Career Services Links With Other CAPE Services To Build A Holistic Student Journey

Elmira, NY (04/04/2022) — This is the final in a 5-part article series highlighting the Center for Academic & Professional Excellence (CAPE). See below for links to previous articles.

When Colin McLaughlin '22 began his search for an internship, he started by looking online at area government organizations and related businesses to see what was available. A Criminal Justice major, McLaughlin wanted to intern with a law enforcement organization. But his search was proving difficult and leaving him frustrated.

"I was really struggling to find an internship on my own," he said. "It was tough to find a place by looking online since many organizations don't list their internships on their websites."

After meeting some deadends, McLaughlin decided to ask for help from Career Services, where he met Rachel Redmond, Director of the Center for Academic and Professional Excellence(CAPE) and Director of Career Services.

"Career Services is a great tool," McLaughlin said. "Rachel Redmond helped me find opportunities In the area. Together, we looked into what would work best for me. Rachel's been there and has been a person I can go to."

Redmond began by asking McLaughlin pointed questions to understand what he had already done to find an internship and get a sense of his interests and career goals. She immediately had some ideas and advice, explaining to McLaughlin that he would need to call locations to find out if they had internships. Then, McLaughlin and Redmond developed a plan with some deadlines and both began reaching out to their networks.

McLaughlin was able to secure an internship with the Chemung County Sheriff's Office and enjoys the experience. He works two to three days a week, sometimes completing office and administrative tasks and sometimes riding along with deputies as they address traffic stops and other disturbances including a home eviction, a possible credit card fraud, drug busts, and domestic abuse calls.

"Everyone is super nice and there is a good work environment," he said. "They all want to help me and are happy to answer my questions. I've been there enough that one deputy lets me stand near him in some safer situations so that I can hear what is being said and better understand what the situation is really about."

McLaughlin's experience is the type of success that fuels Redmond who wants to create a "whole student" approach to the academic services provided at the College. From tutoring to accommodations to career services, the goal is to prepare students for their professional lives.

"We want students to use all of the information they have from their classes, extracurricular involvement, community engagement, and internships to inform them about their skills, values and interests," she said. "By reflecting on all of these experiences, they have a better understanding about what they will enjoy and be good at, which can really drive their career goals forward."

For example, Redmond has seen students decide to improve their writing skills at the Writing Center, knowing that it is important to their future careers. Other students find passion and focus during their community engagement experiences. A Business major may decide to use their skills at companies dedicated to helping children as a result of volunteering at the Elmira Transformation Center, a non-profit organization that provides children and families with resources to help them succeed.

As the CAPE team members assist students academically and professionally, the team is also building a stronger alumni network. Last year, Redmond worked with the Office of Alumni Relations to launch Alumnifire, a networking platform similar to LinkedIn that makes it easier for alumni and current students to connect. Alumni who are looking for talent can post internship and job opportunities, building pipelines to work experiences nationally and internationally.

"Our alumni are eager to give back," said Redmond. "They play a vital role in contributing to the success of EC students by offering mentorship, sending professional opportunities and sharing their experiences through networking calls and professional panels."

Redmond hopes more students and alumni will find value in all that Career Services and the other CAPE services have to offer, particularly recent graduates who are just getting started in their careers.

McLaughlin agrees.

"I think students should take advantage of Career Services," he said. "A lot of people find internships and jobs on their own. But why not utilize all of your resources? The Career Services team wants the best for students and is there to help them."

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Rachel Redmond, Director of the Center for Academic and Professional Excellence(CAPE) and Director of Career Services, helps counsel students on how to find service, intern, and job opportunities.