Campbell University hosted a Spring Career Readiness Week Feb. 16–20, bringing together students, faculty, staff and alumni for a series of events focused on career and professional development and post-graduate planning. The week marked the launch of expanded efforts to strengthen career and professional development opportunities for undergraduate students, fueled by student advocacy.
The initiative originated during the fall semester when Student Government Association member Ian Hudson introduced a SGA resolution calling for the establishment of annual Career Readiness Weeks. The resolution, approved by SGA, was developed in response to student feedback regarding professional development and the need for more centralized career support. SGA partnered with University leadership to implement the pilot program for the Spring semester.
With SGA working alongside Dr. Rachel Nelson, director of Hallmarks and Character Education, to bring the initiative to life, the planning resulted in a week-long series of events designed to equip students with tools for life after graduation.
Throughout the week, students participated in resumé and cover letter reviews, mock interviews and employee rights and hiring workshops. To help students prepare for internship and job interviews, the free professional haircuts and professional headshots were offered to students. Students also attended a graduate school fair in the Student Union Great Hall.
A highlight of the week was the Camel Connections alumni networking event held in partnership with the Alumni Association. Following a professional networking workshop facilitated by Alumni Kevin Mills, students had the opportunity to engage directly with Campbell alumni representing a wide range of industries. The event allowed students to ask questions about career pathways, graduate education, professional challenges, and long-term career growth.
SGA President Cutler Bryant emphasized that career and professional development has been a top student priority since the start of the academic year and noted that SGA advocated for its inclusion in Campbell’s new Five-Year Strategic Plan, on which he served as the undergraduate student representative.
“From the beginning of the Strategic Plan process, we highlighted the need for more intentional career development opportunities for students,” Bryant said. “Students consistently called for stronger, more centralized career support. I’m grateful to Dr. Downs, Dr. Nelson, and University leadership for working with us to make career readiness a long-term commitment, and Career Readiness Week is a step in the right direction towards that goal.”
A central objective of the University’s new Five-Year Strategic Plan is the establishment of a centralized Career Services Center to better connect classroom instruction with career pathways. Career Readiness Week represents an early step toward that goal.
Nelson noted the shared mission behind the effort.
“At Campbell, we prepare students for purposeful lives and meaningful service. Career readiness events are just one way that we live out our mission. There were multiple teams and departments across campus who collaborated to plan and execute these wonderful events throughout the week. I can’t thank them enough for their time and energy. ” she said.
Students also recognized the value of the alumni networking component. Trinity Whitaker, a junior biomedical humanities pre-med major valued the connections she made from the event.
“The alumni networking event was an exciting opportunity for me to connect with alumni that are representing multiple graduating classes from various career fields,” Whitaker said.
“I loved getting the chance to connect with Campbell alumni and hear how their experiences shaped their careers,’ sophomore nursing major Taylor Walker said. “The event was both inspiring and fun. Opportunities like this are so valuable because they help students build real relationships and see what’s possible beyond college and our college education.”
University leaders have emphasized that Career Readiness Week is the first of many ongoing initiatives to support undergraduate students transition into post-graduate life. Students will continue to play an active role in shaping the development of the forthcoming Career Services Center, ensuring that future programming reflects student needs while advancing the priorities outlined in Campbell’s Five-Year Strategic Plan.