Susan Thorngren,
Career Development Coordinator
SILC/Senior Project CoordinatorRoom 230
847-784- 2244
thorngrs@newtrier.k12.il.us
Susie Thorngren is the Coordinator of the New Trier Career Development Program, which was initiated in 1998. After serving as a New Trier teacher, advisor and head coach, Ms. Thorngren returned to graduate school where she earned Masters degrees in Counselor Education and Higher Education-Student Affairs. During her leave of absence, Ms. Thorngren worked at Arizona State University with college students and adults in career development.
As the New Trier Career Counselor, Ms. Thorngren provides individual guidance to help students identify personal strengths and interests as they relate to college majors and various careers. She coordinates the New Trier Job Shadowing program whereby students are placed with professionals in the community and Chicago area for a one-day career experience.
Ms. Thorngren also coordinates 6-8 career fairs annually for New Trier students and conducts a career orientation with each sophomore advisory regarding the counseling and resources available through the Career Development Program. She offers workshops in resume writing and interviewing to junior and senior adviser rooms to assist students in preparation for college or job interviews, summer internships and Senior Project. In addition to working with the student body, Ms. Thorngren collaborates with the faculty in April to organize New Trier’s annual “Career Day.” Over 1500 students have the opportunity to hear from parents and other Chicago area professionals in their classes. Featured speakers discuss their career paths, initial interest in the field and offer educational advice to high school students regarding post-high school planning.
Susie also serves as a Coordinator of New Trier’s Senior Instructional Leadership Program (SILC) and the New Trier Senior Project. Together with her colleague, Sonya Seifert, Susie works with over 500 students and 400 adult volunteers including New Trier Staff and community members to coordinate these two programs throughout the academic year. For more information about Senior Project and SILC, please visit
