Elizabethtown College’s Career Development Center (CDC) held their first Creative Careers week over Feb. 14, 15 and 16. The sessions covered opportunities in art, graphic design, writing and web-based writing and design.
Creative Careers week was designed to expose students to alums and employers in creative-based fields. Some majors have less defined paths than others, and these sessions allowed students to learn about multiple pathways creative majors can offer.
“A lot of times when we’re meeting with students, there’s a lot of pressure on picking the ‘perfect’ job when you leave,” Assistant Director of the Career Development Center Carolyn Smith said.
Smith started every session during this week by asking the speakers what their career journey looked like. Some had more straightforward paths, but others started in a completely different place than where they are now.
“I think that’s helpful for students to hear as they’re exploring and diving into their majors,” Smith said.
Alumna Kristen Mei Chase ’96 spoke to students during Creative Careers week, as well as representatives from Mount Gretna Art Show, Gretna Music, Steinman Communications, Clark Associates and Etown’s own Office of Marketing and Communications. Smith was assisted by Associate Director of Employee Relations Maureen Brown, Director of Disability Services Lynn Davies and Executive Director of Alumni Relations Mark Clapper in picking these speakers.
Chase’s career journey was a unique one in that she graduated from Etown with a degree in music therapy and now she works in the fields of web writing and social media strategy. She also recently published her first novel, “A Thousand Miles to Graceland.” In the sessions she spoke at, Chase talked about her career and advice for students. She also held a session all about writing as self-care, and the first few students who attended this event had the opportunity to get a free copy of “A Thousand Miles to Graceland.”
A theme throughout all of the Creative Careers sessions was the importance of embracing flexibility. This life is one of change, and although there is so much pressure on young people to figure out what they want to do, it’s never too late to choose something else. This de-emphasis on choosing the “perfect” job is exactly what Smith wanted to show students in creative majors through this event.
During the six sessions held for this event, over 90 students were in attendance. Based on this turnout, Smith hopes to hold more Creative Careers week events in future years.
“Each year, I think it would be fun to highlight a different part of art or creative-based careers,” Smith said. She mentioned having more history or music-focused sessions in future years.
The CDC has several other events students can check out this semester. On Feb. 28 in the Hoover Lobby, there will be a Business Meet & Greet where students can connect with business employers to learn more about job and internship opportunities. Teacher Recruitment Day will be held March 7 at Millersville University. On March 28 in the KAV, the Science, Health & Helping Professions Fair will allow students to connect with employers. For both Etown events, students can register on Handshake. Students interested in Teacher Recruitment Day can visit www.collegecentral.com/trd to register.
Smith hopes students take advantage of the opportunities the CDC provides.
“We do these things to help you all be prepared for your career journey,” Smith said. “And we try to do it in ways that are fun and easy and not scary.”
The CDC is located in the BSC Room 201. To learn more about the services they provide, visit www.etown.edu/offices/career, and to schedule an appointment, please email careerdevelopmentcenter@etown.edu.
