Giselle Frechette: Empowering Career Journeys Through Education and Innovation
In the landscape of higher education and career development, few professionals bring the dedication, versatility, and student-centered approach that Giselle Frechette exemplifies. With more than 18 years of service at Westfield State University and a career rooted in educational leadership, experiential learning, and workforce development, Frechette has become a pivotal figure in shaping student success. Her story as a first-generation college graduate drives her mission: helping students find their purpose and equipping them with the tools to thrive in a competitive world.
Early Life and Educational Journey
A First-Generation Scholar’s Path
Giselle Frechette’s journey began with the challenges and uncertainties familiar to many first-generation college students. Entering college as a nursing major, her exposure to career pathways was limited. However, through exploration and curiosity, she discovered a deep passion for career counseling — a profession that would soon define her life’s work.
Her academic background reflects both depth and diversity. Frechette earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Hartwick College, followed by a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the prestigious University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her education provided her with both the intellectual foundation and practical insight required for a dynamic role in academia and student development.
Career at Westfield State University
Associate Director, Career Center
Since February 2007, Giselle Frechette has served Westfield State University with unwavering commitment. She started as the Assistant Director of the Career Center, eventually rising to the role of Associate Director in 2013. Her responsibilities extend far beyond traditional career counseling. She designs and manages internship training programs, mentors graduate assistants, and supervises professional staff and work-study students.
In her role, Frechette regularly collaborates with the TRIO program, a federally funded initiative that supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds. She holds satellite office hours in the TRIO lab to make career services more accessible. This integration shows her deep commitment to equity and inclusion in higher education.
Adjunct Instructor & Experiential Education Advocate
Frechette wears many hats at Westfield State, including that of an Adjunct Instructor in multiple disciplines. She teaches Speech & Career Development, Business and Technical Writing, and Career Development courses, often targeted at first-generation students. Her curriculum design helps students navigate their transition into college, aligning their academic paths with their career goals.
Her involvement in experiential education is not just theoretical. She actively coordinates job fairs, career expos, and the university’s experiential education report, bridging classroom learning with real-world applications.
Certification and Skillset
MBTI® Certified and CDF Credentialed
Giselle Frechette’s professional certifications underscore her specialized skill set. She is MBTI® Certified, enabling her to conduct personality assessments that help students understand their strengths and career compatibility. Additionally, she is a Certified Career Development Facilitator (CDF), trained in best practices for supporting individuals through career planning and transitions.
Her skills extend to program development, higher education administration, leadership, continuous improvement, and career management. With a tech-savvy edge, she also oversees the department’s recruiting software and website — ensuring the Career Center remains modern, accessible, and effective.
Involvement Beyond Campus
Regional Coordinator – AAEE
Beyond Westfield State, Giselle Frechette plays a prominent role in the American Association for Employment in Education (AAEE). Since 2018, she has served as a Regional Coordinator, where she develops membership engagement strategies, markets national events, and leads outreach efforts during AAEE’s annual conferences.
Her work with AAEE places her at the intersection of education and employment, promoting initiatives that support both job-seeking graduates and institutions alike. Her participation in quarterly and bi-annual meetings ensures that she remains on the cutting edge of employment trends in education.
Grant Reviewer – U.S. Department of Education
Between 2011 and 2015, Frechette contributed to the national education agenda as a Grant Reviewer for the U.S. Department of Education. In this prestigious role, she evaluated multimillion-dollar grant proposals for TRIO and GEAR UP programs, which aim to increase college access and readiness for underserved populations.
This experience sharpened her analytical skills and broadened her understanding of federal education policy — both of which enhance her work in higher education today.
Springfield College: A Foundation in Career Development
Before joining Westfield State, Giselle Frechette refined her skills as an Assistant Director of the Career Center at Springfield College. From 2005 to 2007, she played a key role in developing cooperative education courses, leading job search seminars, and managing employer relations.
Her time at Springfield College solidified her passion for helping students connect classroom learning with career exploration. It also helped her build the foundational skills in career services that she has since elevated to new heights.
Philosophy and Personal Drive
From Experience to Impact
Frechette’s work is deeply personal. As someone who once struggled to navigate college pathways, she now devotes her career to guiding others through similar journeys. She believes in early and intentional career development, especially for those from marginalized or first-generation backgrounds.
Her work is infused with empathy, cultural awareness, and a drive to uplift. Whether it’s through career counseling, teaching, or community engagement, Frechette champions a student-first approach — ensuring every individual has access to opportunity and support.
Recognition and Lasting Influence
While her work speaks for itself, it’s Giselle Frechette’s long-term influence on students and institutions that sets her apart. She is a mentor, educator, strategist, and advocate — all wrapped into one dynamic professional.
Whether she’s preparing students for interviews, helping employers recruit top talent, or representing Westfield State at regional events, her impact is tangible. Alums often credit her with helping them find not just jobs, but careers that align with their passions and values.
Also Read: Sally Rychlak, A Rising Star in University Development and Philanthropy
Conclusion
Giselle Frechette is not just an academic administrator — she is a catalyst for transformation. Her path from a first-generation college student to an influential leader in career services illustrates the power of education, resilience, and mentorship. Through her work at Westfield State University, contributions to AAEE, past leadership at Springfield College, and service to the U.S. Department of Education, she has shaped the professional futures of thousands.
In today’s rapidly changing world, students need more than academic degrees — they need guidance, experience, and confidence. And that’s precisely what Giselle Frechette delivers.
