November Parent E-News

Dear Cornell Parents,

As the parent of a college student, you are likely concerned with where your
son’s or daughter’s education may lead them in terms of vocation, and what
the College is doing to connect their academic learning, personal interests
and career pursuits. There are several offices and programs at Cornell to
serve that purpose, and our newly formatted Career Engagement Center (CEC) is one that serves all students regardless of their class year, area of study, or even how much direction they have. The CEC staff put a heavy focus on helping students frame their interests, then connecting them with people and experiences that can greatly influence their career exploration and pursuit of work.

The CEC offers innovative and purposeful activities that are highly satisfying for student participants. It seems like they always have something going on. Consider the following statistics regarding CEC activities between September 1 and November 15:
- 189 one-on-one student appointments were conducted
- 40 career development events were held
- 672 students participated in those events

This issue of the Parents Newsletter focuses on Career Engagement Center programs from the perspectives of students and CEC staff members. Please use this information to encourage your Cornellian to take advantage of the Career Engagement Center. After you read the newsletter, please visit this page for more details on how CEC programs can help your student explore, connect and succeed. This link also features information to assist you in guiding and coaching your student along with us.

We would also greatly appreciate your willingness to help us help other students….pay it forward style. You can get involved by serving as a networker, trainer, internship or job shadow sponsor, host or just by sharing job postings with us. Please click here to help.

We hope your Cornell student is having a successful learning experience in and out of the classroom at Cornell. As always, please be in touch if you have questions or comments. On behalf of the faculty and staff at Cornell, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season.

Sincerely,
John W. Harp, Vice President for Student Affairs

One of the primary focuses of the Career Engagement Center is to offer students experiential opportunities in their career development process. The Road Trips program is one of our most exciting new endeavors that gets students off campus, networks with professionals and alumni, and introduces them to a variety of companies and work environments.

The Cornell College Career Engagement Center recently launched its first Exploreship program during the 2nd block break. The Exploreship program was designed to allow students to take a glimpse inside a particular role and organization within an industry related to their career interests. During the block break we had students exploring with partner organizations across the Cedar Rapids area in financial services, international business/supply chain management and community development.

Helping students explore and discover what they want to do after graduating from Cornell is the area of the Career Engagement Center that we work with students the most. Getting students to a place where they can define and identify their skills and interests and then match those with a specific career field is a process. Like any process, it requires planning, personal accountability, discipline, and focus.