Parent E-News: Spring 2009

Sophomores Explore Pathways to Careers

Laura Obrycki, Assistant Director of Career Services

The Pathways program was initiated in 2007 to engage sophomores in thinking about their major options and career paths. Information and connections to alumni, faculty, and staff and resources are major features of the program. Pathways is coordinated though the Career Services Office and several upperclassmen student leaders assist in the organization and marketing of the program.

Rising sophomores are initially introduced to the Pathways program in April of their first-year with a Welcome to Pathways event through the residence halls. The Sophomore Welcome Back event during the first week of their sophomore year allows students to take a quick career interest inventory, meet the Sophomore Experience Team, and sign up for the Pathways Dinner Series.

The Pathways Dinner Series is a key component of the program and provides sophomores with the opportunity to network over dinner with alumni and faculty in a variety of fields. The four-part dinner series highlights the following areas: Health and Science related careers; Government, Business and Technology; Helping and Social Science careers; and Creative Arts and Humanities. Each dinner is limited to 20 student participants and includes several faculty and local alumni or professionals. A total of 16 alumni participated in the four dinner events this past fall and provided advice and guidance to sophomores. Alumni participants included:

Barry Boyer ’84, President and CEO, Van Meter Industrial, Inc.
Paula Weistroffer, DDS, MS, ’96, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Kristi Bontrager ’92, Coordinator of Public Relations, University of Iowa Libraries
Phil Carver ’79, Field Outreach Minister, Iowa Southeast District

After the dinner series concluded, the Pathways program featured a Sophomore Summit which was a mini-conference near the conclusion of first semester. During this event sophomores learned about the importance of internships, and the process and resources necessary to coordinate an internship; gained tips from faculty for working with their academic advisors and interpreting their transcripts; and discovered how to craft an effective resume and find summer employment.

After declaring a major on February 1, sophomores were invited to participate in a Pathways meeting; a one-on-one appointment with a Career Services staff member. During this personalized meeting, students explore career paths and possible internships, research opportunities, and campus leadership positions to complement their coursework.

Visit www.cornellcollege.edu/pathways for more information on the Pathways program.