In the Spring of 2010, Curry College hosted its 17th Annual Career Discovery Week. Students were treated to a variety of events where they heard inspiring career stories, networked with Curry alums and discovered new, possible internship and career opportunities.
Several of the academic departments on campus hosted receptions and discussion panels consisting of successful professionals and alumni, as well as current students who have had fulfilling internships in their particular field of study. Many panelists also took the time to meet with students one on one to discuss job searching, resume' building and networking.
Overall, the department events saw a large increase in attendance compared to years passed.
Applied Technology students listened to very encouraging news about the many career opportunities available in the technology field. Shawn Edge '08, Robert Anderson '07, Chris Stout '07 and current Continuing Education student Mitch Cohen spoke about their positions and offered advice for getting into the field.
Over 80 Communication students showed up to hear from alums Tasha Bracken, Alicia Viscomi, and Jeff Rosenberg about the benefits of a well-rounded education and the personal fulfillment of following one's dream. All three shared inspiring stories of starting their own business and highlighted the importance of securing internships while at Curry. And Mike Ridley of SFX Sports and Universal Pictures dazzled the audience with his very entertaining stories of working in Hollywood.
Three federal agencies - including the FBI, Homeland Security and Social Security Administration - were represented at the Criminal Justice/Sociology department luncheon which also included local agencies like the Massachusetts State Police, Boston Juvenile Court and Boston City Police. Nearly 40 students heard advice about careers in the various agencies, the competitive nature of some and the critical role that internships play in career success. Several speakers also spoke of the importance of professional presentation.
The Education Department created a night of activities for its students built around the week's theme of "Light the Fire Within: Go for the Gold." Everyone from first-year students to seniors participated in the Curry Education Olympics designed to help students recognize those qualities that make them great educators.
The Fine & Applied Arts hosted its annual Careers in the Arts forum, where students listened to industry experts speak about the opportunities and challenges in their respective fields and the need for flexibility. Valuable information about what hiring managers look for and again, the stress on internship experience was also shared. Curry student, Greg Nasca (Class of 2010), also told the story of his successful summer '09 internship in Hollywood.
Highlighting the week's events was the Networking & Internship Fair, where more than 125 students had the opportunity to practice their presentation skills and network with representatives from a variety of industries. They researched positions in the criminal justice and technology fields, listened to advice from entrepreneurs and public relations specialists and were exposed to internship opportunities on campus and abroad.
Several other workshops and events rounded out the week's activities, including a resume' review to highlight some of the resources offered by the Curry Career Services Office, as well as a special reception for Curry's first-year students.