Category: Alumni

National Alumni Career Mobility Survey

Posted on by Rachel Wood

K alumni, we need your voice! 📣 You’re invited to take part in the National Alumni Career Mobility (NACM) Survey, developed by the Career Leadership Collective. This annual survey is the first of its kind to inform career-readiness practices at colleges and universities across the U.S., and we’re thrilled to be tracking alumni career mobility beyond just the first job.

This survey is designed and operated by Lightcast, a world-wide leader in the collection and big-data analysis of information on the labor market. K’s participation in the survey allows us to compare our results to other institutions of higher education. Anyone who is interested in learning more can download and view the 2024 NACM report on Lightcast’s website: https://lightcast.io/how-we-help/education/alumni-tracking

Your insights will help current K students and shape future programming, all while supporting K’s mission. Whether you’re leading in your field or just starting out, every experience matters. Note: Retirees may notice that the tool asks questions about a graduate’s “current” job. We encourage would-be participants to reflect on their most salient or recent career experiences as they answer these questions. We very much value the insights of our graduates who have retired— they give a full picture of the impact of the K experience.  

Taking a few minutes to complete the NACM survey is a simple yet impactful way to support current and future Hornets! Check your inbox for an email about the NACM Survey today, or go directly to the survey here: https://bit.ly/KNACM24.

Finally, this survey focuses specifically on the career-related impact of the K experience. While career outcomes are an important aspect, we fully acknowledge that they are just one part of Kalamazoo College’s broader mission: to prepare graduates to better understand, live successfully within, and provide enlightened leadership in a richly diverse and increasingly complex world. 

Staff Changes at CCPD: Welcoming a New Assistant Director and Bidding Farewell to a Longtime Colleague 

Posted on by Rachel Wood
Alejandro Alaniz '18 in his office just outside of the Career Studio in Dewing Hall.

Last Academic Year at the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) brought significant staff changes, marking both a new beginning and a heartfelt farewell. 

We are excited to announce that Alejandro Alaniz ‘18, hired as Career Coach in Summer 2023, has been promoted to Assistant Director. Alaniz, a native of the Rio Grande Valley, graduated from Kalamazoo College in 2018 with a degree in Spanish and is currently pursuing his MA in Educational Leadership. Since joining the CCPD, Alex has made a profound impact through several key initiatives. He founded the Career Launch Internship Program, spearheaded mock interviews in Spanish in collaboration with the Spanish department, and partnered with campus initiatives to support South Texas students. His creativity and artist’s eye have also enhanced CCPD’s designs and revamped Career Ambassador training. Beyond these accomplishments, Alejandro has been a tireless volunteer, supporting all CCPD events and programs with enthusiasm and dedication. His diverse background in education, from middle school English teaching to high school college prep, complements his role at the CCPD. Outside of work, Alex is an avid reader, MARVEL enthusiast, Disney fan, Netflix binger, and enjoys spending time with his two puppies, Milo and Bella. If you haven’t had the chance yet to meet Alex, visit him in the Career Studio this fall beginning in Week 2! 

As we celebrate Alejandro’s new role, we also bid a fond farewell to Jackie Srodes, who retired after 21+ years of dedicated service to Kalamazoo College. Jackie’s strengths—empathy, development, positivity, futurism, and inclusion—were evident in every interaction with students, alumni, employers, and colleagues. She played a crucial role in career coaching, meeting with 1000+ students and alumni over the years. She helped grow the Career Ambassador program, partnered with faculty and presented in classrooms on topics like professional document creation and interview preparation, and supported numerous other CCPD initiatives and events. Her unwavering commitment and supportive presence will be deeply missed by the entire K community. 

As we move forward, we look forward to the continued growth and success of the CCPD, driven by the legacy of excellence left by Jackie and the fresh energy and innovation brought by Alejandro. The CCPD will not be seeking to fill the current opening this academic year.

New PE/Wellness Class Utilizes Design-Thinking for Career Development  

Posted on by Rachel Wood
stock photo of person writing on post-it notes on a wall

During the winter and spring terms, the CCPD introduced “Design Your Path,” a course that allows students to earn 0.2 units of PE credit. Guided by the Wellness Wheel, which includes eight dimensions of wellness, Kalamazoo College’s Physical Education program emphasizes Occupational Wellness—finding satisfaction, enrichment, and meaning through work. 

Recognizing that people spend a third of their lives at work, the course helps students develop skills to identify and cultivate fulfilling careers. By incorporating life design principles, “Design Your Path” encourages students to think holistically about their personal and professional development.

The course integrates design thinking, career planning, and personal growth, offering a structured approach to connect college experiences with future career aspirations. It guides students in reflecting on their K-Plan progress, exploring potential pathways, and identifying their interests, values, and strengths.

Tailored for all students, from first-years to seniors, “Design Your Path” equips them to make informed decisions about their next steps at Kalamazoo College and beyond. The CCPD hopes to offer this course again in the future. 

Impact of course on student participants 

Students completed pre- and post-course assessments for this course and reported a 36% increase in confidence across several career readiness skills, including envisioning and discerning life paths, conducting a job search, and reaching out alumni professionals and conducting career conversations. Here are comments from students who have completed the course: 

“One of the things I love about K is that it provides diverse ways to achieve success, and I think this course ensures that success continues once we graduate. My four years at K have been wonderful, but I felt quite alone in planning my next steps. This PE course gave me tools I actively use and will continue to use, which I believe is incredibly valuable.” – Senior English Major 

“Despite entering the class with a well-defined (and somewhat rigid) plan for my future, this course has significantly broadened my thinking and equipped me with new decision-making tools. For instance, the discussions on work view vs life view prompted me to reflect on aligning these perspectives, thereby enhancing my quality of life. The assignments, particularly those focusing on time management, compelled me to consider making changes. Moreover, the guidance and resources provided for graduate school preparation were invaluable. The work we undertook in this class has paved a clear path for me to better achieve my goals. Though not the sole focus, the emphasis on life balance has synergized with other physical education classes, encouraging a healthier lifestyle. This course has helped me plan for a healthier life and improved my mindset towards the future.”– Senior Physics & Mathematics Major 

“This class has allowed me the time to make a productive plan to explore career options. I liked that it broke down the steps to make a plan more reasonable rather than me trying to do it alone. I think it is great for any year as some of the information I learned not only helped me, but I shared it with my roommates, and it helped them as well.” – Senior Psychology & Chemistry Major 

“I like that this program is focused on your personal path and goals for the future. While difficult, it provides an opportunity to critically think back on your choices. Additionally, interacting with other students facilitates insightful conversations that can extend your viewpoint and improve your ability to make decisions.” – Junior French & Psychology Major 

“I think it would be nice if this course was required to be taken at some point for every student at K. Students could choose what year, but I think it is super useful for everyone, and can definitely help a lot with preparing students for life after college.” – Sophomore Biology Major 

Career Launch: Empowering First-Generation College Students 

Posted on by Rachel Wood

The Career Launch Internship Prep Program (CLIPP) made significant strides in empowering first-generation college students to take charge of their career paths this year. Designed to guide students from their first year through senior year, the program served 18 participants, with 88% identifying as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). This donor-funded initiative to support internship access for traditionally underrepresented students was developed in partnership with Career Launch.

One of the most impressive outcomes of the program was the shift in students’ attitudes toward networking and relationship building. Before joining CLIPP, 58% of participants hesitated to proactively build professional relationships until they needed a job.

However, after completing the program, this reluctance dropped dramatically to just 10%. This remarkable change demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in enhancing students’ confidence and their ability to navigate the professional world. 

As part of their learning, students engaged in an eight-step framework that encouraged them to conduct career conversations with industry professionals. These conversations helped participants explore various career paths, develop internal advocates and mentors, and even secure interviews for internships and jobs within the hidden job market. The program’s structure emphasized learning through repetition, using a combination of videos, workbooks, and group sessions. By the end of CLIPP, students were expected to complete at least two career conversations, a goal that many exceeded. 

100%

of students reported greater confidence in understanding how to create relationships with professionals from scratch.

The results speak for themselves: ten CLIPP participants successfully landed summer internships or full-time jobs. Victor Guerra Lopez ‘24 was hired by admissions, while Cesar Soria ‘24 joined the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE). Alisa Rodela ‘24 secured a position at PentAir Water in Wisconsin, and Kevin Nguyen ‘25 obtained a summer internship at PowerStrength Training Systems. Other notable placements include Nancy Murillo ‘25 at MAPSCORPS, Jesus Perez ‘25 at El Concilio, and Vanessa Barroco ‘25 at Girls Who Code. 

A participant from the post-survey highlighted the program’s impact, stating, “Career Launch has doubled my confidence in my career readiness, professional image, and networking skills.” This testimonial encapsulates the essence of CLIPP, reflecting its success in not only preparing students for their careers but also in instilling a sense of self-assuredness that will serve them well beyond their college years. 

Our new colleague Alejandro Alaniz ‘18, ran the CLIPP program this year. He said, “I’m thrilled with the incredible growth and achievements we’ve seen from this year’s CLIPP cohort. Their dedication and passion have truly set the bar high, and I can’t wait to see the next group take on new challenges and continue building on this momentum!”. The Career Launch Internship Prep Program continues to pave the way for first-generation college students, ensuring they are well-equipped to explore their career options and build meaningful professional relationships. With its comprehensive approach, the program stands as a testament to the power of proactive career development and mentorship. 

Exploring Career Paths: Psychology Majors Engage with Alumni

Posted on by Rachel Wood

This past spring, the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD), in collaboration with the Psychology Department, offered newly declared psychology majors a unique opportunity to explore their career possibilities through an innovative approach. Typically, Hornet Huddles—career conversations that connect students and alumni in one-on-one or small group settings—take place outside the classroom. However, this collaboration brought Huddles directly into the classroom during class sessions.

Hornet Huddles were integrated into two sections of the Sophomore Research Methods course, providing students with a direct link between their academic learning and real-world applications early in their academic journey. Each session began with alumni introductions, where they outlined their current roles, career trajectories, and how their education at Kalamazoo College influenced their professional paths. Students had the opportunity to meet with nine different alumni from a variety of industries.

Following the introductions, students engaged in virtual small group discussions with alumni who captured their interest. This format encouraged personalized interactions and deeper conversations about specific career paths. During the hour-long sessions, each student had the chance to meet with 2-3 different alumni, allowing them to explore multiple career options.

The small group settings fostered a dynamic environment where students could ask questions, seek advice, and learn directly from the experiences of K alumni. Conversations ranged from practical inquiries about day-to-day responsibilities in psychology-related roles to aspirational discussions on leveraging a psychology degree for long-term career success.

Alumni shared insights into a wide range of careers, including clinical psychology, research, human resources, and more, demonstrating the versatility of a psychology degree. They also offered valuable tips on navigating the job market, pursuing graduate studies, and the importance of networking and continuous learning.

We are grateful for the collaboration between our two departments and for the time and expertise shared by our alumni.

Alumni who are interested in supporting K students’ career development are encouraged to complete the CCPD Alumni Engagement Interest Form.

Chicago Externship Trek: Connecting Students with Alumni and Career Opportunities

Posted on by Rachel Wood
Students sitting at a table in Chicago, IL as part of the Chicago Externship Trek

In June, the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) piloted the Chicago Externship Trek, offering first-year and sophomore students a unique chance to explore career paths through job shadows in Chicago. Running from June 12 to June 14, 2024, this initiative provided 20 students with hands-on experience and valuable networking opportunities with alumni. 

Innovative Career Exploration 

Unlike traditional job shadows, the Trek gathered a cohort of students for a concentrated city-based experience. Students participated in half-day and full-day job shadows hosted by 12 alumni across diverse industries, gaining insight into professional environments and the daily operations within their fields of interest. 

Networking and Development 

Another feature of the Trek was a student/alumni networking reception, where students practiced their networking skills and gained career advice from alumni. # alumni living in the Chicago area attended, providing initial exposure for students. Preparation for the Trek included researching alumni matches and honing networking techniques, enhancing the effectiveness of their interactions. 

The program also included a work-from-home panel featuring alumni who adapted to remote work, providing students with strategies for success in evolving work environments. 

Exploring Chicago 

For many participants, the Trek offered their first experience of a major city like Chicago. Beyond job shadows, students explored the city’s iconic architecture and diverse culture, enriching their overall experience. 

Positive Feedback 

Both students and alumni praised the program. “The Trek gave me a clearer career direction,” said one student. Another said, “It was life changing and let me explore the different areas of what I want to do. The most important thing that I learned is the ability to talk to people and the importance of networking and finding people’s different perspectives. It’s so helpful to be able to hear everyone’s professional story and to connect with them.” Alumni enjoyed reconnecting with the college and guiding current students. “Sharing my career journey with students was rewarding,” noted one alum. Career Coach, Alejandro Alaniz, said, “[the externship trek] was a great experience for students to glimpse into their career interests and have real-world conversations on how to get there. I am excited to continue to offer these to our students!” 

Future Plans 

The success of the Chicago Externship Trek highlights the potential for city-based externships. Valerie Miller, CCPD Director, expressed excitement about repeating the program, potentially in other cities with large alumni hubs. “Combining job shadowing, networking, and urban exploration, the Trek offers a comprehensive introduction to the professional world,” she said. 

The CCPD aims to grow this initiative, reflecting Kalamazoo College’s commitment to integrating academic exploration with career readiness, preparing students for their professional journeys. 

Bridging Academia and Career: CCPD and English Department Collaboration

Posted on by Rachel Wood

This winter, Ryan Fong, Associate Professor of English contacted the CCPD to collaborate with him for the English Department’s “Introduction to Literary Theory and Research Methods” class.  The partnership aimed to harmonize academic exploration with career readiness, empowering students to seamlessly connect their intellectual pursuits with their professional aspirations.

An assignment, titled “Educational Design,” guided students through five prompts, fostering self-reflection, academic exploration, and future career planning. From pondering big questions to mapping out a comprehensive academic and professional plan, students navigated the intersection of knowledge and career preparedness.

Students explored their major, minor, or concentration in response to prompt three, linking academic pursuits to overarching questions and dreams. By delving into the Kalamazoo College catalog, they identified relevant courses and articulated the cohesive nature of their chosen academic path.

Prompt four challenged students to create a tentative plan encompassing their major, minor, language classes, Shared Passages seminars, and courses from various academic divisions. This plan aimed to provide a well-rounded liberal arts education, aligning with the college’s commitment to versatile thinking.

The final prompt involved a crucial meeting with CCPD Career Coaches, propelling students from academia to the professional realm. Post-meeting, students reflected on the plans to develop professional skills and gain valuable work experience during their time at Kalamazoo College.

“These assignments are really trying to help our students feel empowered to craft their education in meaningful ways and to show them the value of gaining the broad perspectives and knowledges that are the hallmark of the liberal arts,” said Fong. His course development and partnership with the CCPD exemplifies Kalamazoo College’s commitment to career readiness. By integrating academic exploration with career preparation, students embark on a journey of self-discovery, equipped with the tools for a seamless transition into their professional lives after graduation.

K to the White House

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Join Harold Phillips ’88., and Matt Pearl, ’03, to learn about their career paths from K to the White House. Harold and Matt will share how their experiences at K contributed to decisions around post-graduate education that led to opportunities to work in and around government before joining the White House staff. Dr. Max Cherem ’04, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Department Chair and Pre-Law Advisor, will moderate this event. Co-sponsored by the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) and the Office of Alumni Engagement. 

K to the White House 
Friday, October 6 
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. 
Room 103, Dewing Hall 

About Harold Phillips and Matt Pearl:

Harold Phillips is the Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy. He earned a Master’s in Regional Planning, Housing and Community Development at UNC-Chapel Hill, following his studies in political science and English at K.  Prior to his current role, Harold worked in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in a number of positions developing programs and policies designed to end the HIV epidemic in the United States and globally.

Matt Pearl is the Director of Emerging Technology in the White House National Security Council. Immediately before serving at the NSC, Matt was an Associate Bureau Chief at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  A philosophy major and history minor while at K, he attended law school at Yale University.  After law school, he clerked for Judge Lawrence Kahn of the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, and Judge Laurence Harris Hartz of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

Why did I decide to attend the GLCA virtual career fair? 

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Post by Blagoja Naskovski ’24

GLCA Virtual Career Fair - Thursday, February 23, 2023 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (ET) Hosted on Handshake

My Fall ’22 was very busy in terms of finding new career opportunities for the summer of ’23. As a student majoring in Business, my goal was to secure an internship in investment research and financial services. Chasing job opportunities might sometimes be fun, but it takes a lot of time and energy. What I really learned is that one of the key factors to be successful in grabbing an opportunity in your favorite field is to attend career fairs where you can directly communicate with a hiring manager and to connect with the alumni community. Fortunately, I saw that our CCPD was co-organizing an event that was seen by me as a chance that should not be missed – GLCA virtual career fair.  

From education organizations and health care services, finance, and marketing to government to nonprofit organizations, GLCA career fair has a diverse spectrum of internship opportunities.  

My case included searching and talking to recruiters from the companies that are in the sphere of financial services and investment analysis. I was fortunate to learn for the first time about the company that I am going to intern at this summer- Morningstar. I had a great time talking to the recruiter about the details and specifics of the Morningstar Summer Internship Program. After the session I decided to connect with some of the K alumni at Morningstar and apply for the position. I was fortunate to connect with a K alum and to gain valuable suggestions during the hiring stages.  

One of the best things about this career fair that it is a student centric. You can schedule a 1:1 or group session with the hiring manager based on your time availability. Most of them are in a 1:1 format so you have the chance to talk directly to the recruiter. More importantly, there is an unlimited number of sessions that you can attend regardless of your school major. 

I am grateful that I attended the GLCA virtual career fair last September. This event represents a fantastic opportunity where all students, from diverse backgrounds, are given a chance to attend and talk to recruiters and hiring managers from many companies and organizations. Therefore, I strongly encourage my peers, regardless of their academic major, to attend this event (Thursday, February 23, 11 AM – 2 PM, Virtual on Handshake) and establish new connections in their professional network while learning more about different industries and career opportunities. 

Save the date for February career fairs

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Save the date for February’s job/internship fairs for K students. Three are in person, and the CCPD will reimburse you for transportation if you need it. These fairs are the largest local recruiting events of the year for college students!

Wondering which employers will be there, and/or what they’re looking for in applicants? Check out the links for each— they have all the info you need.

WMU Government and Nonprofit Job Fair

Tuesday, Feb 7, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

WMU Bernhard Center at 1922 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo

WMU Spring Engineering Expo

Wednesday, Feb 8, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

WMU Bernhard Center at 1922 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo

WMU Career Fair

Thursday, Feb 9, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

WMU Bernhard Center at 1922 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo

GLCA Virtual Career Fair

Thursday, Feb 23 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Virtual Event in Handshake 

Need a ride? 

Students needing transportation are eligible to be reimbursed by the CCPD for local Uber or Lyft trips to and from the WMU fairs listed. We encourage you to “car pool” by coordinating these trips with friends interested in attending, wherever possible, though this is not required for reimbursement.

Steps: 

  1. Use Lyft or Uber app to travel to/from the fair(s).
  2. Email your Lyft or Uber receipt(s) and indicate which fair you attended to Valerie Miller at vmiller@kzoo.edu.​