The Center for Career Development is committed to assisting students as they explore how their academic and personal interests align and help them connect these interests to career aspirations. Staff members aim to empower students as emerging professionals and support their pursuit of meaningful careers by providing curated resources, diverse programming and connections to alumni and employer partners.
During a student's first year, students develop a greater sense of who they are, what they want and how they can achieve success through a degree from Bridgewater College. Individual coaching and assessment tools are available to help in choosing majors that are right for them and for teaching how to use the resources toward career exploration.
As sophomores, students start to explore career and post-graduation goals and interests. The Center for Career Development can help guide this exploration through one-on-one appointments with our knowledgeable staff, professional development workshops and our online Resource Library. This is an ideal time for students to begin developing the essential soft skills that will make them more competitive applicants for future jobs and internships.
As juniors, students work toward building relevant experiential learning opportunities to complement classroom theory and practice. Center for Career Development staff members assist students in their search for internship experiences that will define both academic and career choices. As a junior, it is vitally important to develop skills in leadership, community awareness, citizenship, teamwork and critical thinking. Career Development staff can help identify campus involvement opportunities that will provide avenues for demonstrated competencies in these areas. Students should develop a strong resume, cover letter practice interview skills, as well as research graduate school programs, entrance exam requirements and employers in their areas of interest.
As seniors, students are making decisions about life after graduation, whether it’s graduate school, the workforce or public service. Our professional development workshops help students learn skills necessary for successfully achieving their goals. Job searching, interviewing, resume writing and preparing for graduate school are just a few of the topics provided. The Center for Career Development provides networking opportunities that put seniors in touch with employers and alumni who can help them navigate a path toward success. Professional receptions; alumni networking opportunities; and interactions with employers through career fairs, recruiter visits and employer programs are just some of these opportunities. Career Development staff members are available to work with each student on an individual basis to ensure confidence, career readiness and a smooth transition to their life after Bridgewater.
Center for Career Development resources are found at: bridgewater.edu/career-development. There students can find a comprehensive overview of available resources as they explore and work toward attaining their career goals. The Center for Career Development’s office is in the Forrer Learning Commons in the Academic Resource Suite, centrally located on the Bridgewater campus for easy access to Career Development staff and resources.