A new vice president of Career Services is making big plans and considering changes to enhance the student experience at Stevenson University as the office staff works to help students develop positive career paths.
Vice President Sue Gordon comes to the university after 11 years working at American University as a career advisor for the students in arts and sciences and director of career development. Her experience and her enthusiasm moving to Stevenson University has led her to a desire to improve career services for the students’ benefit.
Stevenson University’s focus on career development was a main influence for Gordon’s decision to accept the position.
“It was really exciting to go to a university that as part of the core culture of the institution understood the importance of career and linking all majors and disciplines,” said Gordon.
Gordon added that “one of the really nice differences is everyone knows everybody here.” She believes there is also more communication among the separate schools and the administration at Stevenson.
Gordon says some of her favorite things about Stevenson are its sense of community, its forward momentum of growth, and its student focus.
Within the Office of Career Services, Gordon says she is excited for the connection to careers which includes exploration, exploring major and career options, professional preparation, resumes, and job search tools like Handshake.
While plans to get more students involved with Career Services are in place, the office also wants to expand interactions with colleagues including internship coordinators, the Office of Student Success, and the Office of Student Activities.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR CAREER SERVICES?
The office will be expanding to create a more visible presence in other academic buildings, according to Gordon. Drop-in advising will take place in the Brown School of Business and Leadership on Tuesdays from 1-2:30 p.m. in room 400, in the Manning Academic Center for School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the School of Design Thursdays from 10-11:30 a.m. in room S124A, and in the Manning Academic Center on Thursdays from 1-2:30 p.m. in room S124B.
The staff also plans to hold a mixer with mentors available to students, and the office is adding a section to the Handshake website with alumni mentors helping students make connections for future career plans.
The Fall Job and Internship Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 6 from 2:30-5 p.m. at Rockland Banquet Hall.
Along with these changes, Gordon said the office is also supporting professional minors with panels and information sessions and dedicated internships for minors.
Gordon added that the office hopes to get students to utilize Career Services resources by expanding marketing to help students be aware of the office’s presence. The staff also plans to send more informational emails and create more informative signs for students. Staff members are looking for student feedback to learn the best ways to reach students.