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College of Arts and Sciences Newsroom

Career Camp

University of Dayton sophomores in the College of Arts and Sciences will learn how to effectively engage with prospective employers at “Career Camp,” a three-day program that provides intensive professional skills training and networking opportunities to prepare students for career success.

The pilot program, a partnership between the College and the Office of Career Services, will launch January 8-10, before the start of the 2020 spring semester. Up to 50 second-year students will be selected, with online registration starting in August. Career Camp is free, but participants must pay a refundable deposit to return Jan. 7 to campus housing.

The program is intended to provide students skills and experiences to make them competitive to future employers, graduate schools and service programs. It also is designed to increase the self-confidence level students need to be successful in future interviews.

“It is our hope that next year’s Career Camp will offer our students an opportunity to combine their ongoing academic studies with new professional skills that will help prepare them for the future,” said Don Pair, College associate dean for interdisciplinary research and experiential initiatives.

The sophomore year is ideal for career preparation and skills development because students have successfully adjusted to college life and engaged in the process to select an academic major, said Jason Eckert, Career Services director.

“Sophomores have the maturity and necessary resources to take the next step in their own career development and to use skills to interact with prospective employers,” Eckert said.

Career Camp will feature workshops and discussions on such topics as writing resumes and cover letters; interviewing tips for success; internship and graduate school planning; professional communication; action plan writing; the habits of vocational discernment; translating your liberal arts skills; and marketing your liberal arts experiences.

Participants also will attend “first impression” sessions in which they interact with professionals to get pointers and feedback on networking, professional dress, handshakes and small talk.

A “LinkedIn Lab” will guide students through the creation of their personal profile page on the business and employment-oriented social networking service. Participants also will receive professional head shots for their LinkedIn profiles.

A panel of University alumni will share their professional experiences and answer students’ questions about launching their own careers. Students also will be able to hone their new skills at an etiquette dinner and alumni networking event.

The program will conclude with tours of several Dayton-area businesses.

“Career Camp will provide students with direct access to talented University of Dayton alumni and prospective employers, both of whom will serve as workshop facilitators, featured panelists and guests at the etiquette dinner,” Eckert said. “Students will also visit up to three organizations in the Dayton area interested in engaging them in conversations regarding internships and future employment opportunities.”

Career Camp builds on the College’s strong record for student success.

The College’s undergraduate classes of August 2017, December 2017 and May 2018 have a 97 percent success rate, with 92 percent of respondents working within their chosen field or a stepping stone toward it six months after graduation, according to Career Services’ Flyer First Destination Survey.

The College plans to continue Career Camp beyond 2020 and expand the number of sophomore students it serves in future years.

A Career Camp website with program and registration information will launch during summer 2019.

- Dave Larsen, communication coordinator, College of Arts and Sciences

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