Carthage has launched a comprehensive four-year career preparation program for all students. The Aspire Program™ provides students in all majors with individual career counseling, greater access to internships, and new opportunities to explore career options. Here are 5 things to know about career preparation at Carthage:
No. 1: The Aspire Program is for everyone — and participation is automatic.
First-year students entering Carthage in fall 2019 will be the first cohort to follow The Aspire Program’s four-year career development plan, but all students benefit from The Aspire Center’s numerous resources. For incoming freshmen, enrollment in The Aspire Program is automatic, and there is no additional cost. The program is designed for students in every major and integrated into the Carthage experience.
No. 2: Career-building experiences mean you learn by doing.
The Aspire Program connects students to internships, study abroad experiences, service opportunities, and research, starting in your first year. You’ll gain real experience on and off campus to help you clarify your interests, determine your best career options, and build the skills you need for today’s job market. You will develop leadership, entrepreneurship, and creativity skills to lead and thrive in times of change. With 40 percent of jobs likely to change significantly within the next 10 years, Carthage is educating you for the known today and the unknown tomorrow.
No. 3: Everyone gets a personal career coach.
From your first days on campus, you will have an assigned Career Specialist, with knowledge specific to your industry, to help you shape a customized career plan based on your interests. Undecided about your future? No worries. Your Career Specialist can help you identify your interests and the best career pathways to pursue. Your specialist can create valuable connections for you on and off campus.
No. 4: You will expand your network.
You will boost your personal and professional networks by attending career-building events, pairing with a mentor in your chosen field, and searching for jobs and internships in Handshake, Carthage’s robust online database.
No. 5: Annual Aspire Conference hones skills.
Carthage holds The Aspire Conference every fall. All students are invited to attend topical presentations by Carthage alumni and other speakers, and hone career-building skills.
Career planning is not just about getting a great job. The Aspire Program is about understanding how your activities in and outside of work can help you build a satisfying life.