You’re invited to attend the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Career Conference alumni panels and lunch on Friday, February 20, 2026.

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!

Student registration is not required to attend the event, but is required to participate in the complimentary lunch event. Reserve your seat.

Accessibility: Navigating Campus

2026 Schedule

Thursday

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

Friday 

9:45 AM: Check-in begins at Taylor 307 for alumni, students, and volunteers

Students: Drop in as you are for any session.

Session 1

10:20-11:10 AM / Taylor Hall 3rd and 4th floors

Concurrent panels and workshops (panels listed may change)

• Balancing Acts: Work/life balance is something young professionals often struggle with, especially those navigating multiple time commitments, or responsibilities. Alumni will share their experience and lessons learned.

• Careers in Doing Good: Alumni will share their experiences from careers in service, nonprofit, social justice, civic engagement, and advocacy to students who are interested in serving in such fields. 

• Speed Networking: Alumni will be assigned a topic and table. Students will spend a short period of time at each table and rotate through to discuss each topic. Topics will include job/internship search tips, the importance of mentorship, AI in the workplace, best practices for networking, and how to market soft skills acquired through part time jobs and courses. 

• 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. 

Session 2

11:30 AM-12:20 PM / Taylor Hall 3rd and 4th floors

Concurrent panels and workshops (panels listed may change)

• Life as an Entrepreneur: Alumni will share the ins and outs of being an entrepreneur.

• 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.

• Resume/Portfolio Reviews: Alumni will meet 1:1 with students to discuss resumes and portfolios. Students are encouraged to bring materials to review and receive feedback.

• 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

Lunch with Keynote speaker

Planning for Life After College: How to Thrive Financially: Join us for an engaging discussion led by Brad Barnett, where we will explore practical strategies for financial success as you transition from college to career. Would you like to learn how to determine what salary you need to meet your goals, or how to plan for managing student loan payments? This interactive session will be guided by your questions, so come ready to ask and gain insights tailored to your future. (reservations encouraged for faculty, staff, and students)

Session 3

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

Concurrent panels and workshops (panels listed may change)

• Communication in the Workplace: Alumni discuss strategies for developing the written and verbal communication skills required in any career and share insights to what internal communication is like in the workplace. 

• Resume/Portfolio Reviews: Alumni will meet 1:1 with students to discuss resumes and portfolios. Students are encouraged to bring materials to review and receive feedback.

• Speed Networking: Alumni will be assigned a topic and table. Students will spend a short period of time at each table and rotate through to discuss each topic. Topics will include job/internship search tips, the importance of mentorship, AI in the workplace, best practices for networking, and how to market soft skills acquired through part time jobs and courses.

• You Did What with Your Major?: Hear about alumni's unexpected journeys and get advice for starting your own. 

3:00 PM-4:00 PM / Taylor Hall 405

Employer Tabling and dessert: Students can enjoy dessert white meeting employers in an informal setting to learn about their company and any open positions that may be available.

3:00 PM-4:30 PM / Hall of Presidents, D-Hall 3^rd floor

Alumni, Faculty & Staff Reception