Despite the widespread recognition of our campus’s abundant resources, there is still a significant gap in awareness about the full range of services and facilities available to students. The University of Detroit Mercy campus features a comprehensive office dedicated to helping students navigate their future careers — the Center for Career & Professional Development.
There have been many updates to the Center this semester, including hiring new members. Dan Eickhoff is an assistant director and career advisor that connects students to employers and helps the employers understand what the requirements are as far as co-ops, as well as cultivates internship opportunities for students. Bianca Drewery is also a new team member, an assistant director and the career readiness manager, focusing on developing student careers. She is also the primary contact for career advising and helps coordinate the workshops through the office.
In addition to the new staff members, there has been also a new program added called “Ponder the Possibilities” that is an opportunity for students to meet with companies in certain industries.
“This fall semester we’re going to focus on technology, healthcare and natural sciences,” said Traci Knowles, the Center’s director, “where we will bring 10-12 employers into those events and students will have the opportunity to have conversations with the representatives, learn about the different work that they do at their companies and learn about the different majors that they hire within that industry.”
They are also adding the “Beyond the Degree” workshops that give students the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion where professionals from certain backgrounds speak.
This semester they are inviting in professionals from communications backgrounds where they are going to share their experiences with students and the different career paths that they have taken upon obtaining the degree. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions to the panelists and learn more about what they can do with their degree once they graduate.
They also have various programs that are hosted by the Center such as career assessments, workshops, as well as career fairs that are held in both the Fall and the Winter semesters. The first career fair that will be held is on Oct. 10 at the Student Union Ballroom. Prior to the career fair, there are a plethora of workshops that assist with getting organized for the fair that goes by the name of “Prepare for the Fair.” First-year students are also encouraged to drop by the office, as it is never too early to decide on your career path and you also want to be sure that you are on the right track to connect with the career that you are most interested in.
The Center is located on the first floor of Reno Hall, McNichols Campus. Additionally, the Center for Career & Professional Development not only aids students while on their journey as an undergraduate, but they also aid as alumni as well.
