Career Services is launching their new Career Symposium on April 7-8. The symposium features multiple workshops for students to engage with alumni and campus friends to explore careers, expand their networks and envision their futures after Lawrence.
Spaces for the event are limited, so every student is highly encouraged to pre-register on LUworks using the key word search “career symposium” in order to guarantee a spot. Walk-ins are also welcome on the day of each event as space allows.
Friday kicks off with Lawrence Scholars in Business, an interactive panel featuring careers in consulting, including case study practice and interviewing role plays. Lawrence Scholars in Business morning of career exploration features topical break-out sessions on the fourth floor of Briggs Hall throughout the day. Topics range from Building and Marketing Your Personal Brand, Navigating the Early Years of Your Career, Making A Social Impact in a For-Profit World, Looking Back: What I Wish I Would Have Known As A Senior and Networking At Lawrence and Beyond.
In the middle of the day, participants will break for Lawrence Scholars in Business Networking Lunch where they will have a chance to talk to alumni in their respective fields of interest. Students also have the opportunity to do so in 1:1 Chats, which are by appointment. If a student misses the opportunity for a 1:1 chat, they can connect with the alumni on LinkedIn or via email and perhaps arrange an informational interview sometime in the future. The staff in Career Services can help with the right approach.
“For the broadest access to different topics and alumni, students should really try to attend the Saturday morning session and networking lunch. Then, between Friday and Saturday they can add on info sessions and 1:1 chats to fit their specific exploratory needs,” advised Assistant Director of Career Services Employer and Alumni Relations Mandy Netzel. “Professional dress is encouraged, as students will be building their professional network and meting alumni who could potentially employ them in the future.”
More specific topics include, “What to do with a Government Major?” a panel featuring recent Government alumni and what they are doing now, an Info Session on Market Research from Abby LaBrant, graduate of 2016 from Edelman Intelligence. Lastly is the Lawrence Scholars in Arts and Entertainment: Careers in the Arts panel discussion on how to secure careers in highly competitive art fields.
The Career Symposium provides an opportunity and forum for students to meet and connect with so many alumni all in one place.
On the benefits of attending the symposium, Grace Kutney, Associate Director of Career Services in Career Advising and Technology, commented, “The diversity of backgrounds, career paths, majors and locations that these alumni represent will speak to a wide range of students.”
“We are so grateful to the alumni who have taken vacation days and traveled at their own expense to return to campus to help current students,” she continued. “It is vital for students to begin building and strengthening their professional network as early as possible. Alumni can share valuable insights with students, whether they are an underclass student deciding on a major, a senior looking for tips on making the transition to life after Lawrence or anything in between.”
“The Career Symposium truly has something to offer every major,” added Mary Meany, Dean of Career Services. “There are sessions touching on consulting, government and market research. We’ll also be discussing more personal topics like how to build a personal brand and how to navigate the early stages of your career. All students, and especially seniors will want to attend this event.”
“We’re so fortunate to have alumni who are very willing to engage students in a wide range of topics. A question such as, “What other fields or occupations did you consider?” can be helpful for a student who is exploring a range of career options, while ‘What approach do you use to network from a distance?’ can be useful for students who are in different stages of their job search. Often, students also wonder about how to continue volunteering and making a difference while working full time. There will be a full session dedicated to making a social impact!” said Kutney enthusiastically.
Career Services hopes that students attend and take full advantage of the workshops and discussions offered. The symposium provides students the opportunity to start thinking about their futures and practice networking. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network and explore your career options.
