CDC Career Development Center · CDC in 2015-2016) and in student attendance at group programs and...

CDC CareerDevelopmentCenter

Annual Report, 2016-2017

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................3CDC Usage Report ..............................................................................................................................5How do we prepare students? .......................................................................................................7How do students build experience? .......................................................................................... 16How does curriculum connect to career? ................................................................................ 24How do we connect students with alumnae and employers? ......................................... 26Where do students go and how do they get there? ............................................................ 30Initiatives & Leadership Positions ............................................................................................... 34Vision & Strategic Plan Summary ............................................................................................... 35Programs & Services ....................................................................................................................... 36Career Development Center Staff .............................................................................................. 40

Career Development Center Annual Report, 2016-2017

Career Development Center Annual Report, 2016-2017 3

Executive SummaryOver the past several years, the Career Development Center team increased the scale of career development at Mount Holyoke College. We strive to ensure that:

• the majority of students are in contact with the CDC at least once per year in order to learn and practice the skills needed to successfully to pursue opportunities

• as many students as possible are gaining experience through internships, research, and student employment

• the CDC is actively supporting ample and varied connections between academic and campus experiences and student goals for the future

• students are forming meaningful connections with alumnae and employers • student preparation at Mount Holyoke is laying the groundwork for students

to achieve their employment and/or educational goals following graduation

The CDC has already made great strides in recent years to increase student engagement, and is well above national averages for student participation in career and internship advising. As the CDC Usage Report that follows shows, these already high levels of engagement increased again in 2016-2017, with especially notable growth in first year student engagement (71% of first years interacted with the CDC in 2016-2017, up from 56% of first year students interacting with the CDC in 2015-2016) and in student attendance at group programs and events (60% of students attended a program or event in 2016-2017, up from 35% of students in 2015-2016). Overall, individual advising remains the most common way that students engage with the CDC.

The following annual report details further strides from 2016-2017, and answers questions we are frequently asked at the CDC, including these highlights:

How did we prepare students?• The CDC engaged 90% of students in a wide range of career fields and

career preparation topics, and 99% of students surveyed about their advising sessions would recommend the CDC to other students.

• The CDC partnered with 7 organizations that provide industry-specific preparation, such as the Forté Foundation and the Harvard Business School Peek Program.

• The CDC delivered digital and print communications to provide baseline content and educate students on career development topics, as well as to inform students about upcoming events and opportunities.

How do students build experience?• In the summer of 2016, 893 students participated in internships, research, or

shadowing, and 39 more held on-campus summer student employment.


• These experiences included research with MHC faculty as well as MHConnect positions—high-quality, competitive internships where MHC students have access to a special application pathway and benefit from the close relationship that the college has cultivated with the organization.

• Over 70% of summer experiences were employer paid or funded by MHC.• 73% of international students and 62% of U. S. students gained experience

through campus employment.

How does curriculum connect to career?• Through the CDC liaison system, we participated in 55 collaborations with

over 20 different academic departments plus other campus offices. • A few examples of connections highlighted in the following report include a

vision board collaboration with the First Year Seminar program; working with students enrolled in Getting Ahead in Geology and Geography; and multiple connections with the Entrepreneurship, Organizations, and Society minor.

How do we connect students with alumnae and employers?• 161 alumnae volunteers supported students during career preparation

programs (a 36% increase in alumnae engagement over the previous year).• MHC students had access to range of on-campus information sessions and

resume collections with employers, plus access to information sessions at Amherst and Smith Colleges, and the number of MHC students attending information sessions increased 36% over the previous year.

• Through “Lynk on the Road” site visits hosted by alumnae and employers, students explored careers in law, healthcare, computer science, and finance.

Where do students go and how do they get there?• Findings from an MHC research study funded by the NACE Center for

Career Development and Talent Acquisition suggest that participation in multiple internships in college helps students to secure employment or enter graduate school within six months of graduation, and that the introduction of internship funding for every student has increased access to internship opportunities for Mount Holyoke students. CDC staff contributed to the study, which has now been published in the Journal of the National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE).

• 96.7% of MHC graduates were employed and/or in graduate school six months following graduation, using NACE definitions for career outcomes.

• 70% of graduates matriculating in law school attended a top 30 law school.• We celebrated the first destinations and aspirations of graduating seniors

in the class of 2017 with the My Journey Begins campaign, photography installation, and reception for students.


CDC Usage ReportOverall Career Development Center Engagement at a Glance

Class Year Enrolled* Advising ProgramsInformation

Sessions2017 497 339 330 1492018 477 417 275 1022019 542 380 330 1372020 570 251 338 69Alumnae 158 16 4Frances Perkins Scholars 93 ** ** **

Total 2,179 1,545 1,306 461

* Totals from registrar; excludes Study Abroad or on Leave.** The CDC does not track advising and workshop participation separately for FPs. Their participation is included in the data for their anticipated graduation year.

Unique Engagement by Class Year

1,958unique students engaged

with the CDC through advising, programs,

information sessions, or special events.

Engagement defined as:

• Attending a program (workshop, liaison outreach event, classroom visit, special event) or MHC information session.

• Meeting with a career advisor through either a scheduled (in person or remote via phone or Skype) or walk-in appointment.

90%of all students

engaged

71%met with a

career advisor

60%attended a

program/event

21%went to aninfo session


71% 44% 59% 12%

clas

s of

20

20

92% 68% 66% 30%

99% 87% 58% 21%

81% 70% 61% 25%

Overall Advising Programs Info Session

clas

s of

20

19cl

ass

of

2018

clas

s of

20

17Unique Engagement by Class Year


Advising: Unique Individual Engagement

We place significant emphasis on supporting each student’s unique interests and developmental needs through individual advising.

We continue to focus our attention on providing individualized content through one-on-one advising and use that understanding to strengthen our efficiency and the quality of the experience for each student.

How do we prepare students?

71%of students met with a peer or professional

advisor in 2016-17, +5% over last year.

Mount Holyoke College strategically offers numerous opportunities for individual students to investigate, develop, and integrate their personal, academic, and career development goals throughout their time with us on campus.

Students explore, connect, and build on their interests, strengths, and experiences in and out of the classroom, as well as on and off-campus, in the region, and around the world.

We help students not only explore and refine their unique goals, but articulate them effectively and confidently to others in the context of their own identities.

In 2016-17, the CDC effectively leveraged individual advising opportunities, strategic communication, and collaborative

programming to engage 90% of students.


Advising: Scheduled Appointments

The Career Development Center offers students and recent alumnae—up to five years out—30 minute individual appointments with Professional Career Advisors year-round. These occur in person or remotely via phone, email, or Skype.

The Mount Holyoke College CDC exceeds the national average for student engagement in advising.

459

390

306

6867

2019

2018

2017

2020Alumnae

1,29

0

Number of Advising Appointments by Class Year

Advising: All Sessions

individual student and alumnae advising contacts in 2016-2017, totaling over 2,424 hours.6,465

20% 25% 6%in-person via email phone/Skype

49%walk-in


Walk-in Sessions by Class Year by Month

Advising: Walk-in Sessions

The Career Development Center offers daily walk-in sessions during the academic year. Students can stop by—no appointment needed—for an up to 15 minute session with a Peer Career Advisor or Professional Career Advisor.

walk-in individual advising sessions in 2016-2017, +10% over last year.3,149

Traffic is driven by both early fall On Campus Recruiting and the initial LynkUAF application process deadline, with related high demand in September and February. Even at the slowest times of the semester—around finals—the CDC still saw over 200 students per month in walk-ins alone.

Specialized walk-ins offered weekly with CDC and campus partners: US immigration, pre-law, recruiting insider view,

entrepreneurship, interviewing 101, and green careers.

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

2020 2019 2018 2017 Total


• Enhanced early education initiatives about pre-law offerings to help students refine their understanding of the legal industry. Examples: • Bi-weekly pre-law e-newsletter to students (opt-out) and alumnae (opt-in). • Conducted site visits to BU Law School, Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP, and Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks P.C. in Boston, MA. • Collaborated with admissions representatives and law students from Cornell Law School to provide an evening reception for Mount Holyoke and Wellesley College students and alumnae. • Provided specialized advising sessions.

• Partnered with 10 alumnae and external legal professionals to offer programs and counsel about trends within the legal industry.

• Partnered with Kaplan, which included a free on campus class and online test prep resources, and free LSAT practice tests every Friday.

Law and Graduate School Preparation

Student CDC Evaluation Survey

256 Students provided evaluations of 89 30-minute advising and 167 walk-in appointments during 2016-17.

“

“

...instilled confidence

would recommend the CDC to other students. 98% ranked session satisfaction as ‘satisfied’ or ‘highly satisfied’.99%

What students said about the CDC:

...extremely helpful. So

professional!

...was really nice, friendly, and patient

...didn’t rush me

“

“

“

“

“

“


Law School Matriculation

20%increase in the number

of students and alumnae applying to law school

since 2015.

* data from 2015-16 Law School Admission Council Matriculations Report and Summary Report.

The Career Development Center pre-law advisor meets with students and alumnae throughout the year for advice and application assistance.

MHC continues to be above the national average for law school acceptance. 76.19% were accepted into one or more ABA accredited law schools (national average 75.8%).*

Other top 30 schools attended:

• University of Texas School of Law• University of Washington School of Law• University of Alabama School of Law• Northwestern Prizker School of Law

• Harvard Law School• University of Michigan School of Law• Duke University School of Law• Vanderbilt Law School

In 2015-16, 70% of matriculated students attended a top 30 law school (US News Report

Law School Rankings 2017).

Most Frequently Attended Top 30 Law Schools:

89% attended a law school in the eastern United States.


Business Preparation Partner Organizations

7partnerships with leading business

preparation programs.

Communications

The Career Development Center utilizes multiple avenues to communicate with students, alumnae, employers, and parents including email campaigns, social media, print, LyonNet, and the CDC website.

The purpose of the CDC’s student communication efforts is to inform about upcoming events, recruiting, job, and internship opportunities; provide content on career development topics; and support other departments in spreading the word about programs they offer related to professional development.

The CDC partners with several programs that provide industry-specific preparation for Mount Holyoke College students.

We increasingly rely on digital communications to provide baseline content and educate students

on career development topics.


emails sent in 330 distinct campaigns.361,738

61%open rate,

+9% vs last year

9.3%click-through-rate, +27% vs last year

222,146unique opens

18,111unique clicks

The industry average for open rates is 23% and the average for click-through-rates is 1.5%.

Branded Handouts & Quick Guides

The CDC Student Advisory Board called attention to the need for students to have a greater understanding of the job and graduate school process along with available Mount Holyoke resources. We have developed consistently branded content to address these topics in an easy-to-use format.

Digital Communications: At a Glance

CareerDevelopmentCenter

CDC

Finding OpportunitiesGetting Started

This is just the beginning!You can find more in-depth advice in our how-to guides: www.mtholyoke.edu/cdc/guides_forms_and_how_tos

Planning & Preparation People

Places Postings

Know why you’re applying, what you’re looking for, who you are, what your advantages and challenges

are, and brush up your resume, cover letter, and interviewing skills. Talking to advisors can help.

Advisors, faculty, friends, family, alumnae (through the MHC Career Directory & LinkedIn). Ask for

advice, like: Who do you know that could offer me some useful advice? How did you get started? How

do people in this field search for work?

Reach out directly to organizations you want to work for. Consider cities you want to work in and

the relevant orgs within them. Find out where MHC students with similar interests went. Use Buzzfile &

the CDC’s Inquiry Letter resource to get started.

Check LyonNet, especially opportunities marked MHConnect. Other resources in LyonNet: Liberal

Arts Career Network, GoinGlobal, Internships USA, ArtSearch, and Vault. External sites like Research Experiences for Undergraduates or Idealist.org.

Use this worksheet to organize your next search. Write down your goals and wishlists. Flip over for MHC resources on the back. Don’t forget to take care of you with self care activites!

Interview PreparationGetting Started

This is just the beginning!You can find more in-depth advice in our interview guides: www.mtholyoke.edu/cdc/guides_forms_and_how_tos


CDC

Record yourself to analyze your performance.

Use BigInterview's audio and video tools to see what you

look like from the interviewers perspective. You can even

save and send videos of your practice question responses

to others to request feedback.

It's free for Mount Holyoke students!

Go to mtholyoke.biginterview.com and follow the instructions to register.

Please note: you'll need to use your mtholyoke.edu email address to get free access.

Become an interview guru with BigInterview.

BigInterview is an online program designed to help you learn and practice your interview skills,

whether you're interviewing for an internship, job, or graduate school. Learning modules include:

InterviewBasics

InterviewPrep

Acing theInterview Follow Up Acing the

Top 10 ?sInformational

InterviewsLanding the

Interview

Learn more about our special interview resources!

Preparation is the key to a successful interview!

Practice common questions and learn about

CDC mock interview resources, including Big

Interview, during our special walk-in sessions:

Interview 101: First RoundsEvery Thursday* 2:00-3:00pm at the CDC

*when classes are in session

You should start interview prep

as soon as possible! It can take

months to get comfortable with

this crucial search skill.

Interviewing is NOT the end of the

process...you should consider it at

every stage of your search, from

resumes to research. We can help!

CareerDevelopmentCenterCDC

2016-17 Calendar

Learn more & register:mtholyoke.edu/go/LyonNet

SEPTEMBER

13 International Student Work Authorization Meeting

16 Fall Job Fair for First-Years

23 Rights Advocate Brenda Hernandez ‘04, JD: Alumna Advisor for the Day

30 US & International Non-Governmental Organization Careers: Alumnae Chats

JANUARY

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

FEBRUARY

MARCH

5 Mock Interview Day

12 StartSmart Salary Negotiation Workshop

14 3-College Finance Trip to Boston

19 Columbia Law: Informational & Mock Admissions Committee Session

19 “Dress For Success” presented by Banana Republic

26 Lynk UAF Summer Funding Orientation

27 Finding Summer Science Opportunities & Lab

28 Finding an Internship Workshop & Lab

9 & 10 Author Liz McMullen ‘98: Alumna Advisor for the Day

11 Law School Forum in Boston

11 Science Careers: Alumnae Chats

18 Computer Science, Law, and Pre-Health Lynk on the Road Bus Trip

APRIL

1 Finding an Internship Workshop & Lab

3 First-Year Summer: Tackling Your To-Do List

17 Career Stories Lunch: Transgender Identity

17 Lynk UAF Step One Deadline

18 Crafting a Life in the Arts

24 Global Career Search: Alumnae Chats

1 Mock Interview Day

2 Experience Nonprofits: Career Connections

4 International Student & Alumnae Networking Event

7 Year(s) of Service Opportunities & Experiences Panel

24 MHC Student Employment Job Fair

31 Lynk on the Road Bus Trip: tracks to be announced

3 Education Administrator Lois Herrera ‘84: Alumna Advisor for the Day

7 Health and Public Health Careers: Alumnae Chats

29 Internship Kicko�

28 Sophomore Institute Conference

31 MHConnect Internship Fair

Turn overfor more!

Schedule subject to change. Find up-to-date info and register for most events in LyonNet: mtholyoke.edu/go/lyonnet.For career fair opportunities and instructions on registering, please visit mtholyoke.edu/cdc/career_fairs.

Research your desired industry

or sector.

Connect and network with alums, advisors, faculty, and professionals in your area of interest.

Update your online presence and personal brand.

Create or update your

resume.

Prepare to interview with Big Interview and CDC mock interviews.

Assess, explore, reflect on, and define your goals.

Develop your search strategy

and begin to apply!

Go for it! Implement, engage, and reassess.

Launching a SearchQuick Guide

Each of thesesteps informsand advises the others.

We’re here to help and support you!Use this guide to figure out where you are in the search process and what steps you might need to take next. Questions? Come to walk-ins or call for an appointment.


CDC

• Networking: Take a moment, look around

• Career (search) stories: trans and entering the job market

• Five tips for your next informational interview

• Finding a summer internship: a monthly guide

• The CDC means resources

• Professionalism: tips, tricks, and anecdotes

6blog posts


Workshops & Events

In 2016-17 the Career Development Center professional staff sought to broaden and increase our capacity and efficiency to serve students in several intentional ways—one being through targeted anchor programs and events. Our professional staff strategically collaborated and partnered with colleagues across campus—and beyond with our alumnae and external partners—to support students as they built the skills necessary to navigate and contribute to an ever changing world of work.

60%of students attended a program or event

in 2016-17, +30% over last year.

On page 36, learn more about our signature programs and events that prepare students for

networking and career experiences.

Mount Holyoke College’s student attendance at workshops and programs compares favorably to national

benchmarks.

New programs in 2016-17:

• Career Stories: Individual Experiences of Transgender Professionals

• MHConnect Internship Fair• Student Employment

Training Series


FOCUSMFirst Year Seminar: Vision Boards

Vision boards are an interactive self assessment workshop. The boards provide an engaging, hands-on exercise in self-discovery, while giving one’s intuition a clear voice. Participants walk away with visual representations of their own career/life paths—instruments that can be reflected upon daily as powerful manifestation tools.

This year, the CDC offered Vision Board activities for 204 students in First Year Seminar.

“...working with you at the CDC to support my FYS class has been one of the highlights for me and my students.

We continue to work together on the Visioning Activity and in the evaluations for my class they rate this activity as one of the class highlights. I love that it engages them in thinking about their place in the future and what talents and skills they bring to making their vision happen. We do this activity about 1/2-2/3 through the semester and they refer to it in other activities we do together.

I have also found that completing the Myers Briggs with Ju and then using it to reflect on their group work to be very enlightening for the students.

Thanks for being there to support our teaching and learning!”

- Laurie Priest, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education and Athletics


How do students build experience?

Across MHC, students build experiences through opportunities developed by the CDC, Faculty, Student Life, the Academic Centers, and many others. Because the landscape of opportunity is so rich and spans so many MHC departments and offices, we have created a comprehensive snapshot of the experiential learning opportunities available to MHC students throughout the summer and the academic year. We reached out to individuals and offices across campus to collect information on opportunities and student engagement to create this document.

We used several data sources to create this report, including:

• Lynk UAF Application data

• Inform Your Advisor data

• CBL Reports

• MHC Student Payroll data

Reporting Period: May 2016 - May 2017

Given the timing of the Inform Your Advisor survey (complete at end of fall semester), a comprehensive review of internships and research becomes possible in the spring semester following any given summer.

A central goal of the Career Development Center is to ensure that each MHC student has the opportunity to explore career interests, gain practical experience and begin to develop a professional network through direct experience.

We heavily invest in multiple types of experiential learning, including internships, research opportunities

and student employment.


A subset of these students participated in summer MHConnect experiences—high-quality, competitive internships where Mount Holyoke students have access to a special application pathway and benefit from the close relationship that the college has cultivated with the organization.

Some summer MHConnect opportunities are paid directly by the host organization and some are paid by the College through Lynk UAF.

MHConnect

27organizations in 27 cities and 17

countries

36student

participants

6centers, offices and programs collaborating

Building Experience: Summer 2016

students reported internships, research or shadowing in summer 2016. 39 more held positions in on-campus student employment.893

649

224

72

31

19

10

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

Internship

Research

MHC Job

Internship or Research (Detail not provided)

Independent Project

Shadowing

All experiences are captured in this chart. Some students reported multiple experiences, meaning that the total in this table is more than the total number of students reporting experiences.


Student Employment: Summer 2016The Career Development Center manages the Student Employment Program, with advice and support from the Student Employment Advisory Committee. While positions are reduced over the summer months, those available can be valuable growth opportunities.

students held jobs on campus in summer 2016. 46 jobs were research or internship-type. There were 74 different jobs worked.118

Research with MHC Faculty: Summer 201654 of the students participating in non-independent research during summer 2016 reported doing so for an MHC faculty member. 48 of these did their research work on campus. Additionally, 11 of the 19 reported independent research projects were formally supervised by MHC faculty.

FOCUSMMHConnect: Women’s eNews

Women’s eNews is an award-winning news site that covers women’s issues. Working side by side with editors in the Manhattan office, interns interview the top national and international leadership of women’s movements. The internship focuses on providing one-to-one coaching on news writing and most interns have at least four features published during their stints with Women’s eNews.

“I initially learned about this MHConnect curated internship opportunity through my career advisor at the CDC. Women’s eNews was one of the destinations of a Lynk on the Road journalism career trek to New York City.”

- Hoa Nguyen ’18, Women’s eNews MHConnect Intern


Internships and Research: Summer 2016

74%in the United

States

26%international

(non-US)

71%domestic forthe student

29%international

for the student

63% 47% 29% 13%

Participation by Class Year

2017 (rising Seniors)

2018 (rising Juniors)

2019 (rising Sophomores)

2020 (entering First Years)

24% of Frances Perkins Scholars (included in the above class years) participated in internships and research in the summer of 2016.

Increasingly, students are seeking out opportunities beyond those offered by the college. When we surveyed Lynk UAF summer funding recipients, 26% reported finding their internships through an MHC person (faculty, alum, staff, student) and 16% reported finding them through MHC resources, such as LyonNet and the Intern Network. 40% reported finding their opportunities through utilizing their personal networks or through connecting directly with organizations of interest.

Experience Locations: 61 Countries, 38 U.S. States


Top 5 Industries

FOCUSMInternships & Career: Geology & Geography

“Faculty and students in Geology and Geography have really enjoyed and benefited from working closely with the CDC. Through regular visits to and support for our annual Fall semester co-curricular course Geog/Geol 399 (Getting Ahead in Geology and Geography), CDC staff are getting to know our majors and supporting them as they research internships, careers, and graduate research opportunities. A decade ago, many of our majors were scared of the CDC; now most of them know and trust the staff and have been over there for help with resumes and cover letters. Working with our CDC liaison over the past few years has helped the G&G faculty and staff think much more carefully and productively about student career paths, while making and maintaining connections and working more effectively with the CDC.”

- Michelle Markley, Associate Professor of Geology

The national undergrad participation rate for Geosciences internships is 35%. At Mount Holyoke, 100% of Geology students and 89% of Geography students had at least one internship.*

* Classes 2015, 2016, and 2017

Industries are identified by both the industry of the organization and the type of work performed. For example, scientific research at a college would count as both ‘Biotech, Engineering, STEM Research’ and ‘Education, Teaching.’

*Percentages exclude ‘Not reported/blank.’

29% 15% 10%Education, Teaching

Law, Politics, Government, Public Policy

Biotech, Engineering,

STEM Research

9%Business,

Consulting, Entrepreneurship,

Finance

7%Philanthropy,

Community Orgs, Development


334

118

12

257

284

Lynk UAF MHC Student Employment Unknown Paid Unpaid

Lynk UAF: Summer 2016 Internship & Research Funding

In 2016, 549 students initiated a Lynk UAF application and 349 completed the application. 9 withdrew their applications after the deadline. 334 students (98%) were granted awards for a total of $1,181,180.

Over the last three summers, MHC has supported close to 1,100 students and funded 69% of the class of 2016.

Experience Type Experience Location

59%Internships

41%Research

29%International

71%Domestic

71% of positions were employer paid

or MHC-funded.

Citizenship

How Students Were Paid

Lynk UAF 33%

MHC Student Employment 12%

Unpaid 28%

Paid 26%

No Data Available 1%

34%International

66%US Citizen


Building Experience: Academic Year 2016-17

Mount Holyoke’s undergraduates work in a diverse array of jobs both on and off-campus, the majority of which provide high-quality opportunities for learning.

101 students held internships, CBL fellowships, or student employment positions in our local communities this academic year. 1,450 held MHC student employment positions on-campus.

On-Campus Employment: Academic Year 2016-17

Level 1 jobs are entry level, requiring no pre-existing experience. The 1,713 level 2-5 positions are skilled jobs that provide training and opportunities for learning.

Job Types

1,491unique students hired for 2,894 jobs on- and

off-campus in 2016-17.

Off-Campus Employment: Academic Year 2016-17

In addition to the MHConnect roles that Community Based Learning offers, there were 58 opportunities for students to work off-campus in our community. These are also managed through the CBL office.

1065 1043

423

12724

96

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Stipends


88Research Assistants

84Peer student supervisors

239Tutors

228Mentors/Advisors

73% of enrolled international students and 62% of US students gained experience through campus employment.

87% 94% 72% 54%

Student Employment: Participation by Class Year

2017 (Seniors)

2018 (Juniors)

2019 (Sophomores)

2020 (First Years)

36% of Frances Perkins Scholars (included in the above class years) participated in student employment during the academic year.

Where Students Gained Experience

On-Campus83 campus offices, departments and centers employed students in 2016-17.

Off-CampusBetween the Weissman Center’s LAPS and CBL programs, our students were hosted by 24 partner-organizations in local communities, such as Amherst, Holyoke, Northampton and South Hadley.

Top On-Campus Employers

• Dining Services (over 600 positions!)

• AccessAbility Services

• Physical Education• Mathematics &

Statistics• Residential Life• Weissman Center


How does curriculum connect to career?The Career Development Center has a liaison system for academic departments to answer questions and to help with collaborations to support students.

FOCUSMEconomic Anthropology

Joshua Roth’s economic anthropology course included an assignment for students to explore multiple aspects of career development in connection with discussion of employment issues. Students completed career self-assessments, and then looked for 4-5 career options relevant to the interests that emerged from the assessments.

Students further explored the growth outlooks and income levels associated with those careers, and reviewed career options that had average or above average growth outlooks. After identifying potential areas of interest, students looked for job or internship listings in LyonNet that fit their interests, and attended at least one CDC workshop.

“The CDC research project

was incredibly valuable to

me. It not only allowed me to consider

possible careers but

also gave me an opportunity to evaluate my

values and what I want for my life as I move

forward.” - student

collaborations with over 20 unique academic departments plus other campus offices in 2016-17. We’ve collaborated with 32 departments since 2014.55

Collaborations include: class visits, events, outreach, departments teas, and workshops.


FOCUSMEntrepreneurship, Organization and Society (EOS)

EOS was launched as a new program at MHC in 2016-17, offering courses and providing an opportunity for students to minor in a new, frequently requested course of studies and activities.

Given that “entrepreneurship” is a behavioral practice engaged in starting and in managing organizations, it made sense...that there be a strong connection between EOS and the CDC.

There are three primary connections: career and career preparation, alumnae engagement, and students’ pursuit of achievement and accomplishment.

As the EOS coordinator and entrepreneurship faculty member, I offered drop-in hours at the CDC throughout both the fall and spring semesters.

Through many robust CDC interactions with alumnae, the CDC-EOS collaboration in alumnae engagement has become a central action on the campus, now involving the Alumnae Office, Advancement Office, and Center Directors. The CDC-EOS collaboration resulted in a proposed pilot of engaging alumnae as mentors to entrepreneurship projects, and of involving alumnae as guest speakers in classes. In the spring semester of 2017, CDC connections to alumnae desiring more programmatic participation resulted in alumnae serving as participants—mentors and judges—in pitch competitions and in case studies. We now have a core group of alumnae ready to develop and participate in the pilot programs.

This first year was one of testing, discussion, planning, and development. The coming year, 2017-2018, will be one of piloting well designed programs and actions, with careful monitoring and review, as we continue to build a strong, sustainable CDC-EOS collaboration.

- Rick Feldman, Lecturer in Entrepreneurship, Organizations and Society; Entrepreneurship Coordinator


Mount Holyoke College helps students develop the critical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly-changing work environments and industries.

This year, the Career Development Center has increased the quality, quantity and breadth of employment and internship opportunities while also increasing alumnae engagement and student access to alumnae advising and networking opportunities.

We took several steps to foster student connections to alumnae and employers in 2016-17, including:

• Strengthened networks and relationships on and off-campus.

• Engaged alumnae volunteers.

• Developed infrastructure and systems.

• Provided access to a wide range of employment and Internship

opportunities.

How do we connect students with alumnae and employers?

Alumnae Volunteers

Mount Holyoke alumnae are incredible partners in the career development process for students. The CDC intentionally focused efforts on the development and delivery of high-quality, diverse career programs involving alumnae to appeal to a broad range of students. Learn more on page 36.

Alumnae Chats Alumna Advisor

for the Day Experience Nonprofits

Mock Interviews Sophomore Institute Internships Kickoff

Crafting a Life in the Arts

MHC in NYC/DC International Student

Networking Event


FOCUSMKate Lowry ’15: McKinsey & Company

“When I did go for interviews, I would

remember the wise words that Kate Lowry ’15 once

said to me: ‘In the interview, you are no longer a student

but a consultant and your interviewer is the client.’ ...Without the generous

help and support from my friends and staff at the CDC,

the arduous and daunting task that is job-seeking

would have been even more arduous and daunting.”

- Bowie Kung ’17

Kate Lowry ’15, helps provide valuable information to our students through MHC-exclusive programming, including her popular “Virtual Coffee Chats” series that highlight what it’s like to work in consulting and how to prepare for interviews.

Bowie Kung ’17, was one of the students who attended programming with Lowry. Since graduating in December, Kung has accepted an offer of employment from McKinsey.

161unique alumnae

volunteered to support students in 2016-17, +36% over last year.

The critical connections that students make with alumnae help them to explore interests, learn about a range of industries and fields, gain practical experience, refine their paths, and chart a course for the future.

The CDC strategically cultivated relationships with 31 alumnae which led directly to internships, employment, and professional preparation opportunities for students.


In 2016-17, there were 92 unique employer information sessions available to MHC students through the

3-College Recruiting Consortium.

Employer Information Sessions

Information sessions provide a unique opportunity for students to engage with employers. In 2016-17, the CDC hosted 33 employers, including: 21%

of students attended an employer information

session in 2016-17, +36% over last year.


FOCUSMMHC in DC and NYC: Summer 2016

The DC and NYC programs serve to foster connections between students and alumnae and to advance summer internship opportunities for our students in Washington, D.C. and New York City.

‘MHC in DC and NYC’ is coordinated by the Career Development Center, in close partnership with the Alumnae Association, Mount Holyoke Club of Greater Washington, D.C., Mount Holyoke Club of New York City, the Office of Advancement, and the Weissman Center for Leadership.

1 Provide preparation and resources that equip students to

make the most of a summer in NYC or DC.

Enable students to connect with the community of MHC

students completing summer internships and research experiences in NYC or DC.

Arrange well-supported opportunities for

students to connect with alumnae for advice and to extend their professional networks.

3

2

Aims of the Program

“I greatly enjoyed attending the events hosted by the alumnae. They were incredibly welcoming and the events were a great way to establish a support system in DC. When I move to DC after graduation, I know I have several MHC women I can depend on.”

- student

100%of student respondents

are glad they participated. 100% would recommend it

to a friend.


Where do students go and how do they get there?In May 2017, a Mount Holyoke research team published an article, “Internships: Career Outcomes for the Liberal Arts” in the NACE Journal. The article summarized the findings of a research study conducted over the past 18 months and funded by the NACE Center for Career Development and Talent Acquisition. The full report of findings from this research will be forthcoming this year.

The strongest predictors of initial career outcomes were grade point average and the total number of

internships a student completed.

96.7%were employed and/or in graduate school six months following

graduation.

75.3%employed

21.5%in grad school

3.3%seeking

employment

These percentages were calculated using the definitions established for career outcomes by the National Association for Colleges and Employers.

Out of the graduates from the classes of 2013, 2014, and 2015 for whom outcomes data could be obtained (87%):

Lierman, L., Townsley, E., Watermill, J., and Rousseau, D. (May, 2017). Internships and career outcomes. NACE Journal,76 (5).

Townsley, E., Lierman, L., Watermill, J., and Rousseau, D. (forthcoming, 2017). Internship and career outcomes. Bethlehem, PA: NACE Foundation.


Outcomes Report Findings

With the move from a competitive funding system to universal internship funding in 2014, student financial status and academic differences between students completing internships diminished greatly.

Examples of Popular Destinations Listed by Graduates:1

1 Participation in multiple internships in college helps students to secure employment or enter graduate school within six months of graduation.

The introduction of internship funding for every student has increased access to internship opportunities for Mount Holyoke students.

2These findings suggest:

1 From Six-Months-Out Survey executive summaries: https://www.mtholyoke.edu/iresearch/smo

Mount Holyoke alumnae pursue jobs and graduate study in a wide variety of fields following graduation.

MBA’sMedical Degrees

Arts & SciencesMaster’s Degrees

Health Sciences/Medicine

ProfessionalMaster’s Degrees

Computer/Information Systems

ConsultingEducation

Law Degrees

PhD


Where Students Go

These employment and graduate school fields follow from the wide range of interests students explore through internships. In recent years, students completed internships with hundreds of organizations including:

• Sony Pictures • New England Public Radio • Food Network• United Nations Development

Program• UNICEF• Civil Rights Center at the US

Department of Labor• NYC Department of Education• Amnesty International• Dana Farber Cancer Institute• Tufts Medical Center• University of Pennsylvania

School of Medicine• Veterinarians Dental Clinic• World Health Organization• Yale University School of

Public Health• Citibank• Coca-Cola• Barclays• Stanford Federal Credit Union• Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan,

Goldman Sachs

• Bank of America Merrill Lynch• Vera Wang• Dean’s Beans• Google• Amazon.com• IBM• Apple• The Robot Agency• African Women’s Development

Fund• Bahrain Center for Human Rights• Girls Inc.• Human Rights Watch• Vietnam Veterans of America

Foundation• Fulbright Commission in Brussels• World Wildlife Fund in Beijing• US Department of State• Korean National Assembly• Girls in Tech Morocco• USAID• Law offices• TransUnion

Employers of two or more recent graduates include:


My Journey Begins: Class of 2017

We celebrate the first destinations and aspirations of graduating seniors. Participating students make signs and have their pictures taken. The photos were displayed in the CDC Library and the LITS atrium, and posted on the CDC Facebook page. We also held a commencement weekend coffee hour and provided a My Journey Begins guide book with practical professional advice.

118students participated in

My Journey Begins, 24% of the class of 2017.

If students had secured employment or graduate

school admission, that information was entered

into our database.


Initiatives & Leadership PositionsMount Holyoke Career Development Center Advisory BoardsExternal Leadership GroupFormed in the fall of 2015, this leadership group of off-campus representatives includes alumnae, employers, and parents who provide advice and input that furthers the work of the CDC as we implement our strategic plan. The group’s members have held leadership roles in industries including business and finance, consulting, education, law, marketing, non-profit and public institutions, pharmaceuticals, and research.

In the pilot phase from 2015-2017, the leadership group contributed feedback on industry and hiring trends that now inform the CDC’s work. Group members provided strategic insight and guidance as the CDC improved and innovated career support for Mount Holyoke students, and addressed challenges that arose along the way. A second phase of the leadership group will begin in the fall of 2017, and will build on the success of the pilot phase.

Student Advisory BoardComprised of 12 students, with diverse representation from class years, majors, and nationality.

The following are some of the ways that the Career Development Center is connected to and leads in the career development field:

Liz Lierman• Committee Member, NACE Principles of Professional Practice

Janice Kane• Community Service Chair, Conference Committee, Northeast Association of

Student Employment Administrators

Jenny Watermill• Chair, Employer Development Committee, Liberal Arts Career NetWORK

Kelly Woods• Participant, College Career Centers of Western Massachusetts Consortium• Committee Member, National Career Development Association International

Student Services

Leadership Positions & Recognitions


Vision & Strategic Plan SummaryDuring the 2014-2015 academic year, representatives from the Career Development Center at Mount Holyoke College engaged in a listening tour, followed by a vision and planning process.

In December 2014, a Vision Task Force comprising students, faculty, staff, and external partners convened to shape an overall strategic plan to guide the work of the CDC over the next several years. This plan was approved by the Task Force on April 30, 2015.

The resulting plan has truly been formed with the input of many dedicated individuals, and lays a strong foundation for a CDC that will continue to connect and respond to its diverse stakeholders in the future. We are deeply grateful to the Vision Task Force members for contributing their time and insight during this process, and to the many members of the Mount Holyoke community who shared their ideas and suggestions for the CDC.

Goals from the strategic plan

GOAL #1: Build, articulate, and maintain a cohesive CDC strategy that engages a variety of constituents.

GOAL #2: Scale services to reach all students during their time at MHC and foster a campus culture of career confidence.

GOAL #3: Strategically cultivate employer relationships and balance specialized and general advising to provide opportunities and preparation in a wide range of interest areas.

GOAL #4: Support academic departments in showing the many paths that can be pursued with liberal arts majors.

GOAL #5: Provide career development support for alumnae and roles for alumnae to support students on a large scale.

GOAL #6: Shape MHC and national conversations about career development and generate discussion on the future of work.


Programs & ServicesSignature Programs & Events

Alumna Advisor for the DayAlumnae advisors spend the day at the Career Development Center providing students with individual advising appointments. During this time alumnae have the opportunity to learn about the students’ interests and share their own career experiences. In 2016-17, six alumnae provided advising to 54 students for careers in law, education, theatre, biotech, finance, business and product development, marketing, sales, executive management, and consulting.

Alumnae ChatsHeld twice a semester, these small group, informal afternoon chats between alumnae professionals and students can happen virtually or in person at the Career Development Center. Each Chat includes up to four alumnae and centers around a specific career field or theme of fields. Students are encouraged to bring their questions. In 2016-17, eight alumnae provided advice to 48 students on international/domestic NGOs, science-related careers, and public health.

Experience NonprofitsThis event is a unique opportunity for local nonprofit organizations to engage and network with students interested in the nonprofit sector in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. The panel discussion ends with small structured group conversations between students and employers/alumnae. Additional networking is provided at the end during a reception. Ten representatives from local nonprofits participated, including five alumnae.

Fall Kickoff EventsThe Career Development Center hosts a number of events in the fall to prepare students to take advantage of career and internship opportunities throughout the year. These include: First Year Orientation Session, Senior Meeting, Sophomore/Junior Meeting, and International Student Meeting.

Intern Network (IN)The Career Development Center encourages all students to report their summer plans in the spring. All IN members receive a list of other members, sortable by location and industry, and regular emails with tips and advice on maximizing their summer experiences. IN members also receive updates on summer events (alumnae events, conferences, etc.) in their summer locations.


Lynk on the Road Site VisitsThese trips to either New York City or Boston enable students to experience first-hand what it’s like to work in various industries and companies, including banking, advertising, entrepreneurship, journalism, communications, marketing, consulting, fashion, life sciences, law, computer science, and healthcare.

Lynk Universal Application Funding (UAF)The Career Development Center manages the operation of the college’s Lynk UAF program. The Lynk UAF program provides students with a centralized application funding for unpaid student-identified opportunities in traditionally underfunded fields. Developed to support student career development, the program provides education on goal setting, articulating personal strengths, negotiation, ethical and responsible research and professional practices, reflection and public speaking.The Career Development Center coordinates the application process, including development and management of the online application system, membership on all Lynk UAF committees, management of a $900,000 internship/research budget, hosting the Summer Internship/Research Orientation & Kickoff and application review.

My Journey BeginsThis annual spring campaign celebrates the first destinations and aspirations of the Mount Holyoke College graduating class. Students are invited to make a sign and have their photo taken. Photos are displayed in the CDC, the LITS atrium leading up to and through commencement and reunion weekends, as well as posted on the CDC Facebook page.

Sophomore InstituteThis award-winning half-day conference, managed by the CDC, is designed and delivered collaboratively by many offices on campus with an interest in the sophomore year experience. The program introduces foundational career concepts early, so students gain experience networking, goal-setting and reflecting while in college, and become better prepared to succeed in their internship and later job searches. Seven alumnae participated in 2017.

Student Employment Job FairHeld in the spring, this event offers all on-campus employers the opportunity to engage with students seeking summer or fall employment. Students were able to learn about the diverse and high-quality opportunities available while practicing the skills needed to succeed in a career fair setting. Resume assistance was offered on-site.


Internship & Research Orientation and CelebrationThis event is offered in the late spring semester as a required event for Lynk UAF recipients, and is open to all students with summer internship and research plans. The orientation provides workplace preparation and networking activities, intended to provide food for thought on emotional intelligence, communication, ethical and cultural choices that students may encounter in their internship and research settings. Managed by the CDC, this event is designed and delivered collaboratively by many experiential learning focused staff of MHC and incorporates several MHC faculty and alumnae. Seven alumnae participated in the 2017 kickoff.

Student Employment TrainingsEach office, department or center hosting student employees offers training relevant to their specific positions. In addition, the Career Development Center offered centralized training on Professionalism, Customer Service and Articulating Transferable Skills for any student employee in 2016-17.

Student Employee Supervisor TrainingsSupervisors of student employees attend a supervisors’ meeting twice a year, hosted by the Career Development Center, where they receive training on being effective supervisors and experiential educators, along with important updates. The Career Development Center also offers supervisors individualized advice and support upon request.


Co-Sponsored Programs & Events

Crafting a Life in the Arts (CALA)CALA is an annual event that connects students interested in the arts with alumnae who have successfully pursued careers in these fields. The event has a keynote speaker and breakout panel sessions. This is a cross-campus effort led by the InterArts Council, the Departments of Architecture, Art History, Art Studio, Creative Writing, Dance, Film, Music, Theatre, MHC Art Museum, the Office of the Dean of the College, and the Career Development Center. Eight alumnae participated in CALA in 2017.

International Student Networking EventThe Alumnae Association, the McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives, and the Career Development Center co-host this annual networking event for international students. Students have the opportunity to hear from and network with alumnae who came to Mount Holyoke as international students.

Internship CommunitiesStudents in Washington, D.C. or New York City’s vibrant internship cultures are invited to join MHC in DC or MHC in NYC. As part of The Lynk experience, these localized Mount Holyoke internship communities connect current students with our distinguished alumnae and support highly competitive summer internships. An opening networking reception is held in each city as well as location-specific preparation, support, social media, and email content. MHC internship communities are a partnership of the Career Development Center, Alumnae Association, Weissman Center for Leadership, Mount Holyoke Club of Greater Washington, D.C., Mount Holyoke Club of New York, and the Office of Advancement.

MHConnectMHConnect opportunities are curated by numerous departments and centers across campus, with support and coordination offered through the Career Development Center. These internship and research opportunities are high-quality, competitive roles where Mount Holyoke students have access to a special application pathway and benefit from the close relationship that the college has cultivated with the organization. Some MHConnect opportunities are paid directly by the host organization, and others are eligible for funding through Lynk UAF. An MHConnect Internship Fair was held in January to inform students about these positions.


Career Development Center StaffMany thanks to the CDC team for a great year in 2016-2017.

Professional Staff

Danielle van Over Karen Miller Dyanne Rousseau Kelly Uccello Gwen Leaf Kelly Woods Janice Kane Kylie Hanify Jenny Watermill Kristin Balboni Jo Martin Liz Lierman Ju Hong Roshonda DeGraffenreid Student Employees

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Adwoa Aboah ’18Ana Saverchenko ’19Annie Choi ’19Collins Hilton ’17Eleanor Springer ’17Frieda Yeung ’17Grace Grieve-Carlson ’19Hoa Nguyen ’18Ishita Tibrewal ’18Janae Davis ’19Jennifer Tasneem ’17 Kannah Landford ’19Kenice Kenlock ’17

Have a question for the CDC?Please email [email protected] or call 413-538-2080. For a detailed list of current CDC team members and their areas of focus/responsibility, please visit www.mtholyoke.edu/cdc/about

Lia Kapanadze ’17Lucy Frasier ’19Mishaal Sharif ’17Rebecca San Juan ’17Rhema Andah ’18Ruiwei (Wenny) Shen ’18Samantha Kell ’18Spurthi Jonnalagadda ’18Swexya Panta ’18Thu Dao ’19Xuefei (Faye) Chen ’18Yejin (Andrea) Kim ’17Yezi Liu ’19

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