEO’s global platform on “New Collar” talent, I have witnessed first hand the powerful and positive impact that we can create when we equip and empower people to achieve their authentic potential. While at Youngstown State University, I had and still have one of the most awesome coaches of a lifetime...Jim Tressel, Former OSU Football Coach and Former President at YSU. As head of his leadership and teamwork institute, we worked to instill the value of personal leadership through excellence, gratitude, selflessness, hope and love. Helping to create the foundational life and leadership skills to help individuals and TEAMs thrive.
Why do I coach?
As a career coach, I believe in the power of having someone in your corner every step of the way. Life and work are filled with twists, turns, and transitions, and having a trusted guide to navigate them can make all the difference. Whether you’re just starting out, exploring new opportunities, or reinventing yourself, a career coach provides the perspective, tools, and encouragement you need to stay aligned with your goals and values. I’m here to celebrate your wins, help you tackle challenges, and remind you of your potential when self-doubt creeps in. Together, we can turn your aspirations into action, ensuring you not only succeed but thrive in every stage of your career journey.
Work Experience

President and Founder
New Collar Talent, LLC
March 2024 - Present
Hiring Manager
I engage with industry, higher education and government leaders on policies and programs focused on skills and workforce transformation that advances outcomes towards a more equitable future of work. I started New Collar Talent to help bridge the divide between industry and higher education; and to, reshape how we approach skills-based training, career development, connections, and workplace success giving everyone access to participate in quality education and jobs with a focus on three core strategic pillars. I volunteer on many national and local boards including Credential As You Go National Advisory Board, TeamNeo/JobsOhio Talent Development Council and formerly served on the Ohio Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation EV Council.

Vice President, Workforce Education and Innovation
Youngstown State University
October 2020 - April 2024
Hiring Manager
Served on the President’s Cabinet and responsible general management of a new division for workforce education and innovation. Also served in strategic leadership role for external and government affairs, industry relations. Designed and launched The James P. Tressel Institute for Leadership and Teamwork. Held strategic, financial, and operational leadership of new workforce division focused on developing and delivering workforce training, industry credentials, and other non-credit programs focused on IT, advanced manufacturing, general business, leadership and professional and career development.

New Collar Talent Leader
IBM
March 2017 - October 2020
Hiring Manager
Led external workforce initiatives and partnerships with industry, higher education, government and not-for-profits to develop industry close the skills and opportunity gap, leveraging new collar IT apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, work-based learning, digital on-line training and digital credentials. Co-chair of the CTA + IBM Apprenticeship Coalition, Co-chair NICE Apprenticeship Council.

North American Talent Acquisition Leader
IBM
July 2015 - July 2017
Hiring Manager
Managed North America experienced hire talent acquisition for IBM Watson Groups, Cognitive Sales, Industry Platforms and Offering Management. Concurrently managed Early Professional / Campus Recruiting Operations for all technical roles across the enterprise.
Education

University of Akron
BSBA, International Marketing
1990 - 1994
Activities and societies: Alpha Delta Pi Sorority; Toastmasters - President; Volunteer - Ronald McDonald House
7 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Jennifer has helped clients get into these companies: