Syracuse Sun

A recent initiative aims to ease the uncertainty faced by college students as they approach graduation. According to a May 2024 Student Voice survey by Inside Higher Ed and Generation Lab, 68% of college students feel at least "somewhat" apprehensive about life after graduation. In response, the Office of Undergraduate Academic and Career Advising has launched CareerReady for students in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

CareerReady includes immersion trips where A&S | Maxwell students visit companies to learn about various industries and work cultures. Initially, these trips were limited to New York City, with programs like The Winston Fisher Seminar starting in 2007 and the Stocks and Finance Immersion beginning in 2015. These experiences help students understand how a liberal arts degree can lead to success while connecting them with industry leaders and Syracuse University alumni.

To expand opportunities, local immersions have been introduced, allowing more students from different fields to participate. Kristen Aust, director of career advising for A&S | Maxwell, along with Matt Wheeler, director of employer-alumni relations for A&S | Maxwell, coordinate these immersions. They offer insights into potential career paths through visits to companies based in Central New York.

In Fall 2024, three programs were offered: Psychology Immersion on October 18th, Stocks & Finance Immersion on November 8th, and Pre-Law Immersion on December 6th. Over 90% of participating students reported gaining valuable knowledge about career options.

Diana Bonilla-Prado participated in the pre-law immersion and found it motivating. "This trip gave me insight on what I’d like to do," she says. Sylla Diallo also attended the pre-law immersion. He valued learning from legal professionals about their educational paths. "Through this immersion," he says, "I have affirmed that I would like to pursue delivering justice."

The initiative connects students with employers who may become future interns or employees while allowing alumni to mentor current students. Wheeler states that local immersions strengthen Syracuse's connection with the community.

Upcoming Spring 2025 offerings include Psychology Immersion in Syracuse on February 28th and Health Immersion in Syracuse on March 21st.