Brigid O’Malley ‘29
News Editor
Students were introduced to career resources, personal exploration opportunities, and professional development tools at the Center for Career Development’s Career Fest on Monday, Sept. 14, on the Hoval. The afternoon event introduced all students to the CCD’s career resources, including career exploration, resume building, networking, interviewing, and Handshake, and to the staff who guide them along the way.
The event was organized around the different stages of the career and internship search, allowing students to move between tables based on the resources they were interested in. Students moved through tables covering career communities, career exploration, resume building, Handshake, networking, interviewing, professional self-presentation, and the use of artificial intelligence in the job search process.
Each table was hosted by current students, alumni, and industry professionals. Students included those with experience as clinical interns at UMass Chan Medical School and NOAA, experiences funded through the CCD’s crusader internship fund. Alumni represented companies across biotechnology, consulting, waste management, and healthcare. Events like these give students connections in their desired fields, introducing students, especially first-years, to the alumni network.
Other tables focused on the practical aspects of finding an internship or job. Resume building addressed how students can present their experiences and skills to potential employers, while the networking and interviewing tables focused on developing skills that students can use when communicating with employers and professional contacts.
The event included a tabling on AI in professional development, inviting students to learn more about its increasing use in jobs and the job market.
The timing of Career Fest also placed these resources at the beginning of the academic year. With the fall semester underway, students can use the CCD to begin exploring internships and career paths before application deadlines approach.
As students moved between the tables on the Hoval Monday afternoon, the event offered a reminder that preparing for a career begins with learning what resources are available. For students who already know where they want to go, the CCD can help them plan their next step. For those who are still figuring it out, the CCD looks to provide a place to start.
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