In October, Alejandro Alaniz ’18 led a full day workshop for Department Student Advisors and Career Advisors focused on the conversations they have every day with students who are sorting through majors, purpose, and belonging.

Connecting Interests to Learning

The morning began with the idea of hidden intellectualism, based on Gerald Graff’s work about the thinking students already do in their everyday interests. Graff’s claim: “Students are often more intellectual than they realize; the problem is not that they lack intelligence but that they have not found topics that ignite their minds.”

Alejandro shared his own example of travel planning and how it helped him build skills in research, cultural learning, and problem solving long before he realized those skills connected to academic and professional paths. He told the group that the goal was to think about “what it means to connect your own story and curiosity to the way you support other students.” Advisors then spent time reflecting on the interests and experiences that shape how they already learn and make sense of the world.

From Wicked Problems to Field of Study

Next, the group worked with the idea of wicked problems. These are the complex real world issues that cross disciplines and do not have simple solutions. This framing encouraged advisors to move beyond the question of “What should my major be” and toward a broader sense of “What field of study helps me explore the problems I care about.” Advisors looked at how their classes, experiences, and questions form larger themes and how those themes can help students build more connected paths through their time at K.

Investigative Inquiry and Storytelling

After lunch, the workshop shifted to investigative inquiry. Advisors practiced asking questions that help them understand how people think about their work and why they do it. They each drafted one big question tied to their own field of study and talked about when students might use this type of inquiry instead of a traditional career conversation.

Later in the afternoon, the focus moved to storytelling. DSAs shared short, honest accounts of their own paths and named the strengths they heard in each other’s stories. The activity gave advisors a chance to think about how sharing real experiences can help students feel less alone in their uncertainty.

Putting It Into Practice

To bring the ideas together, advisors worked through a few student scenarios. The point was not to find perfect solutions but to practice listening well, asking thoughtful questions, and helping students take a next step that makes sense for them.

At the end of the workshop, Alejandro summed up the day by saying, “I left feeling so proud of these student leaders and their commitment to helping their peers find belonging and purpose here at K.”

It was a good chance for DSAs to step back, reflect, and strengthen the way they show up for their peers. We look forward to continuing this important work with our departmental student advisors!

Supported by the CCPD Summer Internship Stipend, this student spent the summer in Amman, Jordan, working with the Institute for Family Health to strengthen healthcare access for vulnerable communities. From identifying service gaps to supporting inclusive education initiatives, their work offered a powerful glimpse into the impact of global public health collaboration.

“This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at the Institute for Family Health (IFH) in Amman, Jordan. IFH is a regional model for comprehensive, accessible, and integrated healthcare and social services. Established in 1986, IFH provides high-quality primary health care, mental health and psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and protection services to vulnerable populations, including refugees, women, children, and persons with disabilities. With a network of clinics across Jordan, IFH combines direct service delivery with training, research, and advocacy to strengthen health systems and promote the well-being and dignity of individuals and communities.

Throughout the summer at IFH, I supported efforts to strengthen healthcare access in Jordan by identifying service gaps in Amman and other vulnerable cities. I collaborated with key partners, including the Ministry of Health and other local organizations, to align responses with national priorities. Additionally, I contributed to grant applications focused on expanding inclusive education and support for students with disabilities across Jordan.

From this opportunity, I gained practical skills in cross-sector collaboration by working closely with government and organizational partners. I developed the ability to identify and analyze service gaps in the health sector, particularly in vulnerable communities. I also strengthened my adaptability and communication skills by navigating a professional workplace in my second language.

I feel so thankful to the CCPD for providing me with the Summer Internship Stipend because without it, it would have been impossible for me to travel back to Jordan and study public health in the country I have so much love for. In addition to working with my incredible coworkers and learning how to work in the public health sector, I had the unique opportunity to practice my Arabic, travel, and make new friends from Jordan. The Summer Internship Stipend is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I encourage all K students who are interested to apply!” – Madeline Hanulcik ’26

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.

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!”

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.