MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

The fall semester is already behind us, and this year’s seniors are hearing the question, “What will you be doing after graduation?”

Some have an answer—graduate school, travel opportunities, a career-track position.

Others will find answers in the upcoming semester or soon after graduation.

Talking recently with Michael Sciola, Director of Wesleyan’s Career Center, I learned that he is approaching the pre-Commencement search season with greater optimism about the job market than he’s had recently. He also offers a reminder for alumni and parents to consider Wesleyan graduates when they have openings in their firms or organizations.

“The economy is getting better,” Mike observes, “but it is still a tough job market for internships and entry-level jobs. We still need to leverage the Wesleyan community’s resources for opportunities for our students.”

As loyal alumni, there is no better way to show our commitment to the liberal arts education we received than to support a Wesleyan undergraduate in his or her beginning steps on a career path. And, as an added bonus, we keep our own connection to the campus vibrant when we work with today’s students and recent graduates.

Wesleyan’s commitment to the success of our graduates is getting a very visible boost this spring when we open a brand new, state-of-the-art Career Center in the recently renovated former Squash Courts building—now known simply as 41 Wyllys Ave. (Let me know if you would like to name the building!) The space will host Art History, the College of Letters, and the Wesleyan Career Center—featur- ing the latest video conferencing technol- ogy, enabling Wesleyan to connect stu- dents with potential employers worldwide (“Think Skype times 10,” says Mike.).

“The Career Center is actively engaging employers,” Mike says. “We’ll follow up promptly to any and all leads to see how we can best match your hiring needs with great candidates. We have a sophisticated system for connecting students with opportunities based on skills and interests and would be thrilled to feature Wesleyan referred opportunities.”

If alumni and parents have a need for an incredibly bright, talented young person to fill an internship or job, I urge you to think of Wesleyan first. Send an e-mail to careercenter@wesleyan.edu and a member of the Career Center team will follow up.

You will be strengthening both Wesleyan’s reputation in the workplace and our alumni network—and you will get a chance to help a fellow Wesleyan alumnus/a off to a great start on his or her own career success.

Michael Klingher ’78, P’13, P’15 Chair,
Wesleyan Alumni Association
alumni@wesleyan.edu