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Photo courtesy of Cady Stanley, ’25.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the Office of Career Planning (OCP) is focusing on developing students鈥� career-ready communication skills.

鈥淐ommunication skills are foundational to the career and professional development process and a successful transition into professional environments,鈥� said Dana Sumner, director of OCP. 鈥淭his focus will prompt students to pause and think about their communication style and how it aligns or misaligns with the expectations of faculty and employers.鈥�

On September 17, OCP, in partnership with the Student Government Association (SGA), hosted its first-ever Student Organization Spotlight & Networking Night. The night began with representatives from 12 companies, including Aflac, Bright Horizons, Labcorp, Mitchell & Nemitz, PA, and the YMCA of the Triangle, introducing themselves, as well as OCP sharing networking tips.

For the main event, 12 student organizations set up booths while employer representatives went from table to table asking students about the organization, their involvement, and more. This 鈥渞everse鈥� career fair format allowed students to practice articulating their experience, skills, and interests.

Elle Cannon, 鈥�25, board chair of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for SGA, spearheaded the involvement of student organizations. 鈥淚 wanted to help the identity and culture-based organizations on campus connect with employers,鈥� she said. 鈥淎ttending as representatives of an organization they鈥檙e part of gives students talking points and a way to share their experiences.鈥�

Students who are not members of the participating organizations were also invited to network with employers and fellow students.

鈥淚鈥檓 so glad Meredith has these events because it allows me to expand my network. It鈥檚 something I wouldn鈥檛 necessarily know how to do on my own,鈥� said Tess Bouyounan, 鈥�28, who is studying history. 鈥淎s a freshman, I have some time before I start the job search process but it鈥檚 helpful to practice and start preparing.鈥�

Many employers at the networking night also attended OCP鈥檚 annual Career Fest, held the following day, giving students an additional opportunity to connect with them.

As students continue to practice and develop their communication skills, Jody King, a representative from Mitchell & Nemitz, PA, offered advice. 鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to show your personality. Companies are looking for candidates who fit their culture.鈥�

Upcoming Events

OCP is offering new Career-Ready Communication Workshops. A virtual option will be held on October 23 and an in-person option, which includes lunch, will be on October 24. Students will engage in group exercises to advance their communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills through group exercises. Students will also have the opportunity to hone their communication skills during OCP鈥檚 mock interview week in October and an employer panel in November.

鈥淚n these events, workshops, and one-on-one career counseling sessions, students have safe places to ask questions, practice appropriate responses, and receive feedback,鈥� said Sumner. 鈥淥ur hope is this will help build confidence and reduce anxiety.鈥�

To learn more about how Meredith supports students鈥� career opportunities, visit meredith.edu/career-planning.