5 Questions with Weatherhead's assistant dean of career success, Sandra English

Her road to Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management was long and winding, a factor that Sandra English, assistant dean of career success, attributes to her willingness to be open to opportunities.

“My entire career has been one stepping stone after another, taking advantage of opportunities as they come up, and being open to things I didn’t anticipate,” she said. Her path led her from law practice as a prosecutor to admissions recruiting, and finally to professional development in higher education, where she served as assistant dean of career services at the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business before ultimately joining the Weatherhead School in October 2024 in the same role.

Leading with openness and curiosity has helped influence her work in Career Services, where English works closely with students to enhance their placement opportunities after graduation. She cultivates and maintains close relationships with employers, industry leaders, alumni and key stakeholders, making connections between students and industry professionals who may be looking to hire.

“This group of students wants meaningful engagement, and a lot of times the networking connections and interactions that we facilitate can lead to full-time employment after graduation,” she said. “We’re not a placement agency, but we work to give students opportunities to engage and build relationships that might lead them to future opportunities.”

English’s focus is on programming that complements the work of the university Center for Career Success, which leads events and provides coaching and assessments to students as they map out their career after graduation. She has led events geared toward specific industries and conducted networking groups, all with the objective of connecting students with a variety of post-graduate possibilities.

As campus quiets down over the summer, English is full steam ahead, planning another year of networking for her students.

“I’m constantly working with my team and thinking about ways to develop our students, connect our students with opportunities, and ultimately help them get out into the workforce,” she said. “We talk to every student at least twice a semester, so our day-to-day is busy.”

Answers have been lightly edited.

1. What is your favorite place in Cleveland? 

My husband and I like exploring new restaurants, and one of my personal favorites is Betts. Our go-to, because seafood is my favorite, is Blue Point Grille. That was our special place when I worked at Cleveland State, my dean lived very close by so that was her favorite spot. It’s a special occasion place, but top notch seafood.

2. What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Always believe in yourself. You should never doubt yourself.

3. How do you prefer to unwind? 

I relax with my family.

4. What does being a WSOM leader mean to you?

Leadership means creating an environment where people can grow. perform at their best and feel connected to a larger purpose. At Weatherhead, what resonates strongly with me is the idea of positive leadership. Positive leadership, focusing on strengths, building meaningful relationships and inspiring others through a shared vision. I know my dean supports that because he invests in me, which I appreciate. Leadership is about having impact, since you're empowering and having impact on others, building strong partnerships contributing to a community that is innovative, supportive and forward looking and thinking.

5. What is your favorite thing about Case Western Reserve?

Positive leadership, emotional intelligence and strength based development.