Category: Students

Earn While You Learn: Propel Your Career with the CCPD

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Are you a looking for an enriching part-time job on campus? Do you want to work on your own career development? Do you thrive on helping others in reaching their goals? If so, we have the perfect role for you! The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) is currently seeking students to join our team as Career Ambassadors for the Fall of 2024. Extensive paid training will occur prior to the start of Fall Term.

What Does Being a Career Ambassador Entail?

As a Career Ambassador, you’ll play a vital role in assisting your fellow students in navigating the challenging landscape of life after K. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

1. Mentorship and Guidance: You’ll assist your peers in crafting compelling resumes, cover letters, and other application materials, ensuring they stand out in a competitive job market.

2. Platform Proficiency: Gain expertise in various online platforms such as Handshake, Big Interview, and LinkedIn, and impart your knowledge to others, empowering them to leverage these tools effectively.

3. Outreach and Engagement: From giving presentations about CCPD services to posting job opportunities on Handshake and distributing marketing materials across campus, you’ll actively engage with the student community to raise awareness and participation in career-related activities.

4. Professional Development: Through mandatory training sessions and bi-weekly staff meetings, you’ll hone essential skills such as time management, communication, and professionalism, setting a solid foundation for your future career endeavors.

5. Leadership Opportunities: Take the lead in organizing and hosting career-related programs, further enhancing your leadership and presentation skills while making a tangible impact within your campus community.

Why Should You Apply?

Working as a Career Ambassador offers a myriad of benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth:

1. Flexible Hours: With a commitment of just eight to ten hours per week, you can easily balance your academic responsibilities with valuable work experience.

2. Skill Development: From decision-making and teamwork to adaptability and technological proficiency, you’ll acquire a diverse skill set that will serve you well in any future career path.

3. Networking: Interact with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and employers, expanding your network and gaining valuable insights into various industries and professions.

4. Impactful Work: As a Career Ambassador, you’ll directly contribute to the success and professional development of your peers, leaving a lasting legacy on K’s campus community.

In the CA role, I developed my leadership skills by giving presentations on campus and facilitating conversations with students and alumni. It also helped me get comfortable talking to people in different industries and building community. Being able to lead discussions and create community is such a key skill to have, especially in this time period filled with hybrid and remote jobs. The people skills I gained at the CCPD have helped me a lot in my professional and personal life. -Juan Avila ‘19

As I transitioned into the professional world after Kalamazoo College, the foundation laid during my time as a Career Associate continued to be a guiding force. The skills homed in resume building, interview preparation, and understanding how to proactively seek out available resources have been instrumental in shaping my successful professional journey. I am grateful for the enriching experience at CCPD, which not only empowered me to assist others but also equipped me with the tools necessary for my own ongoing career success. -Siga Kisielius ‘16

How to Apply

Ready to take the next step towards becoming a Career Ambassador? Submit a cover letter and your resume, highlighting your interest in the position and how your skills and experiences align with the role. For assistance with your application materials, visit our website or reach out to Keri Bol, Career Studio Manager, via email at keri.bol@kzoo.edu.

Join Our Team Today!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a difference while enhancing your own personal and professional development. Apply to be a Career Ambassador and embark on a rewarding journey towards unlocking your full potential. We look forward to welcoming you to our dynamic team at the CCPD!

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.

Earn Credit for Summer Internship 

Posted on by Rachel Wood

The CCPD is collaborating with faculty to pilot a course series for students to earn credit for their summer internship. Marin Heinritz, Associate Professor of English, and Valerie Miller, Director for the Center for Career and Professional Development, are developing a two-course sequence and an asynchronous summer module that provides students with tools and activities to prepare for, take advantage of, and reflect on their summer internship experience.  

To earn 1 unit of credit for their internship, students need to: 

  • Complete the Pre-Internship Course (IDSY 295) in Spring 2024 
  • Complete a 240-hour Summer Internship and Summer Course Module  
  • Complete the Post-Internship Course in Spring 2025 

The Pre-Internship Course (IDSY 295) will be taught Tuesdays from 12-1pm during Spring 2024 and will include reading assignments, discussions, and a series of exercises and reflections to prepare students for their summer internship. Students earn .2 units for this course. 

Students in the Pre-Internship Course will be automatically enrolled in the Summer Module. In addition to working a minimum of 240 hours in their approved internship, students will complete regular structured reflection writing assignments about their internship experience. Students do not pay tuition or earn credit for the Summer Module on its own. 

Students who have completed the Pre-Internship Course and the Summer Module may then enroll in the Post-Internship Course to earn credit for their summer internship. This course will provide an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the connection between their academic coursework and their internship experience and make plans for their next steps in their work and academic life. Students earn .8 units for this course (.6 units for the internship and summer module, and .2 units for the post-internship coursework) for a total of 1 unit of credit in conjunction with completion of the pre-internship course 

If you are interested in earning credit for your 2024 Summer Internship, register for IDSY 295 (Pre-Internship Course) today!   

If you have questions, please contact Valerie Miller at vmiller@kzoo.edu. 

Pawsitively Adorable

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Sure, we’re here to help you figure out life after K (we are “the career center” afterall), but that doesn’t mean we only talk about work! Our lives outside of work are full…. including furry friends that make every day brighter. Check our our new Meet the CCPD Pets page to visit Milo, Bella, and the rest of our cozy gang. These adorable creatures bring warmth and joy to our lives, and we couldn’t resist sharing their cuteness with you. Consider it a little escape from the chaos of the end of the term!

Unlocking Career Opportunities: K College’s Exclusive Chicago Externship Program June 12-14, 2024

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Are you a first-year or sophomore student at K, eagerly exploring potential career paths? Look no further! K College is thrilled to introduce an exclusive opportunity for students of any major or intended major to dive into the professional world through the Chicago Externship Program. This program not only offers a unique chance to shadow professionals but also provides an immersive experience in the vibrant Windy City.

Who Should Apply: If you’re a first-year or sophomore student at K College, regardless of your major or intended major, this program is tailor-made for you. Whether you have a clear career goal or are still exploring your options, the Chicago Externship Program welcomes all enthusiastic students ready to embark on a transformative journey.

What’s In Store for Selected Student Externs: Those selected for the program will enjoy a host of benefits, including transportation, lodging, and meals throughout the duration of the externship. This is not just an opportunity to observe professionals in action; it’s a chance to gain firsthand experience of daily work life and industry challenges in a field of interest.

Networking Opportunities: One of the highlights of the Chicago Externship Program is the chance to connect with accomplished K alumni during an exclusive networking reception. Imagine the valuable insights and advice you could gain from those who have walked the same halls and faced similar career choices. This is more than just an externship; it’s a gateway to expanding your professional network and building lasting connections.

Beyond “Career”: Aside from the career exploration aspects of this trip, participants will also get a taste of Chicago. From its iconic architecture to its rich culinary scene, the Windy City has something for everyone. This externship isn’t just about your career; it’s about broadening your horizons and gaining a taste of the variety beyond the classroom.

How to Apply: The application process is simple and straightforward. No prior experience is necessary, and there are no essays to stress over. Just complete the online application before the midnight deadline on Tuesday, March 12. Take the first step toward unlocking exciting career possibilities and apply now!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the schedule? June 12-14, 8AM-8PM. The tentative schedule will involve two half-day and one full-day job shadows, along with a student/alumni networking reception and evening activities.
  • When will we find out if we are selected? Applications are due by Tuesday, March 12. At that time, we will review applicants for selection, which is mainly about making sure there is an alum that is a good match for the job shadow. We are continuing to recruit alumni now based on applicants’ interests. You should know if you were selected by the end of March at the latest.
  • What all is covered? We’re riding a bus to Chicago and back, and all of the transportation costs to and from the job shadow site will also be covered by the program. Students should not have to pay for anything unless they want to do something on their free time (there isn’t a ton of free time, but some may choose to explore after dinners).

Navigating the Spring 2024 GLCA Virtual Career Fair 

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Our students aren’t just attendees at virtual career fairs; they’re success stories in the making. Over the past years, students like you have seized incredible opportunities via the GLCA Virtual Career Fair! Check in to the myriad of career opportunities with renowned organizations across various industries. 

Event Details: 

What to Expect: 

Engage with Diverse Employers: 

Connect with 39 employers representing a spectrum of industries. From technology and finance to healthcare and non-profit, this virtual career fair offers a diverse range of opportunities to suit your interests and aspirations. 

Tailored Group and 1:1 Sessions: 

Customize your experience by signing up for either 30-minute group sessions or 10-minute one-on-one sessions with participating organizations. This personalized approach allows you to interact directly with recruiters, ask questions, and gain insights into potential career paths. 

Explore Entry-Level Jobs, Internships, and Volunteer Opportunities: 

Whether you’re seeking your first job or an internship to gain valuable experience the GLCA Virtual Career Fair is the platform to discover and explore diverse opportunities. 

Seamless Virtual Experience: 

Attend the fair from the comfort of your own space. The virtual format ensures a user-friendly and accessible platform for students from all GLCA member colleges. 

How to Participate: 

  • Register Today: Head to the event website to register for the virtual career fair. By registering, you commit to attending employer sessions and making the most out of this valuable opportunity. 
  • Prepare and Research: Before the fair, research the participating organizations to make informed decisions about which sessions to attend. Prepare thoughtful questions to engage with recruiters and showcase your interest. 
  • Connect with us at the CCPD: For any questions regarding registration or attending virtual sessions, reach out to us here at the CCPD. The Career Studio is open M-F from 10AM-2PM and we’re available outside of that via appointment/email! We are here to support you in making the most of this event. 

We Can’t Wait to See You There! 

Join us on February 29th, explore the possibilities, and pave the way for your professional success. See you at the Spring 2024 GLCA Virtual Career Fair! 

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.

GLCA Fair Connects K Students to Opportunities

Posted on by Rachel Wood

The upcoming GLCA Virtual Career Fair (week 3 Tuesday, Sep 26, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) is an unmissable opportunity to connect with potential employers, learn about different industries, and take proactive steps towards life after K. Mark your calendar for September 26! Wondering if these fairs actually net K students jobs? Take a glance at this post from last year’s GLCA fair, written by Blagoja Naskovski ’24, about his experience (hint: he met his summer employer there). Yes, most students have classes on Tuesdays; don’t worry, you sign up for specific times to meet with recruiters— you don’t have to be there from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.! Learn more on Handshake.

Discover Opportunities at the On Campus Student Employment Fair!

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Attention all students! Are you looking to earn while you learn, gain valuable experience, and enhance your skills right on campus? We are thrilled to invite you to our On Campus Student Employment Fair happening during Week 3 on Friday, September 29, in Red Square from 10 AM to 2 PM. Join us and explore a myriad of job opportunities tailored to fit your student schedule.

Details:

  • Date: Week 3 Friday (September 29)
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Location: Red Square (outside Dewing Basement)

Why On Campus Employment?

Working on campus offers a unique set of advantages:

  • Convenience: On-campus jobs are easily accessible, allowing you to save time on commuting.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Employers on campus understand the demands of being a student and often offer flexible work hours.
  • Skill Development: Gain practical experience, enhance your skill set, and bolster your resume without leaving the academic environment.

Don’t Miss Out!

Mark your calendars for the On Campus Student Employment Fair during Week 3, and don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to explore on-campus job prospects, network with professionals, and take a step closer to a successful future!

Clifton Strengths Assessment

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Post by Sydney Pickell ’24

Before doing the Clifton Strengths Assessment, I thought it would not be very useful in my future career search or give me any new information about myself that I did not already know. Having done a lot of strengths tests and personality quizzes in the past, I expected it to mirror the results and not give me any new and relevant insights. However, although the assessment did give me similar results to previous quizzes, I think it framed them in a unique light, and the assessment results themselves, paired with the additional resources found after taking the test, allowed me to gain a lot of perspective on what I want to be doing and what I personally value in a career.


With the assessment, you are able to receive your top five strengths with a description of each, ranked by the order you value and show each theme. Scrolling down on the page, there is an Insight Guide, a Signature Themes Report that gives more details on your personalized themes and a Strengths Insights and Action-Planning Guide specifically tailored towards you. The latter is where I found the most beneficial information, and I really enjoyed how it was broken down by each of my top five themes. With the questions written with each theme, as well as the end of the section, it almost forces you to reflect on what is important to you and highlights ideas for action, as well as how you can use them in daily and professional life. I think this specific tool really separates the Clifton assessment from other career or strengths assessments. Not only does this resource give you insights about you, but it helps to walk you through possible avenues of putting them to use and allows for a lot of reflection. Another part of the guide I really enjoyed was the quotes from real people, broken down by what each of your five personal themes sounds like. I really was able to figure out what themes were most important to me and how they could manifest in my professional career further in my future. It really made me realize how I could connect each insight to what I want to pursue and gave me a look into what I want to focus on achieving and how to get there.


Even though I thought this was just going to be another run of the mill personality assessment, I now can confidently say that most people, if not all, will learn something new or be able to reflect and gain perspective in a new way by taking this assessment. I encourage students of any age to take this assessment, whether they know what they want to major in, what fields they want to work in or if they do not know anything about their future plans. Knowing more about yourself and being able to walk through it in the way this resource does has been extremely helpful to me. Although I was apprehensive to take this assessment in the beginning, I am so glad I was able to gain the insights and perspectives put forth by this tool, and will be planning on keeping them in my mind through my future career exploration.

**If you are interested in the Strengths assessment, please make an appointment with a Career Coach in Handshake.