Amanda Pearce

Amanda (she/her) joined the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) in June 2023 as part of the Employer Engagement team. She has transitioned to the Exploratory Career Community where she enjoys connecting with students as they reflect on their interests, values, and strengths while navigating questions about what comes next. She’s especially passionate about helping students explore opportunities and gain confidence in their own unique career journeys.

Drawing from her background in employer engagement, she will continue to use this knowledge to help students explore real-world experiences and connect the dots between their liberal arts education and the world beyond Grinnell.

Amanda earned her master’s degree in education and school counseling from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Prior to joining the CLS, she worked as a school counselor at Grinnell-Newburg High School, supporting students in grades 9–12 with academic planning, postsecondary goals, and social-emotional development. She also brings experience from the nonprofit sector in the Grinnell community.

Outside of the office, Amanda and her husband live on a farm just outside of town, where they raise Black Angus cattle and enjoy life with their horses. They spend much of their free time trail riding throughout Iowa and the Midwest. Amanda also enjoys reading, gardening, and lifting weights. Fun fact: she was once a nationally ranked, sponsored athlete in the sport of powerlifting—and she’s always on the lookout for her next adventure or hobby to explore.