The Career Studio, located in Dewing Basement, is a dynamic drop-in space where all K students can stop by without an appointment with “Life After K” questions. Student Career Ambassador staff can answer questions about resumes, cover letters, job and internship searches, and more!
The Studio is open Monday through Friday from 10 am – 2 pm for unlimited visits during Fall Weeks 2-10. It is closed on College holidays.Center for Career and Professional Development
Good morning, K Faculty and Staff,
The CCPD regularly partners with faculty/academic departments on career development projects. Are you interested in a presentation or class visit from the CCPD? Let us know here: https://career.kzoo.edu/outreach-request/. We prefer one week’s notice to ensure coverage, but are open to your contacting us whenever you need. We will get back to you within 2 business days.
If you are interested in collaborating on a different type of project, please don’t hesitate to contact us at career@kzoo.edu. More CCPD resources are available at : https://career.kzoo.edu/faculty/
Best,
The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD)
Dear Students,
Welcome to the new school year!
Not long ago, I celebrated my one-year K anniversary; I started on September 1st, 2020. When I initially interviewed for my position, I did so virtually. From my first conversation with the search committee chair to my full-day interview, every meeting I had was either on the phone or on Zoom. I did my research on Kalamazoo College, met wonderful people, and still dressed up for an in-person interview, even though I never left my bedroom.
When I was hired, I was living in Florida; I then began my job as CCPD Director while still living there. For two and a half months, I engaged remotely with my new K colleagues. Then, my family and I moved to Michigan. We purchased our Michigan home sight-unseen; our realtor FaceTimed with us several times, but when we arrived in November, we had never physically set foot inside the house. As you might expect, there were unanticipated surprises: unpleasant paint colors that hadn’t been detected from a phone’s camera, inconsistent carpeting throughout, and small fixes that we simply couldn’t have noticed from even several virtual tours. So, we got to work renovating and updating the house. All while I continued to work at K, remotely.
For the next few months, I would continue to work from home and learn about K, meet more amazing colleagues, and strategize with my CCPD colleagues on how best to help students and alumni navigate career and professional development amidst a pandemic that kept us isolated, anxious, and staring at screens all day.
It wasn’t until June of 2021 that I was able to start meeting my coworkers in person. Each day that I went to my physical office, I would run into people I had worked with for nine months, but had never actually met in person. Some people wouldn’t recognize me because I was wearing a mask, and others would stop and say, “You look familiar to me.” I would then frame my face with my hands and say, “Imagine me as a box on Teams. I’m Tricia, the new-ish CCPD Director.” “Oh yeah! So nice to finally meet you,” they’d say. Whenever I’d attend a meeting in person, the meetings always seemed to last a little longer even though I’d been working with my colleagues for months now – all because now, in person, we could engage more spontaneously and more naturally, about life, my transition to K, and of course, work.
Why do I share this with you in my first Letter from the Director of this academic year? Well, because this experience might seem a bit awkward and strange, but it just might be the future of work for many, and even you. Perhaps, long after the pandemic (can’t wait for that!), virtual interviews may just be more common because employers have found that they are efficient, relatively easy, and often cheaper than meeting with someone in person. You might get hired for a job that is 100% remote, hybrid, or one that allows you to work from a distance for a certain period of time, and then relocate so you can work in-person. You might complete all of your new hire training and onboarding virtually. You might not meet your boss or your coworkers until months into your role. And then, when you do, you might be wearing a mask (gosh, I hope not, but who knows?). You may receive multiple job offers (that’s the dream!) and choose the one that is most flexible for you, the one that gives you the option to work from home or allow you to select a customized option.
The world of work is continuing to evolve every day. Industry standards are changing. Hiring managers are choosing different recruitment practices and procedures. Job duties are looking different. And, trying to prepare for this uncertain work environment can make anyone nervous. Believe me: I have been working as a professional in higher education for quite some time, and I still tripped over my words in a Zoom interview; the process of fully virtual engagement is still new to many of us!
But, here is where you, as a Kalamazoo College student, have all the advantage: you are not alone. The Center for Career & Professional Development is here for you, to help you discover your talents, build your professional networks, and connect your K experience in a way that stands out to employers and graduate schools. Can it be intimidating to set up an appointment with an adult to talk about your future? Yes. Might it be scary to think about preparing for a job search, no matter how old you are? Yes. Do you sometimes not even know where to start? Yep. I’ve been there, I get it, and my team and I are here for you.
So, where do you start? Your first step should be into our new Career Studio, which officially opens Week 2. Located in Dewing 004 (the ground floor, or basement level), the Career Studio is staffed by your peers, student Career Ambassadors. They are excited to greet you, get to know you, and provide guidance on major and career exploration, resume reviews, job and internship searches, and so much more. The Studio is open Monday through Friday from 10 am – 2 pm, and you don’t need an appointment; you are welcome to stop by, stay as long as you’d like (until 2 I mean ), and visit frequently. We’re hoping that this space will provide you with a welcoming, calming, and comfortable atmosphere where you can bring your future-focused questions and get some practical advice on steps you can take to get you where you want to go. And feel free to bring a friend, if that makes it easier!
The world looks different today than it did a year ago. And figuring out who you are is never easy, especially when we’ve all been so isolated from the human engagement and interaction that we were used to. But, instead of putting it off until later, why not get ahead of it? Why not give the Studio a try? Why not start now, with the help of your friends in the CCPD? You will find that your dreams, your skills, and your insights are just what this changing world needs right now.
See you soon,
Tricia
The CCPD acknowledges that individualistic and systemic racism continues to be pervasive in the United States and around the world, and stands in solidarity with those that are fighting for basic human dignity. Our previous announcements reported on the work we had completed at that time. This announcement serves as a Spring 2021 update. Our work is ongoing.
As of the end of this academic year, all of our staff have participated in at least one College-sponsored training experience focused on equity and inclusion: ERAC/CE, Justice at Work, etc.
The CCPD is developing a DEI scorecard based on the ARGE Anti-Racism and Gender Equality (ARGE) Scorecard developed by Roderick Lewis of UNC Chapel Hill to evaluate our top employers. The scorecard will be used to assess employers’ transparency of their data around various indicators of diversity, equity and inclusion. Employers will be assessed on the following dimensions based on publicly available data: Management & Leadership Demographics, Employee Workforce Demographics, Onboarding Strategy, Career Pathing Programs, Employee Engagement & Well-Being, DEI Accountability & Training, Recruitment Strategy. Once this initial evaluation is complete, the scorecard will be expanded to include additional indicators. A final review will consider if/what employers are doing to address inequities in the organization. The information gathered will be used to inform our employer engagement efforts moving forward.
The CCPD acknowledges that individualistic and systemic racism continues to be pervasive in the United States and around the world, and stands in solidarity with those that are fighting for basic human dignity. Our previous announcements reported on the work we had completed at that time. This announcement serves as a Spring 2021 update. Our work is ongoing.
As of the end of this academic year, all of our staff have participated in at least one College-sponsored training experience focused on equity and inclusion: ERAC/CE, Justice at Work, etc.
The CCPD is developing a DEI scorecard based on the ARGE Anti-Racism and Gender Equality (ARGE) Scorecard developed by Roderick Lewis of UNC Chapel Hill to evaluate our top employers. The scorecard will be used to assess employers’ transparency of their data around various indicators of diversity, equity and inclusion. Employers will be assessed on the following dimensions based on publicly available data: Management & Leadership Demographics, Employee Workforce Demographics, Onboarding Strategy, Career Pathing Programs, Employee Engagement & Well-Being, DEI Accountability & Training, Recruitment Strategy. Once this initial evaluation is complete, the scorecard will be expanded to include additional indicators. A final review will consider if/what employers are doing to address inequities in the organization. The information gathered will be used to inform our employer engagement efforts moving forward.
Welcome to Spring Term! In the latest installment of my quarterly letter from the director, I wish to share three things with you: hope, insight, and a call to action.
First off, I am hopeful. More hopeful than perhaps I’ve been since the pandemic began. I’m hopeful because a mass vaccination plan is in the works, meaning we are getting close to whatever our collective ‘new normal’ will be. I’m hopeful because businesses are slowly but surely starting to reawaken, redevelop, and reimagine new opportunities. And that translates to plans for more internships, more jobs, more hiring, and an overall recalibration of the world of work.
With that comes my insight: keep forging ahead. The path toward the other side of the pandemic is going to be hard; it might feel harder than when we first started because we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve spoken with many students who feel unsure about how to think about their lives after K, given all that they’ve had to carry over the course of the past year, personally, academically, emotionally, financially – the list goes on and on. I do not profess to assume the extent to which you have struggled: some of you have lost loved ones to Covid, many of you are deeply impacted by xenophobic hatred, and others are experiencing mental health challenges that were exacerbated by the weight of it all. I hear you, I see you, and I empathize with you. But this K community is here for you: you are fortunate to be at a place that cares for you, deeply. As a still new-ish member of this community myself, I can attest to this care and concern. We all believe in you: we want you to thrive, and to succeed.
To succeed, you must not remain complacent – this is my call to action. No matter whether you are a first-year student lamenting the unexpectedness of an entirely virtual first college year, or a graduating senior nervously trying to find their way into a still-uncertain job market in constant flux, please be vigilant. It is never too late to set up an appointment with a Career Coach – they are here to help you figure out answers to questions you’re not even sure you know to ask yet. It is never too late to attend a virtual networking event – we post opportunities all the time in Handshake for you to consider. It is never too late to apply for a part-time or full-time job, or internship – there are close to 10,000 different opportunities available in Handshake right now! It is never too late to do something.
And, to our graduating seniors: please know that the CCPD is working to reach out to each of you. You likely saw an invitation to complete the First-Destination Survey. Your responses will help us connect you with alumni, resources, and opportunities that align with your individual post-K goals. We know that some of you may have landed that dream job or gotten into your top-choice grad school (hooray!!), but for those of you who haven’t, know that you are not alone – and there’s still time! My team and I are planning a Senior Week (during Week 8) devoted to launching your life after K. You’ll soon see more about this weeklong series of events and resource-sharing, tailored specifically to seniors, so please take advantage of all the career-related guidance that’s coming your way!
All in all, I encourage you to hang on a little longer as you think about the future. What can you look forward to? What brings you joy? What items on your to-do list are *somewhat* exciting? If you’ve never thought about including the Career Center (or your advisor, your mentor, your supervisor, or another staff member) in any of these thoughts, maybe now’s the time! As we look to the Spring for rejuvenation, renewal, and expectation, know that my team and I are here to champion you toward your next step.
How can we help?
With continued gratitude, optimism, and encouragement,
Tricia
I want to share how excited I was to be a part of the planning group for our 4th annual Kalamazoo American Chemical Society (KACS) networking event, co-sponsored by Kalamazoo College and KACS. Over the past several years, we gathered in person in the Hicks Banquet Rooms on campus. Given the enthusiasm of wanting to continue this type of program, we shifted to the virtual format and I am happy to report it was a success!
On January 26th, Dr. Blakely Tresca and Dr. Jeffrey Bartz led this award-winning program virtually using Zoom. Participants met in this virtual space to talk about their shared interests in the chemistry field. Zoom breakout rooms provided one-on-one meeting space for students to ask specific questions based on mentors’ career paths. Industry professionals served as mentors and talked about their professional pursuits.
“I started attending the yearly KACS Speed Networking event as a freshman and it was helpful in making meaningful connections and learning more about what I could do with my chemistry degree. Currently, as a senior, I am planning to attend chemistry graduate school in the fall, and being able to talk to Ph.D. scientists has given me a perspective of what I could do with a Ph.D. I’m thankful for having the opportunity to attend the speed networking events during my time at K and for the impact it has made to my career.” – Subi Thakali, K’21, Chemistry
“The KACS Speed Networking event was a great experience that helped me develop professional communication skills and provided me with the opportunity to make real connections with mentors throughout many different fields of chemistry. Additionally, the conversations I had with the mentors were fascinating and inspiring… these conversations made lasting connections that could be very helpful in the future.” – Marissa Dolorfino, K’23, Spanish and Chemistry
In between the student/mentor conversations, K Chemistry faculty, Ed Thomas (local American Chemical Society President, and Dr. Tricia Zelaya-Leon (our CCPD Director) made announcements and shared resources. Dr. Ben Maxey also spoke, highlighting Pfizer’s lead in the global development of the COVID vaccine.
Group planning members Dr. Tomasz Respondek (Principal Scientist, Zoetis Inc.) and Dr. Lucas Chadwick, K’95 (Sr. Scientist, Bell’s Brewery), lead outreach efforts.
We are hopeful that these area industry professional mentors and students will continue their conversations, well-beyond this event.
Jacqueline A. Srodes
Assistant Director, Center for Career and Professional Development
Kalamazoo College
Save the date for three upcoming Winter job/internship fairs at WMU. K partners with WMU on these events, so students are highly encouraged to attend. Typically these fairs are the largest local recruiting events of the year for college students. This year they will be held virtually due to COVID-19.
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.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Typically, the start of a new year brings with it the excitement of renewal, recalibration, and resolution. Unfortunately, January 1st, 2021 came in with that hope and then, just a few days later, our country saw a violent uprising at our nation’s Capitol. Some were shocked by the events that unfolded, while others saw it as an outcome of years of racial inequity and mounting civil unrest. Now, more than ever, we as a populace, find ourselves uncertain, anxious, and exhausted.
Here at the CCPD, we continue to be here to support you in your pursuits, both personal and professional. If you are like so many college students, you are feeling overwhelmed with academic work, trying to maintain a social life, and feeling the tension between seeing the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel and still not knowing when life might return to some semblance of normal. Oh, and add to that the ongoing search for internships and jobs, preparation for graduate school, all in the midst of an ever-evolving and chaotic job market.
I know it’s a lot. But my biggest piece of advice to you is to PERSEVERE. When we find ourselves in a crisis, it is easy to disengage, to give up, and to do nothing. I implore you to fight that urge. My team and I stand at the ready to meet with you, to listen to you, and to help you create a manageable professional development plan, one that starts small and can be customized to your goals over time. Simply setting up an appointment with us (via Handshake) or popping into our drop-in hours (via Microsoft Teams) can help you feel like you’re making some progress toward your goals.
The CCPD’s mission is “to educate and empower Kalamazoo College students and alumni to discover their talents, build their professional networks, and apply their learning to meaningful lives after K.” This process of discovery, building, and application is just that: a process. It takes time and it takes work. But, with one-on-one, personalized support from the CCPD team, know that we care about you and your goals. We exist to guide you along this journey!
This Winter Term, renew your excitement for being a student at K. Recalibrate your goals. And resolve to not give up, no matter how overwhelming things get. The Center for Career & Professional Development is your destination for career resources, supportive Career Coaches, and most importantly, hope. Let us move forward with you.
In solidarity,
Dr. Z
I write today to introduce myself to you: my name is Dr. Tricia Zelaya-Leon (you’re welcome to call me Dr. Z) and I am the new Director of the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD). I officially began in my role on September 1st; most recently, I worked at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. I have devoted my entire career in higher education to student success – more specifically, my prime directive is to help you leverage your Kalamazoo education to achieve ultimate post-graduate success, whether that means going to graduate school, engaging in continued service experiences, or finding a meaningful job.
As you know, we all find ourselves in unprecedented times. Amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic, our country is again deeply reckoning with racial injustice after the murder of George Floyd. I personally affirm that Black Lives Matter and as the Director of the CCPD, my team and I are committed to serving students from all identities and backgrounds, paying particular attention to the unique challenges that exist for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in navigating career opportunities. Our Center is actively engaged in anti-racist work and will continue to work toward strategies that dismantle systemic racism; to learn about our commitment, please visit this page.
My team and I also strive to prepare you for the ever-evolving challenges that Covid-19 continues to exact on the workforce. I believe wholeheartedly that liberal arts graduates are well poised to respond to the needs of our changing world: employers want college graduates with strong communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with a team, and the creativity to think critically and solve grand challenges. Ensuring that your personal brand adequately reflects those skills will help you remain both versatile and marketable as you continue on your professional journey.
The CCPD team stands at the ready to guide you as you prepare for the next step. Through one-on-one appointments, document reviews, and networking opportunities, the aim of the Center is to help you explore majors and careers, translate your experiences into skills that resonate with employers, and build strong networks.
I recognize how intimidating career discernment can be, especially in these trying times, but the best defense is always a good offense: the earlier you engage in conversations about your career journey, the more opportunities you will have to explore your options, enhance your skillsets, and connect with top-notch employers. I encourage you to sign up for an appointment today!
I greatly value student feedback, so please seek out opportunities to engage with me personally about how you are making the most of your K experience. Do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions, comments, concerns, or success stories. I am here to serve you, so I look forward to engaging with you.
Make sure to connect with me on LinkedIn where I will often share relevant career-related content: https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciazelaya/. Should you wish to contact me directly, please email me at tricia.zelaya-leon@kzoo.edu.
Wishing you a successful year ahead,
Dr. Z
Director, Center for Career & Professional Development
