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. 

Accessibility: Navigating Campus

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 5^th 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 3^rd floor

Alumni, Faculty & Staff Reception

View 2024 schedule

2024 Alumni Participant Biographies