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.
Student Information
You’re invited to attend the College of Arts and Letters Career Conference on Thursday, February 23rd and Friday, February 24th.
Registration is now closed.
What is a Career Conference?
The College of Arts and Letters Career 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 alumni from the College of Arts and Letters
- Hear stories about experiences from CAL alumni
- Discover valuable strategies for pursuing careers
- Find out how to maximize the impact of attending a Career Fair
- And more!
This is different from a career fair. The University Career Center has a Career Fair scheduled for Tuesday, February 28th and Wednesday, March 1st. Different employers will be attending each day. We encourage you to attend our event to prepare for the upcoming Career Fair.
Featured Programming
To view or download this information as a PDF, click here.
Hospitality Suite: Taylor 400
Workspace: Taylor 311
Thursday, February 23, 2023
8:45 Registration Opens
Warren Hall 502
9:30-10:45 Opening
Madison Ballroom
Welcome from Dean Aguirre
Keynote Speaker: Tina Fox founder of TERN Mentoring
Tina Fox is an award-winning executive, SCOM alum, entrepreneur, and mentor. We are excited to welcome Fox as our keynote speaker to share insights and the importance of mentorship.
11:00-12:15 Session 1
Careers in Liberal Arts: Knowing – and selling – the strengths of a liberal arts degree
Taylor 302
Liberal Arts degrees offer many advantages in the career world. Employers in a wide range of fields value the habits of mind and the critical thinking, communication, research, and interpersonal skills developed through a liberal arts curriculum. Yet those with a liberal arts degree may have to explain, defend, or sell its strengths to parents, potential employers, or other stakeholders. This panel will explore what a liberal arts degree can offer and how to communicate its value.
Mentor interest group with Tina Fox
Taylor 304
For alums who have an interest in mentoring students
Networking: online and in person
Taylor 305
Networking is an organic process, that usually happens when two people meet at an event and strike up conversation based on common experiences. With social media, especially LinkedIn, alumni will share experiences in networking online and in person.
Beyond the Bachelor’s degree: Graduate and professional education
Taylor 402
A wide range of graduate and professional degrees and certificates are available after completing an undergraduate education. In this panel, alumni will explore their postgraduate educational paths, and share advice with current students considering continuing their own education.
Internships: What is an internship and how do you find one?
Tyalor 405
Many organizations are starting to hire students for internships that have the potential to lead to full time employment. With so many career options for Liberal Arts degrees, an internship is a great way to try out a job and explore what you like or don’t like to better inform your job search after graduation.
12:30-2:00 Networking Lunch
2:15-3:30 Session 2
How’d you get there?
Taylor 302
Career trajectories rarely follow a straight line, particularly in the modern job market. Many college graduates, including those with liberal arts degrees, find their careers taking surprising – and surprisingly rewarding – paths. Alumni panelists will discuss their journeys and offer audience members advice for starting their own potentially circuitous paths.
Careers in Doing Good: Jobs that make a difference
Taylor 305
Liberal arts degrees offer unique opportunities for careers in service, nonprofit, social justice, civic engagement, advocacy, and other fields that focus on doing good. Alumni panelists will reflect on their own experiences serving in such fields and offer advice to current students interested in careers in doing good.
Fellowships and Awards
Taylor 402
Fellowships are competitive awards that provide financial support for purposeful activities such as graduate study, study abroad, activism and public service work, language acquisition, internships, self-designed projects, teaching English abroad,
and so much more. Fellowships offer diverse, far-reaching opportunities for students of all backgrounds, majors, and interests. While some awards may look for high GPAs or experiences, many do not.
Knowing where to start: Job search strategies for finding your first job(s)
Taylor 405
The process of finding that first job – or changing jobs early career – can be daunting, particularly considering the wide range of career opportunities available to those with a liberal arts degree. Alumni panelists will offer stories, strategies, advice, and encouragement for the job search process, particularly in the early career stages.
3:45-5:00 Session 3
Do’s and don’ts for thriving in your first job
Taylor 302
Settling into the first job can be challenging after graduation. Alumni from a wide range of careers will offer stories, suggestions, and advice for navigating those challenges and thriving on the first job.
Balancing Acts: managing work, life, and passion projects]
Taylor 305
Work/life balance has become even more important during the pandemic, and graduates will benefit from learning to navigate multiple roles at once. This panel explores strategies for finding and maintaining balance, particularly for those pursuing multiple jobs, civic engagement opportunities, and passion projects
Say What?: Communication skills in the workplace
Taylor 402
Nearly every career requires strong written and spoken communication skills. Liberal arts degrees offer many opportunities to develop effective communication skills. In this panel, alumni from a wide range of career fields will discuss strategies for developing and honing those skills and applying them in the workplace.
On the Job: What I learned from work that I didn’t learn in the classroom
Taylor 405
No degree can prepare us for every challenge or provide all the skills and knowledge needed for entering the career world. Alumni panelists will share what they learned on the job (or in the world) that they didn’t learn in the classroom and will offer current students' strategies for adapting to career demands.
Friday, February 24, 2023
8:45 Registration Opens
Warren Hall 502
9:30-10:45 Session 1
Networking event for Alumni Board Members
Taylor 304
Open to members of any alumni board at JMU
Learn about other alumni boards and how they work while networking with other alums who participate on alumni boards across campus.
Careers in Legal Fields
Taylor 305
Not everyone with a law degree practices law – but some do. This panel will explore the range and variety of careers in legal fields, and the ways that career trajectories can change over time.
Knowing Where to Start: Job search strategies for finding your first job(s)
Taylor 306
The process of finding that first job – or changing jobs early career – can be daunting, particularly considering the wide range of career opportunities available to those with a liberal arts degree. Alumni panelists will offer stories, strategies, advice, and encouragement for the job search process, particularly in the early career stages.
Navigating Gender and Identity in the workplace
Taylor 309
Your identities play a big role in the workplace, especially when they are different from those you work with, which can impact your everyday work experience. In this session, we will look at the multifaceted nature of identity and how it applies to you. We will explore how to handle difficult conversations, advocate for your authentic self, and identify people & places that align with your values. There will also be the opportunity for you to share and hear stories from alumni and other students.
Careers in Liberal Arts: Knowing – and selling – the strengths of a liberal arts degree
Taylor 402
Liberal Arts degrees offer many advantages in the career world. Employers in a wide range of fields value the habits of mind and the critical thinking, communication, research, and interpersonal skills developed through a liberal arts curriculum. Yet those with a liberal arts degree may have to explain, defend, or sell its strengths to parents, potential employers, or other stakeholders. This panel will explore what a liberal arts degree can offer and how to communicate its value.
Career Fair 101
Taylor 405
Attending a Career Fair can be overwhelming. Learn what you can expect at a Career Fair and tips for talking to employers.
11:00-12:15 Session 2
Say What?: Communication skills in the workplace
Taylor 304
Nearly every career requires strong written and spoken communication skills. Liberal arts degrees offer many opportunities to develop effective communication skills. In this panel, alumni from a wide range of career fields will discuss strategies for developing and honing those skills and applying them in the workplace.
Pathways to Law School
Taylor 305
Some lawyers go straight from undergraduate studies to law school. Others take a gap year (or two) or work in a different career before going to law school. This panel explores different paths to law school and things to consider when deciding if and when law school is the right choice for you.
How’d you get there?
Taylor 306
Career trajectories rarely follow a straight line, particularly in the modern job market. Many college graduates, including those with liberal arts degrees, find their careers taking surprising – and surprisingly rewarding – paths. Alumni panelists will discuss their journeys and offer audience members advice for starting their own potentially circuitous paths.
Doing business with a Liberal Arts Degree
Taylor 402
Many liberal arts graduates find themselves doing business: starting small (or big) businesses, consulting or contracting, or otherwise working in the business world. Alumni will share their experiences and advice for navigating that world and leveraging their liberal arts degree to succeed.
Insights from employers for students
Taylor 405
Alumni with hiring or supervising experience share insights about the job search and hiring process, including what they look for in resumes, tips for the interview process, and expectations of new employees.
12:30-1:30 Networking Lunch in Ballroom
1:45-3:00 Session 3
Working in a non-profit
Taylor 304
Working in a non-profit organization can be rewarding. Working for an organization that aligns with your passions can be extremely rewarding. Many people find this experience while working in a non-profit organization. Alumni will speak from experience about the rewards and challenges presented in the non-profit sector.
Balancing Acts: managing work, life, and passion projects
Taylor 306
Work/life balance has become even more important during the pandemic, and graduates will benefit from learning to navigate multiple roles at once. This panel explores strategies for finding and maintaining balance, particularly for those pursuing multiple jobs, civic engagement opportunities, and passion projects.
Insights from Employers for faculty
Taylor 309
Alumni with hiring or supervising experience share insights about how faculty can help students navigate the job search process.
Networking: online and in person
Taylor 402
Networking is an organic process, that usually happens when two people meet at an event and strike up conversation based on common experiences. With social media, especially LinkedIn, alumni will share experiences in networking online and in person.
On the Job: What I learned from work that I didn’t learn in the classroom
Taylor 405
No degree can prepare us for every challenge or provide all the skills and knowledge needed for entering the career world. Alumni panelists will share what they learned on the job (or in the world) that they didn’t learn in the classroom and will offer current students' strategies for adapting to career demands
3:15-4:00 Closing Networking Event for Students and Alumni
Madison Union Ballroom, Warren Hall
This is an opportunity for students to follow up on a conversation or ask alums a few questions. Practice those networking skills.
4:30-6 Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Reception
Hall of Presidents
Alumni Information
Parking Information
EVENT VISITOR permits have been issued for the attendees, valid 2/23/2023 7:00:00 AM-2/25/2023 10:00:00 PM. These permits will enable alumni guests to park, free of charge, in all standard spaces on campus.
To redeem their virtual permit, guests should go to https://jmu.aimsparking.com and click on “Redeem Event Permit.” They will be prompted to select their event, enter the event code, and enter their vehicle information. Upon confirming the transaction, they will receive an email receipt. Directions for redeeming visitor permits can be found online here.
Please see the email you received for the event name and code to redeem your virtual permit. If you did not receive that information, contact Shannon Wilson (wilso4sl@jmu.edu).
