Category: Faculty/Staff

Curious About Working Abroad? These K Alumni Are Living It!

Posted on by Rachel Wood

On Thursday, May 1, 2025, students had the chance to explore life and work beyond U.S. borders through the virtual event What’s it like to Work Abroad?

Co-sponsored by the German Studies Department and the Center for Career and Professional Development, the event featured three Kalamazoo College alumni currently living and working in Europe:

    Dr. Kathryn Sederberg of the German Department moderated the hour-long conversation, which covered everything from navigating international job markets to adapting to different workplace cultures… and the unexpected joys and challenges of building a life abroad. Here are some insights shared by the panelists:

    “It’s very courageous and difficult to start a life in a different country, different language, different culture. So it’s tough. You have to be quite resilient… Getting your foot in the door, maybe starting small, but you get your experiences, you get your connections, and then you kind of, you know, head up the ladder.– Jane

    “I think the biggest difference between German and US culture is in the US, even if you have vacation days and sick days, there’s sometimes an expectation that you don’t fully use that… Here in Germany, there’s an expectation that you do use all of your holidays and that when you’re outside of working hours, you are outside of working hours.” – Isaac

    If you’re serious about working abroad, be very clear about what you qualify for in terms of residency and work permits. I get frustrated when people don’t know what visa they qualify for, it shows me they aren’t prepared, and it’s a red flag for what they might be like as an employee. – Emily

      Whether you’re dreaming of working in Berlin or just curious about post-grad life outside the U.S., this conversation is full of insight and inspiration! Missed the event? You can watch the full recording on our YouTube channel.

      Career Myths Busted: A “Major” Misconception 

      Posted on by Rachel Wood

      It’s a common myth: choose the “right” major, and your dream career will naturally follow. But the truth? Your major is just one part of your career story. Many successful professionals work in fields that are so-called “unrelated” to their undergraduate degrees. 

      What really matters? Transferable skills. The critical thinking you develop in a philosophy major? Great for business strategy. The research skills from a history major? Perfect for marketing. The communication skills from an English major? Valuable in every profession. The learning outcomes of a Kalamazoo College education? Exactly what NACE says employers are looking for!

      A study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities found that employers prioritize skills over majors: 

      “Employers say they place the greatest value on demonstrated proficiency in skills that cut across all majors—such as written and oral communication, teamwork, ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world settings. In fact, most employers say these cross-cutting skills are more important to an individual’s success than their undergraduate major.” 

      — Falling Short? College Learning and Career Readiness, AACU, 2015 

      Of course, some careers require specific degrees (medicine, engineering, etc.), but for most fields, your major is just one piece of the puzzle. What truly sets you apart is the skills you’ve built both in and out of the classroom–in short, experience. Class group projects, individual research papers, athletics, internships, campus leadership, and networking all help shape your career path—and that path isn’t a straight line (which is a good thing!). 

      So, as we reflect after Declaration of Major Day, remember that your major doesn’t define your destiny. Explore your next steps: 

      • Check out the Explore Your Path Beyond K dashboard to see where K grads from 2016-2023 have landed. 
      • If/when you check out the What Can I Do With This Major? resource to discover career possibilities, remember, it’s NOT an exhaustive list, but just a possible place to start. 
      • Take a career assessment to better understand your values, interests, and strengths. 
      • Connect with alumni in your major to hear their career stories. 
      • Visit the Career Studio or schedule a career coaching appointment to chat with a peer or professional staff member. 

      🚨 Deadline Extended – Job Shadow Opportunities!

      Posted on by Rachel Wood

      The application deadline has been extended for the following job shadow hosts, who still have spots for student matches.

      If you missed the first deadline, this is your chance to connect with professionals during spring break (March 19-28, 2025). These hosts come from diverse fields, so there may be a perfect match for your interests.

      Deadline to apply for these opportunities: next Monday, February 3 at 11:59 p.m.

      P.S. If you already applied— we will be in touch as soon as possible. We know you may be anxious to solidify your spring break plans.

      K in the Zoo – local job shadows during Spring Break

      Posted on by Rachel Wood

      Short on time but want career insights?

      The K in the Zoo Local Job Shadow Program is a flexible opportunity to:
      ✅ Explore a career path in just 1-3 days during Spring Break (March 19-28, 2025) – perfect for fitting around your schedule.
      ✅ Connect with one of 29 alumni and friends of the College in a variety of career paths.
      ✅ Gain real-world insights without the stress—applications are quick and easy! No long essays required.

      🔗 Apply now: Visit the Application Page
      🕒 Deadline: Submit your application by January 27!

      Fall Treats for Summer Deets🍂🍩

      Posted on by Rachel Wood

      We’re kicking off Fall Treats for Summer Deets in the Career Studio!

      Students:
      Did you have an internship, job, or take classes over the summer? We want to hear all about it! Your experience matters, and by sharing it through our Summer Experience Survey, you’ll help us improve career resources for you and future students. Plus, as a thank you, we’re offering some delicious fall treats! Stop by Dewing 102 during Week 5, complete the survey, and enjoy pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider, and donuts on us. 🎃☕🍩

      Dates & Times:

      • Monday, October 14 – Thursday, October 17
      • 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM each day

      Faculty:
      Your encouragement plays a crucial role in helping us gather important data about students’ summer activities. The information from the Summer Experience Survey will help us track which students are engaging in internships, jobs, or summer coursework—valuable insights on student success efforts. Join us in getting the word out!

      We hope to see students in Dewing 102 during Week 5 for a quick survey and some fall goodies!

      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 

      Professional Headshots for Students at the Career Studio 

      Posted on by Rachel Wood

      The Career Studio is excited to continue offering professional headshots for students. Launched last Winter, this program has already provided 51 students with high-quality headshots. 

      Led by Huin Lee ‘25, a talented photographer and editor, the program has allowed participants to enhance their professional profiles while giving Huin valuable experience. This year, we welcome Jose Lopez Bernal ’27 as our new student photographer. 

      The headshot program offers students a critical tool for building their personal brands and preparing for the professional world. Students can sign up for headshot appointments on Handshake. These sessions will be available during Weeks 2-9, every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Career Studio. We encourage all students, from seniors to first-year students, to seize this opportunity to enhance their professional profiles. 

      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.