Erica Peryga
Erica Peryga is the CEO and Founder of Pathway Career Coaching and Self-Development, where she helps professionals turn career uncertainty into confidence, direction, and momentum. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, career services, and leadership development, Erica has guided hundreds of individuals through career pivots, executive advancement, resume and LinkedIn positioning, and confidence-building for interviews and leadership roles. Her approach combines strategy, mindset, and actionable systems to help clients build careers and businesses that align with their lives, not just their job titles. Before launching Pathway, Erica served for 16 years as Dean of Students at Post University, where she led student affairs, developed retention programs, and built pipelines connecting education to real-world outcomes. She also held leadership roles in career services and higher education administration, which shaped her expertise in coaching, professional development, and organizational leadership. Erica is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and has been featured on platforms like the Career Karma Podcast, where she shares actionable insights on career advancement. Erica holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Western Connecticut State University and a Master’s in Counselor Education from Clemson University. She is currently recognized as one of Influential Women for 2026 and continues to empower professionals through coaching, workshops, digital programs, and podcasts. Her work emphasizes clarity, intentional action, and building a career or business that reflects personal values and purpose.
• Certified Professional Resume Writer
• Clemson University- M.Ed.
• Western Connecticut State University- B.S.
• University of Phoenix
• Professional Resume Writing
• Career Coaches
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to taking pride in who I am, pursuing my goals with determination, staying open to new ideas, and leading with excellence and respect. I focus on combining strategy, mindset, and systems to help myself and others create clarity and build careers or businesses that truly align with our lives.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to learn from others, ask questions, and always stand tall with confidence—believing in yourself is key to growth and success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to continue their education, earn relevant certifications, mentor others, help those in need, and cultivate empathy and strong communication skills.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge right now is navigating a turbulent economy, where rapid global job layoffs are creating an increasingly competitive and complex job-search landscape.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are clear communication, effective time management, and a commitment to continuing education, while personally I enjoy singing, outdoor activities, and water sports.