The 24/7 Career Advisor I Wish I’d Had in College

November 11, 2025

Stepping into Cornell’s Career Services office, I remember fighting back tears. I waited too long to get help.

The light was dim, and the room was utterly silent. Only one woman was managing the front desk here. Where were all the advisors? Were there enough?

I stepped up to the desk, taking in a deep breath. “Can I see someone today?”

“Unfortunately, your advisor is currently seeing another student,” she told me after checking my name.

“It’s urgent,” I told her. She hesitated, then had me seen by someone else.

After talking for half an hour, we decided I would drop that class and no longer pursue a poli-sci minor. I felt freed, but something was missing. What would I do instead?

I wish I had gotten help sooner, but the shame prevented me from seeking help from real people who would judge me. A chatbot would have helped me. There’s a charm to being able to explore your problems privately.

This is why I built Career Companion. It’s a 24/7 AI companion designed to be a well-informed and empathetic partner. When you’re not quite ready to talk to faculty, Career Companion bridges that gap – it’s the space where you can work through the embarrassment and confusion.

When you talk to CoCo, it’s like talking to a friend with a vast knowledge base, including courses, majors, skills, and jobs. It’s the pre-advisor and 24/7 thought-partner you can trust. It’s a tool that empowers you to work through the confusion before you step into an advisor’s office, ensuring that when you do seek human help, you arrive prepared and confident in the direction you’ve begun to chart.


See how CoCo and the College Companions are helping students explore their goals, plan their paths, and make informed decisions.

Lorlei Boyd

Decision Intelligence Developer

About Gray DI

Gray DI provides data, software and facilitated processes that power higher-education decisions. Our data and AI insights inform program choices, optimize finances, and fuel growth in a challenging market – one data-informed decision at a time.

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