Does career preparation have a place in the liberal arts? How can Amherst connect students with alumni in meaningful ways? With unpaid internships growing in prevalence, what’s the best way to create equitable opportunities for students who want to build their resumes? And how does a college encourage students to visit the Career Center early on—before they even know what they want to do?
During Homecoming weekend members of the Amherst community gathered for the dedication of the newly named Loeb Center for Career Exploration and Planning. The celebration began with a panel discussion that asked all of those questions and more.
Over the past several years, the Center has reorganized around seven different career areas and expanded its offerings to encourage students to explore various professional paths. This reorganization marks a fundamental change from the traditional college career center, and today, more students than ever are visiting. Last year, more than 1,300 Amherst students participated in advising sessions, and the center offered over 140 programs that ranged from traditional resume workshops to industry-specific trips.