Senior Transitions was an event held for seniors to help prepare them for life after college, aka “adulting.” It occurred on Feb. 3, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. on the second floor of the Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-being, and it was sponsored by Elizabethtown College’s Career Development Center (CDC). For the event, students were guided to different rooms to listen to a diverse number of speakers. Senior Kevin Whalen was one of the many students that attended this event and described what was available to them: “They had station[s] for financial counseling, building up resume and background through websites like LinkedIn and meal prep.”
There were multiple speakers at Student Transitions and all of the speakers were, judging by the comments from students, very useful for those who are graduating this year. One session led by Assistant Director of Career & Professional Skills and Development at the College Carolyn Smith assisted those students who had not completed their resume, LinkedIn profile and/or Handshake profile, and did not know or lacked information about Etown Connect. Smith explained the importance of each item and provided many suggestions on how to utilize them to their fullest potential. She said that about 80% of jobs are offered and achieved through connections and networking so it would be in students’ best interest to have a solid social networking plan in place such as a LinkedIn account.
Meal Prep was particularly enjoyable for Whalen because “eating the Greek chicken with my peers in Bowers” was his absolute favorite part of the event–plus, he also learned useful tips that he plans on using. Making one’s own meals can be a challenging task if a student does not know how to cook, but with the help of Assistant Director of Health Promotion Joni Eisenhauer, students were able to learn just how easy it is to cook. Budgeting your money was also included in the demonstration and Joni suggested apps to use for grocery shopping. Whalen also noted that having the Meal Prep event open to all students, not just seniors, would be especially helpful. Many students who participate in our Study Abroad program or choose not to have a meal plan must learn about meal preparation, grocery shopping and food budgeting on their own. Having this annual event available to all students would help these two groups especially.
Finances are extremely important in enabling students to live the best life possible. Most students have some sort of grasp about budgeting, but Associate Professor of Economics Dr. Sanjay Paul also spoke to students about things our parents usually handle for us, such as healthcare, how it works and things to avoid as well as the difference between whole life insurance and term life insurance. Paul used himself as an example for the latter, citing how choosing whole life insurance was a mistake that he had made when he was younger. He wanted to tell younger people of the struggles they will go through choosing whole life insurance.
Two speakers from the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce informed students of what the chamber does and how they can help create career connections for students. By joining the program offered by the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, students would have the ability to network and a community to be a part of. They also provided information on the many restaurants, cafes and recreational activities that are available throughout Lancaster County. Students at the event noted that the idea of joining a chamber of commerce never occurred to them and were surprised at the benefits available.
During the event, there was also a raffle that had many different and useful items such as a handheld vacuum, a toolbox and crockpot. Whalen was fortunate enough to win the toolbox that night. The Senior Transitions event sponsored by Etown’s CDC appeared very successful based on the attendance and student commentary during and afterward. The speakers were knowledgeable and provided many great tips and suggestions that will benefit seniors long after they graduate. Going forward, it would be a benefit for the entire student body if a similar event was held where students could learn about budgeting, investing, networking and preparing for life after Etown.
