Sharon Fleshman

Senior Associate Director, Nursing, Education, Social Policy & Practice

Dr. Sharon Fleshman has been with Career Services since 2000 and serves students and alumni of the School of Nursing, Graduate School of Education, and the School of Social Policy and Practice.  As she advises those seeking social impact careers, she enjoys empowering them to find their career fit by discovering and articulating their skills, strengths and work values as they reflect on their experiences. Sharon graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. She has also earned master’s degrees from New York University’s Stern School of Business and Westminster Theological Seminary as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from Northern Seminary. Before coming to Career Services, Sharon had advisory roles in consulting firms and a faith-based non-profit.  As an ordained minister, she enjoys reading, writing and speaking on spirituality, vocation, and social justice. She has quite a sweet tooth and is known throughout Career Services as a lover of chocolate.

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Cultivating Gratitude and Carrying It Into Your Career

There is much research on the connection between gratitude and well-being. While gratitude can co-exist with concerns and disappointments regarding your career plans, it can also disrupt a spiral of negative thoughts that could interfere with your progress. Here are …

By Sharon Fleshman
Sharon Fleshman Senior Associate Director, Nursing, Education, Social Policy & Practice
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Who’s Hiring? Explore New Nonprofit Jobs

Clicked one of these organizations only to find that they’re no longer hiring? To keep you apprised of the latest in social-impact opportunities, all listings on idealist.org have a predetermined expiration date.

If you’ve missed the boat on any of …

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Finding Your Shine: How to Own Your Strengths as a First Gen Student

As a first gen student, there are many qualities that you can leverage as you move forward in your career planning.  Yet, taking inventory of your strengths may be a challenge for several reasons.

The busyness of life.  As …

By Sharon Fleshman
Sharon Fleshman Senior Associate Director, Nursing, Education, Social Policy & Practice
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Why Executive Burnout Often Looks Like Peak Success

Most people think burnout looks obvious. They picture someone slumped over their desk, unable to keep up, or someone calling in sick all the time. But the truth is, executive burnout often looks like success, at least on the outside.

By Ivy Exec
Ivy Exec is your dedicated career development resource.
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How to Develop Career Security Without Stagnating

Career security is something nearly every professional wants, especially in uncertain times. However, you can settle into a comfort zone if you only focus on playing it safe. Your career may then start feeling like a trap instead of a …

By Ivy Exec
Ivy Exec is your dedicated career development resource.
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6 Must-Know AI Skills for Non-Tech Professionals

Let’s talk about the elephant in every office: The need for artificial intelligence (AI) skills is here—and it’s not going anywhere. There was a time when AI was for developers in hoodies writing code in dark basements. Now, it’s reshaping

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The Importance of Humility in Leadership—and How to Embrace It

Humility in leadership is a powerful yet underestimated quality. It’s about being confident enough to admit mistakes, seeking input from others, and prioritizing group success over personal ego. In the workplace, leaders who lead with humility build stronger teams, make …

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7 Social Skills Valued at Work and How to Improve Yours

In today’s job market, technical qualifications alone aren’t enough to guarantee success. Employers are looking for people who can communicate well and handle conflicts smoothly. That’s where strong social skills really come in.

Social skills are the abilities that allow …

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A New Season – Strategies for Career Transition

As fall approaches, we prepare for a change in seasons.  Whether you’ve shifted in your career focus during your degree program or came to Penn with a transition already in mind, here are some strategies to consider.

Do some self-assessment

By Sharon Fleshman
Sharon Fleshman Senior Associate Director, Nursing, Education, Social Policy & Practice
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How Emotional Intelligence Can Redefine Your Job Search

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a critical skill that employers want, whether in business or the workforce. According to a study by TalentSmart, 90% of top performers possess high EI, suggesting that EI is a crucial driver of success in the …

By Ivy Exec
Ivy Exec is your dedicated career development resource.
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