Student Information
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, a sample schedule is listed below. Registration is not required to attend the event, but is required to participate in the complimentary lunch event. Reserve your lunch space here.
We want this program to be welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for all of our participants. Please share any considerations (e.g., disability, wellness, cultural, etc.) you want us to know about with Shannon Wilson at wilso4sl@jmu.edu or call 540-568-8904.
Featured Programming
Sample Schedule
Thursday
Alumni will visit select classes or department events to talk with students about their experiences after graduating from JMU.
Friday
9:45-10:30 AM: Sign in at Taylor 307
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.
- Careers in Doing Good: Alumni will off advice and share their experiences from careers in public service, nonprofit, social justice, civic engagement, and advocacy to students who are interested in serving in such fields.
- You Did What with Your Major?: Hear about alumni's unexpected journeys and get advice for starting your own.
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.
- 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.
- *Job Search Strategies for Finding an Internship or Job: Learn job search strategies when the job titles aren't clearly associated with your major.
- You Did What with Your Major? Careers in Public Service, Law, and Government: Hear about alumni's unexpected journeys and get advice for starting your own. This panel will feature alumni whose careers align with the Public Service, Law, and Government career community.
12:30 PM-1:45 PM / Madison Union Ballroom, Warren Hall 5th floor
Complimentary Lunch with Feature Panel (reserve your spot)
- Student Panel: A feature panel will discuss how to gain work-based experience as a student and the range of opportunities that are available.
Session 3
1:55 PM-2:45 PM / Taylor Hall 3rd and 4th floor
Concurrent panels and workshops
- Navigating Contimued Education after Graduation: Panelists discuss several factors to consider including which program to study, the timeline for attending, and which school to attend, is more education required to accomplish career goals.
- Communication in the Workplace: Alumni discuss strategies for developing the written and verbal communication skills required in any career.
- *Networking Online and In Person: Learn best practices for making connections online or in person. This session will also highlight how to maximize the use of LinkedIn for networking and learning.
- You Did What with Your Major? Careers in Arts, Communication, and Entertainment: Hear about alumni's unexpected journeys and get advice for staring your own. This panel will feature alumni whose careers align with the Arts, Communication, and Entertainment career community.
3:00 PM-4:00 PM / Taylor Hall 405
Employer Tabling: Students can meet employers in an informal setting to learn about their company and any open positions they are looking to fill.
3:00 PM-4:00 PM / Hall of Presidents, D-Hall 3rd floor
Alumni, Faculty & Staff Reception
2024 Alumni Participant Biographies
Alumni Information
Lodging Information
For your convenience, the link below can be used to view lodging options in the area.
Inclement Weather
If the University is closed due to inclement weather, the Career Readiness Conference will not be held.