By Nalee Praseutsack
Career Services held its first Drop-in Day on Thursday, January 8. The event was an extended version of daily Drop-in Hours and the goal was to introduce Lawrentians to the services provided, as well as give students a more convenient window of time to come in.
Dean of Career Services, Mary Meany described the events as “an informal way to understand the resources [of Career Services] and how we can help students explore their options.” Snacks and informational materials from employers were provided to build this atmosphere.
The event contributed to Career Services’ goal of helping students “prepare for the future in a non threatening way,” said Mearny. The casual setting was aimed towards Career Services seem less intimidating and more welcoming and helpful.
The event also provided students an opportunity to take advantage of the provided services throughout the business day. Without appointment, students could take in their questions to be answered or resume and cover letter to be looked at. There was “a lot of internship focus” according to Meany as students began preparing to apply for summer internships.
Overall, Drop-in Day went well. “a good flow of people throughout the day.” Throughout the day, many students from all classes came into the Career Services office for the first time. Through brief tours and interaction with Career Services staff, students and non-students had the opportunity to become acquainted with the space, staff and services.
Meany expressed her gratitude for the turn out and wanted to “commend the students, faculty, and staff for taking the time out of their day” to visit. She continued, “we [Career Services] love meeting people we haven’t seen and reconnecting with people that we do know.”
Given the good turn out and positive response to the first Drop-in Day, Meany said that a similar event could be expected in the future. Exactly when the event will return is “up for discussion,” said Meany, but she is “relatively confident it will return in some form.”
Meany’s advice for students was to remember that job seeking and application “is a process.” She explained that students should “start small” and take it “one step at a time” with resume building and refining as well as with applications and networking. Career Services is “here to meet students where they’re at in their process,” said Meany.
Students can make appointments to meet with a member of Career Services in person or via email. The Career Services office is located on the second floor of the Hurvis Center. Please include your availability if making an appointment via email at careerservices@lawrence.edu.
Drop-in Hours for Career Services are Mondays, 3-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, 8:30-10 a.m., Thursday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. and Friday, 9-11 a.m.