A new program to help Elon students make smart job search decisions based on geographical preference, all while connecting them with alumni and other professionals, was recently cited as a best practices model at the National Association of Colleges and Employers annual conference in Las Vegas.
Elon’s program was lauded and discussed during “Geography and Jobs: The Impact of Place on Employment and Satisfaction,” a presentation by Career Services staff at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Under Elon Career Services’ new “Beyond Elon” student transition programming umbrella, and in partnership with Alumni Relations, a series of city-focused “Destination” programs was developed and presented throughout the course of the past academic year. “Beyond Elon” offers programs, workshops and events that have a strong student transition focus.
In all, eight “Destination” programs took place and included cities such as Washington, D.C., New York, Atlanta, Boston, Raleigh and others. While many of the programs were live panels, others were conducted virtually or as a combination of both. Several of the programs also allowed students to interact and ask questions of chamber of commerce staff representing their respective city.
The “Destination” series is ongoing and will showcase six to nine different cities each academic year. Many of cities chosen are in response to annual student surveys conducted by Career Services asking students where they most want to seek employment following graduation.