Michael Frederick

Michael Leon Frederick, known as Big-Mike, is the Director of Internships and Career Planning at Catawba College, leading the Career Services department with strategic vision and dedication. As a proud alumnus and former student-athlete of Catawba College, Michael has maintained deep connections to the institution, leveraging his experience to inspire and elevate students in their academic and professional pursuits.

Michael founded and directs iBelong, Catawba College's first minority mentoring program, designed to empower young men to mentor local youth, fostering leadership and community engagement. With over 20 years of progressive experience in secondary and higher education, he specializes in guiding students to align their career aspirations with their academic achievements while developing critical skills for long-term success.

In his role, Michael drives initiatives that connect students with transformative professional opportunities. His key responsibilities include:

• Comprehensive Career Planning: Assisting students with resume and cover letter development, personal statements, interview preparation, networking strategies, branding, and leveraging social media for professional growth.
• Employer Engagement: Building strong partnerships between employers and students through on-campus interviews, mock interviews, and guest speaker engagements.
• Event Planning: Organizing job fairs, recruiting events, and other career-focused programs to expand student access to valuable networks and resources.

Michael has assisted Catawba College in achieving remarkable outcomes. According to a survey of recent graduates, 99% were employed or enrolled in graduate school within 12 months following graduation. This success is attributed to comprehensive career services and experiential learning opportunities, with 94% of students completing a capstone, internship, or other experiential learning projects.

Success Starts at Catawba College

Michael's commitment to excellence and results-driven approach has significantly contributed to the professional success of Catawba College students, preparing them to excel in their chosen fields.