Year: 2025

Find Your Fit with PathwayU

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Ever wish you had a career compass? Something that could get to know you, help you know yourself, and point you toward paths where you’ll thrive? Well…

Kalamazoo College is now offering PathwayU, a brand-new online career assessment that helps you discover your strengths, explore majors and careers that fit you best, and connect to real opportunities. It’s quick, easy, and available to all students right now.

If you’ve used Focus2 in the past, you’ll notice this is a big upgrade. PathwayU uses engaging, science-based assessments to learn about your interests, values, personality, and workplace preferences. From there, it calculates your “fit” with nearly 1,000 different career paths, giving you fresh ideas you might never have considered.

We know that tools like this can sometimes feel like they’re telling you what you have to do. That’s not the goal here. Think of PathwayU as a springboard: a way to gather insights about yourself, explore options you might not have thought about, and start conversations about what’s next. Your results are a launch point rather than a rulebook.

Here’s what you can do with PathwayU:

  • Understand yourself: Discover what makes you unique, learn how to talk about your values, and see where you’re most likely to find purpose.
  • Explore your options: Find majors and career paths that align with your gifts and interests, and see real-world trends that can help guide your decisions.
  • Connect to opportunities: Browse internship listings that match your results and use PathwayU’s tools to prepare for interviews.

Getting started is simple:

  1. Visit kzoo.pathwayu.com
  2. Log in with your KNet ID and password
  3. Take the assessments (most take five minutes or less)
  4. Explore your matches and start mapping your path forward

Your results are a great starting point, but they’re even more valuable when you talk them through. If you want to dig deeper, connect the dots between your strengths and your goals, or plan your next steps, stop by the Career Studio or make an appointment with a career coach in Handshake.

PathwayU is here to help you understand yourself better, explore your options with confidence, and take your next step with purpose. Try it today and see where your path could lead.

Students Lead Civic Government Panel on Careers in Public Service

Posted on by Valerie Miller
Moderator, other panelists, and student attendees listening to panelist, Christina Anderson '98.

Political Science DSA Hollis Masterson ’26 and student leader Libby McFarlen ’26 partnered with Dr. Justin Berry, the Center for Civic Engagement, KVotes and the CCPD to host a dynamic conversation on civic careers last Tuesday with three Kalamazoo city leaders who also have strong ties to the K community.

The panel featured Vice Mayor Jeanne Hess, Chief Operating Officer Laura Lam ’99, and City Planner and Deputy Director of Community Planning and Economic Development Christina Anderson ’98. Each shared personal stories and insights about discovering purpose through public service.

Masterson, who moderated the discussion, asked how each panelist found their way into city government. Anderson described starting as a volunteer on the zoning board before joining the City of Kalamazoo staff. Lam applied for a role with the City, hoping to return to her hometown and contribute to its growth. Hess spoke about her deep ties to Kalamazoo and how the former mayor encouraged her to run for City Commission after retiring from teaching and coaching at K.

As the discussion shifted to building skills and managing challenging work environments, the panelists offered advice rooted in lived experience. “Even a bad internship or job gets you closer to what you want,” Anderson told students. She went on to add that “any job has a learning curve… you need to be in it long enough to see if it’s going to work for you.” Hess added, “I always said as a coach, ‘you either win or you learn.’”

When asked what cities look for in candidates, the panelists emphasized the mindsets and habits that define effective public service. They spoke about listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and engaging with community members in ways that build trust. Strong civic leaders, they noted, show up, collaborate well, follow through, and stay grounded in purpose. As Lam put it, “If you go into government, you need to be crystal clear about your ‘why.’”

The event captured the best of K’s collaborative spirit. Students, alumni, faculty, and community partners came together to explore how liberal arts learning can lead to real-world impact. By organizing and leading the panel, Masterson and McFarlen created space for real conversation and connection, encouraging students to imagine careers in public service, or, if not, how to stay involved through continued civic engagement. As Anderson noted, “Wherever you go, you are a member of that community. And it is your duty to be an active member of your community…to bring your light to that space.”

Fall Employer Connection Fair Broke Records

Posted on by Rachel Wood

The fall Employer Connection Fair brought together 15 organizations and more than 90 students in Dewing Commons for an afternoon of conversation, exploration, and opportunity. From healthcare and finance to city planning and public service, employers shared insights into what they look for in interns and new hires. Most were currently hiring for summer interns, full time employees (after graduation), or both.

Students came prepared with résumés, questions, and curiosity. Many stopped by the Career Studio beforehand for a quick polish or confidence boost. Several employers mentioned how engaged students were. They weren’t “just there for the swag”.

“We had great conversations with all of the students that approached our table,” said a rep from Fastenal. “We primarily chose to attend the K College fair based on the reputation of K students and it exceeded our expectations.”

“It was a great experience attending the Connection Fair! The students were well prepared and were able to communicate their interests and goals effectively,” said a rep from Integrated Services of Kalamazoo.

The fair gave students a chance to have real conversations with employers, not just hand over résumés or submit applications into the void, hoping for the best. Those informal chats often led to learning about internships, what the day-to-day work life is like, or even advice on majors. Students got to practice introducing themselves, ask questions, and see how their interests connect to the world of work.

Bernice Mike ’26, a student Career Advisor with the CCPD wrapped it up nicely, “Talking face-to-face with employers is one of the best methods for finding out whether you want to apply to their company, and it is a great way to make positive first impressions while learning about potential career paths. Watch the CCPD’s social media for more updates about future events like this!”

Conservation, Culture, and Career Clarity in Yellowstone

Posted on by Rachel Wood
Natalie Ward '26

What happens when you combine field research, Indigenous partnership, and a passion for protecting wildlife? This CCPD stipend-supported internship with the Buffalo Field Campaign shows how one student gained career-defining skills while working to safeguard Yellowstone’s wild bison and educate visitors on their importance. Here is the story in her own words:

“For my summer internship, I worked with Buffalo Field Campaign: A Non-profit focused on protecting the last, wild Bison in and around Yellowstone National Park. With a focus on stopping the harassment and slaughter of Yellowstone Buffalo, BFC emphasizes working with Indigenous nations to honor and protect their sacredness. The protection of their natural habitat helps to restore historic migration patterns. Since Buffalo (Bison bison bison) are a keystone species, their conservation is necessary for the future of surrounding environments. 

During my time at BFC, I had multiple projects and responsibilities. From tabling in Yellowstone to doing wildlife reports, I gained a lot of vital experience in the field of wildlife conservation. Tabling allowed me to interact with tourists through science communication. This involved educational posters illustrating collected data, such as Bison migration patterns in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, and pamphlets with further information. In addition, we had one-on-one conversations to provide further context and answer any questions. Through imputing native species data sets into wildlife reports, I gained skills in field work and mapping software. When I wasn’t tabling, I wrote updates from the field for our supporters, along with imputing data into wildlife reports. This helped me gain skills in field work and mapping software. Lastly, I assisted in performing tasks to keep the cabin running smoothly. 

Overall, I gained important knowledge and experience in my field of study, aligning with my future career goals. As a biology major with a minor in Anthropology & Sociology and a concentration in Environmental Studies, my internship meshed each of my passions together into one common goal. Learning both through the lens of Western science and Indigenous connections allowed me to have an appreciation of the issue at hand. Portraying this through tourist education required me to have a deep, rooted understanding to be able to answer questions. I can’t wait to see what I can do next with this gained experience and knowledge!”

Natalie Ward ’26

KConnect Week to Celebrate Connections with Hornet Huddles

Posted on by Rachel Wood

This December, the Kalamazoo College community will come together for KConnect Week, a celebration of meaningful connections between students and alumni.

One of the simplest ways to get involved is by hosting a Hornet Huddle. What is that? A short, one-on-one or small-group conversation with students who want to learn from your experience. No prep is required. Just share your story, answer questions, and help students explore what’s possible after K.

Hornet Huddles are 20-minute virtual career conversations that give students the chance to practice reaching out, asking questions, and learning directly from alumni. All Huddles will take place via Zoom on three afternoons during KConnect Week. Please select the times, listed in Eastern Standard Time, when you would be available to meet with a K student.

Alumni from every field are encouraged to participate. Whether you are five years out or fifty, your insight can make a real difference for a student figuring out next steps.

KConnect Week: December 2–6, 2025
Sign up to host a Hornet Huddle:: Alumni sign up here

Homecoming Connections by the Numbers

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Homecoming 2025 brought the K community together in the best way possible (in our opinion, anyway). Across the Connection Reception and Alumni of Color Reception, more than 100 students, alumni, faculty, and staff filled Hicks Banquet Room to share stories, trade advice, and build new relationships. Special shout-out to the class of 1975, who had 24 members in attendance!

Students left with new ideas and mentors, and alumni left reminded of why they love giving back.

“I enjoyed having the opportunity to attend the Connection Reception that K hosted because I was able to connect with past alumni for insight on what I should be doing as a sophomore right now!” said Jay Hernandez ’27.

Alum Daniel Henry ’20 said, “I had a great conversation with a first-year student who is just beginning to explore his interests. He was excited to learn about my path from studying computer science at K to working in patent law. At the end of our conversation I gave him my business card and told him to reach out any time he has any questions on how to pursue this path.”

“The event made me feel less worried about the job market post graduation, and the connections I was able to make with alumni gave me a better understanding and sense of direction for what type of job opportunities I can look into. I normally don’t hear about someone who majored in International Area Studies with a job that is located outside of the US, but the alumni, Jeniffer Kuskovski, that I was able to connect with, shared her work experience in places like Madrid and Switzerland and gave me better insight into the international workplace,” said Eliana Moreno ’26.

Keep this energy going! If you met someone at Homecoming (or wish you had!) join KConnect, the online community where K students and alumni connect year-round.

Fan Engagement and Career Growth: A Summer with the USPBL

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Through the CCPD Summer Internship Stipend program, students explore industries they love while gaining practical experience and professional mentors. Here’s how one student’s summer with the United Shore Professional Baseball League turned a love of sports into career insight.

Students with baseball mascots

“This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with the United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL) as a member of their fan engagement team. This experience gave me valuable, firsthand exposure to the fast-paced world of sports marketing and management, while also allowing me to see how an entertainment-focused company operates daily. I quickly realized that professional baseball is about much more than just the game, it is also about creating a memorable and enjoyable atmosphere for fans of all ages.  

As part of the fan engagement team, I was directly involved in a wide range of responsibilities that contributed to the overall fan experience. Our tasks varied from preparing the stadium before the gates opened to running in-game promotions. Whether it was organizing and executing on-field contests, being a mascot, or interacting with families in the stands, our team worked to make sure that every guest left with a positive impression. I was able to strengthen my adaptability, teamwork, and strong communication skills throughout this process.  

Through this internship, I developed a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes operations that go into running a successful sports and entertainment venue. I learned how vital it is to build connections with fans and create a welcoming environment that keeps them coming back. This experience has not only strengthened my understanding of the sports industry but has also given me clarity about what I could possibly want to pursue more in the future. 

The biggest mark that was left on me from this internship was the people. Coming into work every day was fun and exciting, knowing who I was going to be surrounded by. I cannot thank Noah Theiler and Jake Dolata enough for the skills they have taught me. I appreciate this internship and all the people who participated in it.”

— Savannah Chapie ’27 

Keep the Homecoming Energy Going: Join KConnect

Posted on by Rachel Wood

At last week’s Homecoming’s Connection Receptions, students and alumni met in person and realized they had a lot to talk about. The conversations that started in Hicks do not have to end there! KConnect is how you keep them going.

KConnect screenshot

KConnect is Kalamazoo College’s online community where students and alumni connect for quick career advice, mentoring, and opportunities. You can search by major, location, or career field to find people who have been where you want to go, whether that is law school, nonprofit work, tech, or something you have not even discovered yet.

Unlike LinkedIn, everyone on KConnect already shares the K experience. Alumni have joined because they want to help you. It takes just a few minutes to set up your profile, and you can start by messaging one alum whose story interests you.

Do not lose the momentum you built during Homecoming! Join KConnect today and see how far one short conversation can take you.

Connect with Employers: Employer Connection Fair 2025

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Looking for internships, jobs, or just curious about career options? Join us at the Employer Connection Fair on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. in Dewing Commons.

This event is open to all K students and recent alumni. It’s your chance to talk with recruiters, explore industries, and start building professional connections.

What to Expect

  • Explore careers: Learn about fields you may not have considered.
  • Find opportunities: Hear directly from employers who are hiring.
  • Practice networking: Gain confidence introducing yourself in a low-pressure setting.

Employers Attending

You’ll find organizations in business, healthcare, government, technology, and nonprofit work.

  • Bronson Healthcare Group: The largest healthcare provider in the region, offering a full range of services from primary to critical care.
  • City of Kalamazoo: Provides public services for the community, including safety, infrastructure, planning, economic development, and parks.
  • City Year: An AmeriCorps program where members support schools by helping students succeed in the classroom and beyond.
  • Consumers Credit Union: A fast-growing financial institution known for its member-focused services and career opportunities in finance.
  • Fastenal Company: A global distributor of industrial, construction, and safety products with roles in supply chain, logistics, and technology.
  • GENEMARKERS, LLC: A clinical and research lab that partners with healthcare providers to deliver high-quality genetic testing services.
  • Greenleaf Hospitality Group: A local leader in hospitality, managing the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Wings Event Center, and other properties.
  • Integrated Services of Kalamazoo: Provides mental health, disability, and substance use support services for youth, adults, and families.
  • Kalamazoo County Government: Offers a wide range of public sector careers, from law enforcement and health to administration.
  • Kalamazoo RESA: A regional educational service agency with programs in job training, special education, professional development, and more.
  • Kalsec, Inc.: A global producer of natural food ingredients, specializing in flavor extracts, colors, antioxidants, and hops.
  • Lake Michigan Credit Union: The largest credit union in West Michigan, recognized for its member-first approach to financial services.
  • Northern Biomedical Research: Conducts pre-clinical research with a focus on gene therapy, stem cells, and biologic treatments.
  • SalesPage Technologies, LLC: A technology company helping asset managers use data to better connect investment products with clients.
  • WMU Kalamazoo Autism Center: Provides services and research to improve the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

Be Ready

Bring your student ID and a few copies of your resume. Need help polishing it? Visit the Career Studio (Dewing 102) during drop-in hours:

  • Monday–Friday, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday & Thursday evenings, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
  • Sundays, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Why Go

Even if you’re not job-hunting yet, this fair helps you build connections and confidence that can pay off later.

Mark your calendar for October 8!

Employer Week — October 6–10, 2025

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Employer Week is your chance to meet recruiters, learn about industries, and explore opportunities for internships and full-time jobs. With six events packed into one week, you can choose the event(s) that fit your interest and schedule.

WMU Sales, Marketing & Food Marketing Career Night

  • When: Monday, October 6, 2025, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Where: Fetzer Center, Western Michigan University
  • Why Go: Employers in sales, marketing, and food marketing will be on campus recruiting.
    Details on Handshake

GLCA Virtual Career Fair

  • When: Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Where: Virtual (Handshake)
  • Why Go: Connect with employers from a wide range of industries without leaving home.
    Details on Handshake

Kalamazoo College Employer Connection Fair

  • When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Where: Dewing Commons!
  • Why Go: Employers come directly to K. This is a great chance to connect in person and explore opportunities!
    Register on Handshake

WMU Supply Chain Career Night

  • When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Where: Fetzer Center, Western Michigan University
  • Why Go: Explore internships and jobs in supply chain management and network with industry professionals.
    Register on Handshake

MCEEA Virtual Internship Fair

  • When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Where: Virtual (Brazen)
  • Why Go: Learn about internships across Michigan and beyond, all from your laptop.
    Details on Brazen

WMU Business Career Day

  • When: Thursday, October 9, 2025, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Where: Fetzer Center, Western Michigan University
  • Why Go: Meet employers from across business fields, from finance to management.
    Register on Handshake

Getting There
Need a ride to Western for any in-person fairs? The CCPD will reimburse local Uber or Lyft trips.

How to Prepare
Check out the event links for employer lists. Stop by the Career Studio for help polishing your resume or practicing how to introduce yourself.