Career Days help students envision future
Targeted events strengthen students’ professional networks and broaden their understanding of potential career paths
Career Days help students envision future
Miami University’s Center for Career Exploration and Success (CCES) organizes a series of specialized Career Day events throughout the academic year. Tailored to specific major groups, they aim to strengthen students’ professional networks and broaden their understanding of potential career paths.
“Professional Development Days and CCES events give students the chance to move beyond the classroom and begin envisioning their futures in tangible ways,” said Kristie Marcum, assistant director and liaison to the College of Arts and Science. “These events are more than networking opportunities. They’re catalysts for confidence, clarity, and connection. By meeting professionals who once sat in their seats, students begin to see how their academic path can translate into meaningful careers.”
Each Career Day is designed to address the unique needs and aspirations of different academic disciplines. Examples include Education/Teacher Career Day, Mathematics Career Day, and College of Engineering and Computing First-Year Professional Development Day.
Last year’s Creative Careers Day on March 3 provided insights into niche aspects of professional development pertaining to students in creative industries, like portfolio development. Meanwhile, last fall’s Education/Teacher Career Day focused on topics that are strictly related to students entering education fields, such as licensing requirements. The benefit of these targeted sessions is that students receive practical guidance pertinent to their fields of study and their futures.
“Hearing the panelists’ stories and career trajectories gave me insight into the many opportunities available for creatives and how to pursue them,” said senior Ryan Jeansonne, an Arts Education and Art Therapy double major. “I also appreciated how engaging the employers were. They came from diverse creative backgrounds like visual arts, design, theater, art education, and other sectors. This gave me a well-rounded perspective on the different paths I could take in the industry.”
Going beyond what traditional career and internship fairs offer students, these specialized events incorporate workshop-type learning formats along with opportunities to meet professionals and alumni currently employed in these industries. Students can take advantage of the individualized career preparation assistance and are able to build relationships with peers on similar paths. Students are shown a comprehensive view of opportunities within their respective disciplines.
The Center for Career Exploration and Success is projected to host several Career Day events during the 2025-26 academic year in addition to other targeted events like alumni panels, career conversations, and workshops. Students can learn more at its Programs and Events page.
