Attention Bridgewater College Students!

Get a Head Start: Career Exploration Day 2012

By: Kathleen Herring, Career Services

                Are you starting to wonder what you will do after graduation?  Now’s the time to meet alumni and business professionals and discover your options!  The Office of Career Services has its annual Career Exploration Day on Tuesday, October 30^th from 9am to noon in Nininger Hall.  Speak with graduates in your major to hear about their experiences during the transition from college to career, make important networking connections for your future job search, and practice your professional manner in a stress-free environment.

                Justin Pruett, from the class of 2005, shares his experience from last year’s event: “Any time I can have a chance to come back to Bridgewater and talk to students about what I’ve been able to do with my Bridgewater College degree, it’s always a benefit to me.”  His advice to this year’s attendees: don’t be afraid to talk about your college experience.  These are BC alumni, so it will give you a connecting point and tell them something about you as a person and not just your academic record.

                There will be over fifty BC alumni at this year’s event, including employees from Rockingham County Public schools, Augusta Health, Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and many more!  Come and explore opportunities for job contacts, internships and career advice and play the Networking Game for a chance to win great prizes, including a Kindle!

                Erin Pampe, from the class of 2012, says “I think everyone should come to career exploration day, whether you’re a freshman or a senior getting ready to graduate, because you don’t really know what’s out there until you go look for yourself.  It’s an easy way to see how Bridgewater College can impact [your] career.”

                When choosing to attend this event, it’s important to dress professionally and bring a winning attitude and a few copies of your resume.  You never know when you might make the connection that will lead to your future career, so it’s always best to be prepared and to put your best foot forward.  In today’s difficult job market, many believe that networking is the key to success.  Kristin Young, from the class of 2005, explains: “Definitely Networking… that’s the key to getting that job and getting into the position or area that you need to go to.  Meet the people who are already in those positions.  Getting your name out there and meeting people is the best thing to do this day.”

                Come on out on October 30^th for networking opportunities, games, prizes, and Convocation credit!  For more information, please contact Sherry Talbott in the office of Career Services (stalbott@bridgewater.edu).