Philip Wilkerson

Philip Wilkerson III has nearly 10 years of experience in higher education, including financial aid, admissions, and career counseling. Philip attended James Madison University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History in May 2008 and began his journey into higher education in 2009. While in graduate school, obtaining his master’s in education with a concentration in counseling from George Mason University, Philip took a career counseling course and discovered his passion for professional development and self-discovery through his career path. Philip interned at George Mason Career Services to further strengthen this passion.

After graduation, Philip worked as a financial aid counselor at Northern Virginia Community College’s Office of Financial Aid, a Career Coach at George Washington University, and a transfer admissions counselor at Virginia Commonwealth University for the Northern Virginia Region.

Philip is an Employer Engagement Consultant at George Mason University Career Services. He oversees all industries under the Creative Industries umbrella, including Media, Performing and Visual Arts, Entertainment, Journalism, Public Relations, and Graphic Design. In this role, Philip collaborates with employers to showcase Mason’s talented students through fairs, workshops, and unique events. He supports students in marketing their creative skills through personal branding tools such as resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.

One major project Philip oversees is the annual Creative Arts Industry Week. This includes a series of workshops and panels, highlighted by the Arts in the Real World Fair, held in conjunction with the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Another project Philip manages is a biweekly newsletter for the College of Engineering and Computing, where he shares job postings, events, and alums highlights to keep students informed and connected with opportunities.

Philip actively engages on social media, connecting with students and employers via Twitter (@Philip_W3), and moderates a LinkedIn group for Mason students in creative fields.

Philip is married to Maggie Wilkerson, a school social worker for Fairfax County Public Schools, and is the proud father of two young children. In addition to his professional work, Philip is an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated member affiliated with the Theta Rho Lambda Chapter. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated named him a “Forty Under Forty” recipient in 2024. He also hosts the Positive Philter podcast, which explores career development, mental health, family, relationships, and the positive reframing of everyday situations.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Philip was named the “NACE Mentor of the Year for 2024” by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.