Concordia University is set to host its annual “Life After College Week” from March 3 to 7, offering students essential career, financial and networking skills to help them transition into life beyond academia. This weeklong event is designed to equip all students, not just graduating seniors, with valuable resources to ease their concerns about post-graduation life.

Not every course, department, or major includes resources to prepare students for post-graduation life, which is why Golden Eagles are encouraged to take advantage of key events during Life After College Week.

Monday, March 3: General Hiring Expo and Health Insurance Workshop

The week kicks off with a General Hiring Expo from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Gym Breezeway. This event will feature a variety of companies who are currently hiring for full-time and internship opportunities! Students are encouraged to dress professionally and meet employers eager to hire Golden Eagles. 

On the same day, there will be a workshop on health insurance for students who plan to move off their parent’s health insurance and make their own insurance selections at a new job. That workshop takes place at 2:30 p.m. in the Career Studio on the top floor of the SLLC building.

Tuesday, March 4: Financial Workshop and Campus 2 Career: The Athlete Experience 

At 4 p.m. in the Career Studio, students can attend a workshop on crafting a custom budget that works for you and your finances, managing credit and paying off debt. Experts will be on hand to provide tips, and there will be cookies. To follow, at 6:30 p.m. in Grimm Hall 302, there will be tips and stories from an athlete alumni panel on engaging with their sport in new ways after graduation.

“When I was a student, I wish I would have had the opportunity to attend a Financial Workshop ready to learn about how to create a custom budget,” said Katherine OIea, Assistant Director of Career Development. “There was never a course geared toward things like this, and I wish someone had taught me these skills.” 

Wednesday, March 5: Career Closet Pop Up

Held in the Student Union Patio from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Grad School Fair and a Career Closet will pop up. Students are encouraged to browse the selection and pick up a few items for free to use at future professional interviews.

“The hiring expos this week are the perfect opportunity for students to dress to impress and put a face to their resume with potential employers,” said Olea.

Thursday, March 6: Help! I need a Job! Job Search Strategies

At 5 p.m. in the Career Studio in SLLC, there will be a seminar on how to find and apply for jobs. All are welcome to learn essential strategies to ease worries about the application and hiring process. The first 30 people will receive a free Chick-fil-A sandwich!

“I’m definitely going to go to [Help! I need a Job],” said senior Sports Business major Indyah Alex. “Most students don’t know job search strategies and how overwhelming it can be.” 

Friday, March 7: Education Hiring Expo

The final highlight of the week is the Education Hiring Expo from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Gym Breezeway. School districts, private schools, and education-based organizations will be present and ready to hire enthusiastic, qualified candidates. It’s an excellent opportunity for aspiring educators to network and secure job offers. Bring your resume and a smile!

“We recommend going to meet the employers at our hiring fairs, greeting them with a warm handshake and eye contact - this helps students bypass the blackhole of AI application tracking systems and the ghosting that happens when a student sends cold-email or application,” said Mariah Lucas, Director of Career Development & Vocation.

All students, whether underclassmen or upperclassmen, are encouraged to start networking for career opportunities to set themselves up for success as they begin their career journey. "More universities need to have comprehensive, post-college events like this,” said Lucas Brawner, Assistant Director of College Corps. “I can't believe how much I didn't know about life after college...until after college!" 

"No matter your major or year, this is your chance to gain the skills and confidence to take on the future," said Cindy Arentsen, Career Center Program Assistant.

“Life After College Week” at Concordia University Irvine promises to be an invaluable experience for all students, offering a comprehensive range of events to prepare them for life beyond college. Whether you’re looking to enter the workforce, manage your finances better, or transition from college athletics to a professional career, this week is not to be missed.

Tags: Careers and Vocation, graduation, Advising, alumnus, On-Campus-Jobs

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