Introducing the Summer 2024 Faculty Fellows at the Center for Career Development (2024)

I am excited to learn more about using the career readiness materials in the courses and research so I can feel more comfortable sharing those with students and colleagues. Specifically, I’d like to learn how to use the Handshake and other posted materials from the Career Center, how other faculty and colleagues use these within or outside of classrooms, and how to collaborate to create course assignments and activities to improve career readiness. – Shinae Jang

I’m excited to participate in the Faculty Fellow Summer Institute to improve my skills in career advising and mentoring. I also want to be a part of strengthening students’ ability to demonstrate professional comportment, and improving student communication with peers, faculty, and professionals outside of the classroom. I also want to maximize students’ ability to be successful in their chosen major. – Elizabeth Mayerson

In thinking about life after UConn, Career Readiness is essential for our students. Engaging in this work helps me better prepare students for entering the workforce. It allows them to articulate all of the incredible things they have done during their time at UConn, and leverage that experience into post-graduation employment and academic opportunities. It’s exciting to be a small part of assisting students as they write this next chapter of their lives. – Danielle DeRosa

I see a deep value in a liberal arts education, but sometimes students do not see the career potential in some of their classes. If the transferable skills can be highlighted and brought to a student’s attention, I believe they will be in a better position to value their education and feel empowered when conveying their skills to potential employers. I love being able to assist students as they explore their interests and passions. – Alexia Smith

As a department, Communication is quite young, and there is still confusion about what we do and what a degree in communication means. Yet, the skills our students learn are so clearly impactful for their careers. I’d like to be better able to articulate the practical uses of what they learn in our classes and help them see what a valuable degree they are working toward. – Anne Oeldorf-Hirsch

I have had a number of students approach me this semester feeling like they aren’t sure what jobs they are qualified for, how/when they should apply for internships, how to be successful in an interview, etc. I’d like to enrich and expand on my ability to respond to such questions, and even incorporate some of this career-related content directly in the courses I teach. – Matt Lamoureux

I don’t want them to be like me! I came out of Undergrad with a strong GPA but no understanding of what to do next or how to go about applying for jobs. I want my students not to make this same mistake and not only master course material (which I did) but also be ready to implement their knowledge and proactively get a jumpstart on their careers. – Louis Pascal Riel

What’s next is an incredible source of stress for students. Engineering courses are extremely difficult and I know a number that think they are just not good enough & will never be able to get a job in their chosen career. Having them focus on building their own career and talking to alumni who have been in their shoes gives them a sense of control and relief. – Fiona Leek

I’m the academic advisor for most of the students that I also have in AH classes. Through advising and in class, I want them to explore career options with the major, identify the skills they bring to a career, and learn which competencies they can work on while at UConn so they are better prepared for the workforce after graduation. – Tamara Kaliszewski

Integrating Career Readiness is crucial for me and my students because it equips them with essential skills that enhance their employability and success in the workforce. By incorporating NACE Career Competencies into the curriculum, particularly in courses like labor economics, students can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. This integration also enriches my TA/GA training program, fostering a comprehensive learning environment. Ultimately, it supports both my professional growth and my students’ career development, preparing them for real-world challenges. – Tianxu Chen

A very underutilized area in student development, yet the most important aspect we should be discussing with our students. In a course I teach now around Professional Development and Career Readiness, the feedback is one of gratefulness and some blissful unawareness of the depth of this part of their educational training. So, as a lifelong learner I am eager to use what I learn in the career readiness fellowship to help support my students in and out of the classroom. – Stephanie Singe

Career Readiness is important to me because I really value bringing practical skills and knowledge to my students. Career Readiness is directly applicable to any work setting, and so is practical for any student. – Anna Ramos

I think that referring to career competencies can be a good way to make students more responsible and accountable for their behavior, and for their own learning, if we see the classroom as a transition between school and the working place. – Florence Marsal

Integrating Career Readiness into my courses will ensure that students acquire essential soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and leadership, alongside their technical knowledge. This comprehensive approach will significantly enhance their employability. – Manish Roy