Conference Emphasizes Career Exploration and Networking
The 2019 Career Conference, attended by sophomores, juniors, and seniors, took place during winter break. Most conference sessions were presented by internationally known lecturer and author Don Asher, who specializes in professional development and higher education. The four-day, intensive program covered everything from identifying interests and skills to launching a job search to finding the right graduate school.
Interactive workshops gave students the opportunity to work on résumés, create (or improve) LinkedIn profiles, and discuss how to utilize social media effectively in a job search. Because some Principia students pursue entrepreneurial ventures or work as independent contractors after graduation, a session (new this year) titled “Navigating the Gig Economy,” covered taking a professional approach to non-traditional employment.
Representatives from Nestlé Purina North America, Enterprise Holdings, and Bonfyre Apps outlined key skills hiring managers are seeking and suggested ways to convey the strengths of Principia’s liberal arts education. In addition, Christian Science practitioner Kim Hedge spoke about a prayerful approach to the job search and about how to serve the Cause of Christian Science in any career.
A key component of the conference involved learning effective interviewing skills. Professionals from a variety of fields held mock interviews and provided immediate feedback to each student. Following a session about informational interviews, every participant called a Principia alum who works in that student’s area of interest to gather information about the field. The conference concluded with a networking reception and dinner, where students put all they had learned into practice.
By all accounts, participants found the conference informative and valuable. A sophomore put it this way: “My upperclassmen friends suggested I attend, and I’m grateful I did! I’ll put what I learned into practice as I pursue next steps.”