The annual Life After College Week will take place on campus from March 9 to March 13. Hosted by the Center for Career & Vocation, this week will allow students to explore opportunities in graduate schools and jobs, as well as learn valuable life skills for post-graduation. Each day, the staff and student workers will host events open to all students.

Monday, March 9 – Grad School Fair

Students of all majors should head to the Gym Breezeway from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to explore graduate programs from various institutions. This event will be the perfect opportunity to learn more about application requirements and timelines, as well as the next steps to pursue an advanced degree. 

Monday, March 9 – Networking Etiquette Night with RES

From 4 –5 p.m. at Eagles’ Landing, students can learn how to network in both professional and social settings. Tips regarding how to start conversations, follow up and make lasting connections will be provided.

Tuesday, March 10 – Budgeting 101

This event will be hosted at the Career Studio from 2 –3 p.m. Students can learn practical tips on managing money after college, focusing on budgeting basics, saving strategies and building healthy financial habits.

Wednesday, March 11 – Full-Time Hiring Expo

Head back to the Gym Breezeway and connect with employers hiring full-time roles. Employers from various industries will be attending, and students can learn what companies are looking for. This expo will take place from 11 a.m.– 2 p.m.

“For fairs and expos, I always encourage students to come prepared. Update your resume, take a few minutes to look at the organizations or programs that will be there, and practice a brief introduction about who you are, your major, and what you’re hoping to pursue,” recommended Katherine Olea, Assistant Director of Career Development. “Thoughtful questions and a simple follow-up email afterward can turn a quick conversation into a strong professional connection.”

Cindy Arentsen, Career Center Program Assistant, will be hosting the career fairs. She explained that there will be some new and exciting employers present. “Some of the exciting employers we have attending this year are OCVibe! It is a great opportunity for jobs in this new development with the Anaheim Ducks. We also have Modern Woodmen of America, Enterprise Mobility, and the  San Diego County Sheriff’s. A new employer on campus is TriNet, an HR solutions company,” she said.

Thursday, March 12 – Adulting with Intention with the Wellness Center

Adulthood means continuing to care for your well-being. Join the staff at the Wellness Center from 2 –3 p.m. and learn how to prepare for life after graduation by focusing on connection, goal-setting, personal strengths and campus and community resources that are available to support your well-being.

Thursday, March 12 – Campus 2 Career: Public Service Panel & Tabling

Take a seat at the DeNault Auditorium from 5 –7 p.m. and hear directly from professionals in public service, education, parks and recreation and law enforcement. Conversations will focus on their career paths, the required degrees to pursue them, and opportunities to get involved. 

“For workshops and panels, come ready to engage. Take notes, ask questions and think about how the information connects to your own goals. These sessions are meant to give you practical, realistic next steps that you can start applying right away,” said Olea.

Friday, March 13 – Education Hiring Expo

Students looking to pursue careers in education can meet school districts and education-related employers recruiting for teaching and education-adjacent roles. Available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gym Breezeway, students can explore the various pathways into the education field. Even if students have participated in Life After College Week before, they are encouraged to participate again.

“Career goals can shift from year to year. What made sense as a sophomore might look different as a junior or senior. New interests develop, confidence grows, and opportunities evolve,” said Olea. “Each year also brings different employers, graduate programs and panelists, along with updated information about hiring trends and application processes. What you hear this year may resonate in a new way because you’re in a different stage of your journey.”

“I love it when I see students connect the dots between their college experience and what comes next, because that next stage is right around the corner,” added Arentsen. “Life After College brings together everything from career exploration to practical life skills, and it’s exciting to watch students gain confidence – whether they’re networking at the etiquette night, exploring opportunities at the hiring expos, or learning how to step into adulthood with intention and wellness in mind.”

Tags: Careers and Vocation

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