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The first week of the semester, the sound of laughter poured out of the doors of CEC 111 sections as student groups collaborated on playing card towers. The results were mixed – some towers stood strong while others struggled to remain steady. But the project’s aim – to build camaraderie over a fun-infused engineering project – was clearly a success.

Since that first week, participants in CEC 111 have benefited from myriad professional experiences, all designed to help kickstart their academic career in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University’s College of Engineering and Computing. From guest speakers to group projects to resume workshops, first-years at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú are starting their university life with a remarkably solid foundation.

One experience that’s been particularly impactful has been the Career Exploration Panel.

Over two days in late October, 50 professionals generously shared their time (and invaluable career insights) during the panel, organized by Director of Industry Relations Colleen Bush. “Our students found immense value in exploring the diverse array of career paths, which promises to significantly influence their future career choices,” said Bush. “The impactful advice imparted by the professionals will undoubtedly shape their college journey and beyond.”

Emma Krabbe ‘23, a TA for one of the CEC 111 sections, echoed the value of the Career Exploration Panel for first-year students. “They were taught about many different career paths, how to learn from their failures, and how many professionals change their career, sometimes drastically,” said Emma. Not only that, Emma said, “they learned that they can change their careers at any point and that they can do anything because they are engineers and computer scientists.”

As part of the Career Exploration Panel experience, Tyaira Smith and Katie Southwood from the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University’s Center for Career Exploration and Success conducted resume workshops with the first-year students. This experience provided guidance for students to craft their first resume or enhance their existing ones. “In alignment with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), embedding career readiness competencies into curriculum allows students to gain the skills needed to reach career outcomes,” said Tyaira Smith, Assistant Director and CEC Liaison at the Center for Career Exploration and Success. “While first-year students are at the start of their career journey, it's never too early to begin! The creation of a resume is an important staple in presenting their background, skills and achievements to a future employer.”

By integrating input from Center for Career Exploration and Success experts into CEC 111, students were able to see how collaboration works across campus at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University. Andrew Paluch, Ph.D., one of the professors leading CEC 111 this year,  said that teaching the course has been “incredibly rewarding.” He added that “what makes the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University College of Engineering and Computing and ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University special is that we all work together as a team – as a family – to support and train our students.”