"Paws to Career Pathways" Event Empowers Freshmen with Career Planning Tools

DSA News
September 09, 2024

The University Career Services (UCS) department recently hosted the successful "Paws to Career Pathways" event, attracting over 50 enthusiastic first-year students eager to kickstart their college journey with a focus on career planning. The event was led and designed by Career Development Specialist Toia Polk. She said "The event was an opportunity for students to not only explore their career goals but also creatively express their aspirations while also learning about University Career Services. It was inspiring to see so many students engage with their future in such a such a unique way."

Introduction to UCS:

The event began with an informative session introducing students to the University Career Services. Here, students were educated on the wide range of resources available to them throughout their college careers. From career counseling and resume reviews to internship support and mock interviews, the session provided a comprehensive overview of how UCS can be a vital partner in their academic and professional journeys.

Goal Setting Session:

A key component of the event was a discussion on the significance of setting career goals early in one’s college experience. Students were introduced to the concept of SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives. The session underscored the importance of distinguishing between long-term and short-term goals, giving students a clear roadmap for their career planning.

Paw Painting Activity:

The creative centerpiece of the event was the paw painting activity. Students were provided with canvases to paint the iconic Cougar paw symbol, personalizing it with their first and last name initials on the "fingers" and their career aspirations in the palm. This artistic exercise encouraged self-expression while fostering self-awareness and resilience—key traits for personal and professional growth.

Engagement and Interaction:

Throughout the event, students engaged in various goal-setting exercises and proudly shared their painted paws with their peers. This interactive and collaborative environment cultivated a sense of community among the attendees, inspiring them to take their first concrete steps toward achieving their career goals.

Conclusion and Next Steps:

The event wrapped up with a motivational call to action, encouraging students to remain connected with UCS and take full advantage of the resources offered. Attendees were provided with contact information and urged to participate in future UCS events and workshops to continue building their career readiness.

Debbie Mugoli, one of the participating students, reflected on the impact of the event: "I really enjoyed the event & what it brought forth. I definitely see myself coming to more events because of what they offer, such as building networks, interview prep, job and internship search, and more. I am really looking forward to more events."

Dr. Monica Thompson, executive director stated, “Our focus at UCS has always been to enhance students' career readiness from day one. I am excited about our new program aimed at increasing engagement with our first-time in college students. By starting early with goal setting and exposing them to UCS resources and events, we aim to help students implement their career action plans while pursuing their degrees—not as something they think about after graduation. I look forward to these students continuing to engage with UCS throughout their four years and seeing where they land when they walk across the stage.”

The "Paws to Career Pathways" event not only set the stage for these first-year students to begin their career journeys but also reinforced the value of early preparation and engagement with University Career Services as a cornerstone of their college experience.

Written by Toia Polk, Career Development Specialist – University Career Services