Connecting Students with Industry Professionals
Students explore career pathways at first Career Connect events of the year
Career Services hosted the first Career Connect events of the academic year in October. Held in Cannell Library, the events gave students the opportunity to meet industry professionals, ask questions, and learn about potential career paths. Career Services staff were on hand to provide conversation prompts to help students engage with professionals and offered guidance to students about navigating next steps.
The first event, held Oct. 23, focused on careers in public service, society, and education. Employers represented a range of organizations, from educational and early learning services. Students’ questions often centered on the education requirements for certain careers and the types of roles available within each organization. While some students already had a clear idea of the career they wanted to pursue, others were still exploring their options—this event supports both.
The second event, held Oct. 30, highlighted careers in healthcare. Many students attending this session already knew they wanted to enter the field and used the opportunity to identify specific focuses within healthcare. Industry partners helped them narrow down their interests and learn more about possible specialty pathways.
“Providence was especially helpful,” one student said. “They were very knowledgeable.”
Another student, currently earning a degree in Healthcare Information Management, attended to learn about internships and other opportunities for hands-on experience. She hopes to work in an administrative role, and left the event with new resources and next steps to move toward that goal.
“The connections at these career events might lead to internships, job shadows, or informational interviews—all of which help a student explore different career pathways,” said Trish Haakonstad, Lead Career Advisor. “By doing this event on campus, we’re hoping to bring employers to students and help them realize there is a variety of career options within all our areas of study.”
Career Connect events are held twice per term, rotating through the various areas of study offered at Clark. The next event will take place in February.
Attend an Upcoming Event
Students, staff, faculty, and community members are all welcome to attend Career Connect events. Each event is from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Cannell Library, unless otherwise noted.
Feb. 5: STEM Careers—held in the STEM Building, room 156
Feb. 12: Advanced Manufacturing Careers
May 7: Business & Entrepreneurship Careers
May 14: Creative & Communication Arts Careers
Students and alumni are also invited to Clark College Foundation’s pop-up mentorship event on Nov. 5, where a panel of professionals will share insights beyond their roles and dive into breakout sessions for meaningful conversations, networking, and guidance on career journeys. Register and learn more about becoming a mentor here.
Learn more about Career Services
Career Services provides resources and strategies to support students in their career and employment goals, including career plans and choosing a major, resume and cover letter writing, and finding internship opportunities. Career Services also provides resources to support faculty members’ work with students. Learn more about Career Services.
Photos: Clark College/Malena Goerl
Story by Malena Goerl, Staff Writer, Communications & Marketing