Various events and programs offered to help students prepare for life after college

Jan. 24—The Northwestern Career Development Center (CDC) is sponsoring Career Advancement Month, a collection of 30+ events in five weeks to encourage students to explore, experience and expand their career insights to advance their career path. All students are encouraged to participate in at least one event or workshop, regardless of class year or stage of career development.

Career Advancement Month events include (but are not limited too): Meet the Employers panels, Weekly Resume/Mock Interview Blitzes, 16 workshop sessions, a Money Management Seminar, Professional Practices Dinner, Job Search Boot-Camp, Graduate Practice Exams, Speed Networking Night, and more.

No doubt students recognize the importance of planning for life post-college—CDC popularity has grown exponentially in the past two years. Office visits have increased 126 percent this fall (September – December) as compared to last fall, with a total of 2,722 visitors to the CDC during these months.

David Preble, Operations & Marketing Manager for the Career Development Center, discusses the importance of proactive career preparation.

NWC: What’s the overall purpose for Career Advancement Month?
PREBLE: The goal [of Career Advancement Month] is to move every student at least one step further on their own professional development. We want to encourage and challenge students to develop their full God given unique potential as they pursue their calling and career.

NWC: How does the market look for graduating students?
PREBLE: The job market is improving for graduating students, however, they need to be fully prepared for an effective job search and need to stand out from the rest of the job search candidates.

NWC: What is the main focus of the CDC?
PREBLE: As students begin to prepare for life after college, the CDC makes it a priority to help them identify their strengths and areas of interest. We offer a wealth of resources from assessments, workshops, one-to-one appointments, job search training, etc.

Our process is to encourage students to first discover their personal design and explore career options as they refine their major of choice. Students then need to begin developing their professional skills and job search strategies as they also pursue practical experiences through internships and part-time job opportunities. Lastly, we want to give students the tools to effectively network and pursue job opportunities where they can thrive in their God given talents and strengths.

Visit the Career Development Center online to learn more about services and events.