Frequently Asked Questions

What is Career Connections?

An initiative of the Academic Vision Plan, Career Connections Program allows you to prepare for your career in a way that establishes marketable credentials within the context of your liberal arts education. For each of the career fields in the program you will be offered guidance in career exploration, academics, co-curricular activities and work experience/internships. There is ample flexibility for you to build a specialized program that meets your individual needs and aspirations.

What are the benefits of participating in Career Connections?
Students who complete a Career Connections program will have a great jumpstart in employment. Through active participation you will:

• explore and test a potential career path,
• gain insight into your vocational identity,
• integrate academic and co-curricular interests with the world of work,
• develop work-related skills,
• establish networking ties, and,
• build a strong résumé.
        
Who is eligible for Career Connections?
All students are encouraged to participate in Career Connections. You may begin as early as winter term freshman year, or as late as fall term junior year depending on the career field and your prior background.

What are the consequences if I start a Career Connection and do not complete it?
Career Connections is voluntary; there are no consequences for not completing a program, except that you will not gain the benefits of participation. In some cases, you may begin a Career Connection program and determine that the career path is not right for you. The advantage of completing one is that successful completion will assure that you have systematically prepared for entry into a career field, and will give you many of the skills and preparatory experiences that are important for that field.

Who advises Career Connections participants?
Faculty and staff members with specific experience in the field and interest in mentoring students serve as advisors for each of the Career Connections.

What’s the time commitment to participate?
Participation in Career Connections does not require a lot of additional time; instead, it encourages you to be more intentional about the things you already do. You are already taking classes; include some that will give you an intellectual foundation for your career. You are already involved in clubs or activities; give your energy to those that will help you to grow in areas related to your career interests. You probably have a job at school and/or during the summer; choose work that will help build the skills and self-understanding you will need in the future.

Where can I find out more about Career Connections?
An overview of the program and PDF files of all the Career Connection's career field brochures can be found at Career Connections webpage. Read through the descriptions of fields that interest you and talk with the Career Center staff for help clarifying your preferences.

How do I sign up to participate?
You can contact the Career Center to get the ball rolling or you can go directly to the faculty or staff member who serves as the advisor for that specific Career Connection program to set up a meeting to get started (their names can be found on the web at the Career Connection webpage.) You will meet with that specific Career Connection advisor to work out an individualized plan of activities over the next several years.