UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State College of the Liberal Arts students seeking to gain a thorough understanding of post-graduation possibilities and hone their professional skills should participate in Liberal Arts Career Week events scheduled for Jan. 22 to 26 and hosted by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network.
In its eighth year, Liberal Arts Career Week will include in-person and virtual sessions for Liberal Arts students, including mock interviews with alumni, résumé reviews, sessions on career paths for different majors and more. From these, students will learn the skills needed to take their career journey in stride and achieve success in their professional lives.
Liberal Arts Career Week will be followed by Liberal Arts Recruiting Week, set for Feb. 5 to 9. Students can put the skills they learned during Liberal Arts Career Week to use and sign up in advance to meet one-on-one with a recruiter to discuss internship and full-time opportunities.
“Liberal Arts Career Week encourages students to engage in professional development workshops and networking opportunities, building the skills necessary to succeed in their career trajectories,” said Lauren Granese, assistant director of the Career Enrichment Network. “While we celebrate and support Liberal Arts students in their career readiness all year long, this week intentionally offers the time and space for students to gain and remain confident that their majors can and will lead to a multitude of meaningful career pathways. We recommend all students attend.”
Check out the full list of Liberal Arts Career Week 2024 events below, and find registration links and more details on the Liberal Arts Career Week website. In addition to Liberal Arts Career Week, the Career Enrichment Network hosts various events throughout the year and provides an array of resources for Liberal Arts students, most of which are made easily available through Nittany Lion Careers.
Monday, Jan. 22
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Résumé Review Day
Whether you need to start your résumé from scratch or want to make it more competitive for the career fair, the Career Enrichment Network is here for you. Career coaches will be available for 15-minute sessions to review your résumé in 101 Sparks Building or via Zoom.
12:30 to 1:15 p.m. — Translating Ph.D. Training for Non-Academic Careers — From CV to Résumé
Gather tips on translating your graduate school experience into a résumé for non-academic positions. This virtual event, presented by Lesley Jackson, associate director of graduate career and professional development at Penn State, is intended for current graduate students.
Tuesday, Jan. 23
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Penn State Spring Career Days
Liberal Arts students are encouraged to attend Penn State’s Spring Career Days for their Non-Technical Full-Time and Internship Recruitment Day at the Bryce Jordan Center. Before the fair, make sure to research employers attending, finalize your résumé, and practice your pitch to employers.
Wednesday, Jan. 24
5:30 to 6:45 p.m. — Mock Interviews with Alumni
Do you have an upcoming interview, or maybe just want to brush up on your interviewing skills? Take part in our virtual mock interviews for Liberal Arts students. You will be paired with a Liberal Arts alum and receive valuable feedback on your interview. Now is the time to make mistakes and get tips on how to improve for your future interviews. Registration for "Mock Interviews with Alumni" is required by 5 p.m. on Jan. 19.
Thursday, Jan. 25
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. — Study Abroad and Your Career Goals
Thinking about studying abroad in the future? Come to 369 Willard Building to learn how to maximize the career benefits of studying abroad during this interactive workshop — led by a career coach — that will help you prioritize an education abroad experience that aligns with your career goals.
Friday, Jan. 26
Noon to 1:30 p.m. — “What Can I Do with My Major?” Luncheon
Do you ever find yourself wondering what you can do with your Liberal Arts degree or trying to explain to family and friends career possibilities related to your major? This luncheon in the Memorial Lounge of the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center will help you discover and discuss post-grad career paths. Registration for "What Can I Do with My Major" is required by 5 p.m. on Jan. 19.
The Career Enrichment Network empowers Liberal Arts students to explore, engage and define their career journey through diverse career development opportunities. Students can meet with a career coach to explore careers, internships, education abroad, research, the Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program and more. Through donor support, the Career Enrichment Network is able to provide Liberal Arts students with funding to participate in many of these experiences.