You’re invited to attend the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Career Conference on Friday, February 20-21, 2025.

What is a Career Readiness Conference?

The CAL Career Readiness Conference gives you the opportunity to learn more about the transition from your career as a student to whatever the next phase is for you. Some of the benefits for you include opportunities to:

• Network with CAL alumni 
• Hear stories about alumni experiences 
• Discover valuable strategies for pursuing careers
• And more!

While the 2025 schedule is not finalized, it will be similar to the 2024 schedule listed below. Registration is not required to attend the event, but is required if you intend to participate in the complimentary lunch event. Reserve your lunch space here. 

This is not a career fair where you meet with employers. Students are encouraged to attend the Career Readiness Conference to prepare for the upcoming Career Fair, scheduled for February 18-19, 2025.

Accessibility: Navigating Campus

2024 Schedule (View as PDF)

Thursday

Alumni will visit select classes to talk to students about their experiences after graduating from JMU.

Friday

Sign in at Taylor 307 

9:00-10:00 AM: Alumni Board Member Breakfast - Open to anyone who serves on a JMU alumni board.

9:45-10:30 AM: Professional Headshot Opportunity

Session 1

10:20-11:10 AM / Taylor Hall 3rd floor

Concurrent panels and workshops

• Balancing Acts: Work/life balance is something young professionals often struggle with, especially those navigating multiple time commitments, or responsibilities. Panelists: B. Bahou (PPA), M. Castañeda (INTA), I. Moulton (ENG/EDUC), L. Mundt (SMAD/WRTC), M. Walsh (HIST/ART HIST)

• *Career Fair 101: Tips and tricks for getting the most out of attending the Career Fair. Panelists: S. Akers (JUST), C. Carmichael (ANTH), A. Hunter (ANTH/SCOM)

• Careers in Doing Good: Alumni will off advice and share their experiences from careers in service, nonprofit, social justice, civic engagement, and advocacy to students who are interested in serving in such fields. Panelists: D. Garcia (INTA/POSC), T. King (SCOM), K. Kojcsich (SCOM), R. Maglio (HIST)

• You Did What with Your Major?: Hear about alumni's unexpected journeys and get advice for staring your own. Panelists: C. Havron (POSC), M. Hickman (ENG/REL), A. Hoover (SCOM), S. LeFew (SPAN)

Session 2

11:30 AM-12:20 PM / Taylor Hall 3rd floor

Concurrent panels and workshops

• Balancing Acts: Work/life balance is something young professionals often struggle with, especially those navigating multiple time commitments, or responsibilities. Panelists: C. Cournoyer (HIST/SMAD), D. Harris-Aikens (PPA), M. Hickman (ENG/REL), G. Robertson (PHIL), W. Macgill (SMAD)

• Insights from Employers: Alumni with hiring experience share insights about the job search and hiring process, like what they look for in resumes, interview tips, and expectations of new employees. Panelists: M. Egan (ENG/EDUC), T. Keefe (POSC/PPA), T. King (SCOM), R. Lau (POSC), M. Wasniewski (HIST/SMAD)

• *Job Search Strategies for Finding an Internship or Job: Learn job search strategies when the job titles aren't clearly associated with your major. Panelists: A. Adams (POSC), C. Carmichael (ANTH), K. Gilliam (SCOM), M. Johnson (SCOM)

• *Navigating Gender and Identity in the Workplace: Learn how to handle difficult conversations, advocate for your authentic self, and identify people & places that align with your values. Panelists: K. Frank (SCOM), J. Rountree (PPA)

12:30 PM-1:45 PM / Madison Union Ballroom, Warren Hall 5^th floor

Complimentary Lunch with Feature Panel (reserve your spot)

• Crossroads: Navigating Paths After Graduation: Alumni will discuss their decisions to go (or not go) to graduate school. Moderator: A. Hoover (SCOM) Panelists: A. Hunter (ANTH/SCOM), L. Mundt (SMAD/WRTC)  

Session 3

1:55 PM-2:45 PM / Taylor Hall 3rd and 4th floor

Concurrent panels and workshops

• Career Paths of Alumni who Majored in International Affairs, Political Science, and Public Administration: POSC Alumni Board members from these majors will share about their career paths and tips for students who are interested in working in similar fields. Panelists: A. Adams (POSC), G. Bahou (PPA), T. Barrett (INTA), D. Harris-Aikens (PPA), C. Havron (POSC), T. Keefe (POSC/PPA), R. Lau (POSC), J. Rountree (PPA)

• Communication in the Workplace: Alumni discuss strategies for developing the written and verbal communication skills required in any career. Panelists: K. Frank (SCOM), S. LeFew (SPAN), I Moulton (ENG/EDUC), G. Robertson (PHIL), M. Wasniewski (HIST/SMAD)

• *Networking Online and In Person: Alumni talk networking experiences and best practices for making connections online or in person. Panelists: S. Akers (JUST), K. Gilliam (SCOM), A. Hunter (SCOM/ANTH), L. Mundt (SMAD/WRTC)

• Tips for Faculty who Advise Students: Alumni share advice for faculty as they advise students and answer questions about career path options. Panelists: C. Cournoyer (HIST/SMAD), M. Egan (ENG/EDUC), A. Hoover (SCOM), W. Macgill (SMAD), M. Walsh (HIST/ART HIST)

• You Did What with Your Major?: Hear about alumni's unexpected journeys and get advice for staring your own. Panelists: D. Garcia (INTA/POSC), M. Johnson (SCOM), K. Kojcsich (SCOM), R. Maglio (HIST)

3:00 PM-5:00 PM / Alumni, Faculty & Staff Reception

Hall of Presidents, D-Hall 3^rd floor

2024 Alumni Participant Biographies