Elizabethtown College’s Career Development Center is dedicated to helping students navigate their professional journeys, whether they’re preparing for internships, job searches or exploring potential career paths. Led by Director Maureen Brown and Assistant Director Carolyn Rigo, both certified career counselors with extensive experience in higher education and career development, the center provides a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of students at every stage of their academic careers.

Focused Support for Science and Health Majors at the Career Fair

One of the signature events hosted by the Career Development Center is the annual Career Fair, which focuses on students majoring in science, health and education fields. This year’s event saw an impressive turnout of 115 students and approximately 30 employees—a significant increase from the 75 students who attended the previous year.

“Going into it, I felt nervous because my major is so broad that I wasn’t sure if I would find a job title that would match it,” Desiree Tirado, a sophomore biotechnology major with a minor in religious studies said. “But then after visiting each of the tables, going through and speaking to the recruiters, I feel a lot more confident in what directions I can move in for job shadowing and internship positions that would help strengthen my resume.”

According to Brown, the event is designed to connect students with employers offering job and internship opportunities in their respective fields, providing a valuable platform for networking and professional development.

“The event is tailored to meet the needs of our science and health majors, but we also encourage students from other disciplines to attend,” Brown said. “We really try to make sure every student has access to potential employers and is prepared for career exploration.”

Personalized Career Counseling

At the core of the Career Development Center’s offerings is its one-on-one career counseling. Brown and Rigo provide individualized support to students, helping them explore career options, refine their resumes and develop professional skills. With over 300 career counseling appointments booked annually, the center is a key resource for students looking to make informed decisions about their future careers.

“We offer a wide range of appointment types, from career exploration to preparing for interviews and job searches,” Brown said. “If a student isn’t sure what they want to do, we can help them explore different industries and even connect them with employers for informational interviews.”

For students uncertain about their major or career path, the center offers a career assessment tool called the “interest inventory.” This tool helps students gain clarity about their skills, interests and potential career options. After taking the assessment, students meet with a career counselor to discuss the results and explore potential career paths that align with their strengths.

Supporting Internships and Professional Development

One of the most popular services at the Career Development Center is helping students secure internships. Internships are a vital component of career preparation, providing students with hands-on experience and making them more competitive in the job market. The center also works closely with faculty to organize class presentations, such as resume workshops, and to facilitate networking events like the “Meet and Greet Etiquette” event, where students can practice professional skills in a relaxed environment.

“We want to ensure our students are not only ready to enter the workforce but are also equipped with the tools they need to succeed,” Brown said. “This includes everything from resume reviews to mock interviews and access to job postings through our platform, Handshake.”

The center also offers a number of workshops and resources, including career action plans, which help students break down their career goals into manageable steps.

New Initiatives and Resources for Students

In addition to personalized counseling, the Career Development Center is expanding its services with new initiatives like a free LinkedIn headshot service, where students can have a professional photo taken for their LinkedIn profile or portfolio. This service is especially valuable given the high costs of professional headshots outside of the college setting.

“LinkedIn profiles are critical for networking and job searching, so we’re thrilled to offer this service to our students,” Brown said. “It’s one more way we can help students put their best foot forward when interacting with employers.”

The center has also implemented a flexible, on-demand resource platform. If students need help late at night, they can access a library of career-related presentations that provides guidance on resume writing, cover letter creation and interview preparation.

A Commitment to International Students

The Career Development Center is also dedicated to helping international students make the most of their educational and professional opportunities. This year, Brown and Rigo have partnered with employers interested in hiring international students, further expanding the reach and impact of the Career Fair and other events.

“Our goal is to connect our international students with employers who are eager to hire diverse talent,” Brown said. “By fostering these partnerships, we help our students gain access to a broader range of career opportunities both locally and globally.”

A Resource for All Students

From first-year students still exploring their major to seniors preparing for post-graduation life, the Career Development Center at Etown offers something for everyone. The center’s approach is student-focused, ensuring that every student receives personalized support to help them achieve their career goals.

“We are here to help students at every stage of their journey,” Brown said. “Whether they’re figuring out their major, looking for internships, or preparing for their first job after graduation, we provide the resources, guidance and connections they need to succeed.”

For students at Etown, the Career Development Center is an invaluable partner in their journey from the classroom to the professional world.