Behind the Title: JD Jordan, Information & Technology Services

Learn how to start or grow your career in higher education with insights from professionals, career coaches, and HR experts. The HERC Jobs-produced Let’s Talk Higher Ed Careers podcast on YouTube and Spotify explores campus roles beyond teaching, career growth strategies, and tips for navigating the higher ed job market. Whether you’re new to the field or ready to move up, each episode shares real stories and practical steps to help you align your goals, discover opportunities, and succeed in a fulfilling higher ed career.

In this “Behind the Title” episode of Let’s Talk Higher Ed Careers, host Jessica Wise sits down with J.D. Jordan, Desktop Support Manager in Information and Technology Services at the University of Michigan, to explore his journey from the U.S. Air Force to IT leadership in higher ed.

J.D. shares how mentorship, adaptability, and a willingness to start at the ground level helped him grow from an entry-level role to managing multiple teams supporting campus-wide technology. He offers candid insights into the cultural differences between military and higher education workplaces, from communication styles to decision-making, and how veterans can successfully navigate the transition. J.D. also reflects on the deeper value of working in higher education: community, purpose, and the opportunity to shape the next generation.

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