As a first generation college student, I came to Ohio Wesleyan knowing I wanted to succeed, but not knowing how. Career Connection changed that for me. Through programs like “Harness the Power of YOU” and Bishop Launch, I’ve been able to reflect on who I am, what I care about, and how my story can mold my future path. In “Harness the Power of YOU,” I participated in activities like values assessments, career exploration exercises, and self-reflection exercises that helped me recognize my strengths and how they can be used to amplify my professional aspirations. These resources didn’t just give me tips on resumes and interviews, they helped me see my background as a strength and showed me to lead with purpose.
The Bishop Launch Program provided a necessary foundation in professional development. From one-on-one coaching to workshops on networking, building LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for the internship search, Bishop Launch gave me hands-on experience for preparing for life after college. It also connected me with a supportive community of peers and mentors who helped me feel seen and encouraged.
I’ve also taken part in Career Connection courses such as UC 154: Career Readiness and UC 153: Designing Your Future. In UC 154, I developed a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind the career landscape, learned how to identify transferable skills, and set both short-term and long-term goals for myself. The Designing Your Future course has challenged me to think critically about the various paths my career journey could take and how to prepare for an ever-evolving job market. These courses have helped me figure out what I want and how to achieve my goals. They pushed me to think long-term, explore new opportunities, and connect my passions to real world experiences. I have recently become an intern at Career Connection and have learned so much! I have put these lessons into practice, whether it’s a professional setting or simply showing up with more confidence in myself. Career Connection has been more than just a service to me, it’s been a space where I’ve learned to own my journey.
-Written by Jaila Conway Patterson
