Spring 2021 CPDC Event Recap

As the 2021 Spring semester comes to an end, we reflect on all the events the Career and Professional Development Center held virtually. Although this was yet another semester dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic, the CPDC worked hard to make our events as informative and engaging as possible. This spring, the CPDC hosted three virtual events.

Our spring semester kicked off with the annual Sophomore PDS Virtual Open Houses. The events were held virtually from March 1st through March 4th. Sophomore PDS students attended guided information sessions to learn about services the Career and Professional Development Center provides and what resources are available to all students. Bison learned about career coaching, events, online resources, Handshake and the Bison Boutique. Students also learned the CPDC offers career services to all Bison FOR LIFE! This spring we had 242 students attend the Open House sessions. With over 50 students rating the event a 5/5, one said, “It was a very helpful seminar. Thank you for showing me all the resources available.”

The CPDC’s largest event of the year, the 2021 Nichols College Career & Internship Fair, was held on February 16th. The career fair was an excellent opportunity for Nichols students and alumni to meet and connect with over 50 different attending organizations! There were 310 participants in attendance. We experienced an increase in the overall number of alumni and students working towards their masters who participated. We received positive feedback both from attending organizations and participants. One organization host said, “I liked knowing who had RSVP’ed for each session and being able to read their resume prior to meeting.”

A tradition at Nichols College, the Sophomore Shout Out Event Series celebrated the Class of 2023 for the halfway point through their undergraduate career. Hosted from March 29th to April 1st, Bison were welcomed and inspired by alumni, hearing advice regarding making the most out of their experience at Nichols and beyond. The Spring 2021 Sophomore Shout Out was a surprising success as we saw increases in responses across the board. The overall success of the event was rated 0.17 higher than in 2020 as it went from 4.43/5 in 2020 to 4.60/5 in 2021. This was an awesome event for both students asking questions and alumni giving feedback and advice. One alumnus couldn’t help but reminisce about their own experience attending, “This is a great event that the Nichols CPDC team offers every year. I remember going to the Sophomore Shout Out event in person and made a few good connections there. Hopefully, we can continue to have this event held in-person in the years to come.”

This semester was a learning experience for all of us, switching from in-person to virtual events. However, we were able to make the most of all our events.

The CPDC Team wants to thank students, hosts, attending organizations, alumni and all those involved in making our events run smoothly. Your feedback and insights are sincerely valued. We are already looking forward to the fall semester’s events. Thank you!

By Jonathan Vincent
Jonathan Vincent