Ethan Rucker

Ethan Rucker coaches Harris Public Policy students to tell clear, compelling career stories grounded in data, reflection, and next steps. As Senior Associate Director for Career Development Data & Systems, Ethan leads the CDO’s data and systems strategy, partnering closely with the team to design, build, and maintain many of the tools and resources that shape how students engage with career development at Harris.

In his coaching, Ethan is known for combining empathy with concrete, actionable guidance. Whether working one-on-one or facilitating group sessions, he helps students make sense of their experiences, identify patterns and strengths, and translate those insights into practical feedback and forward-looking career strategies. His work ensures that students not only feel heard and supported, but also leave with clarity on how to move their job search and professional growth forward.

Before joining Harris, Ethan taught middle school math through Teach for America, an experience that continues to inform his student-centered, outcomes-focused approach to coaching and systems design. Ethan is a licensed professional counselor in Illinois and holds a BS in psychology from the University of Florida, along with advanced training in clinical mental health counseling from Loyola University Chicago.