Students find jobs, co-ops and confidence at Lake Campus Career Hub

The Lake Campus Career Hub is a one-stop resource for career exploration, job shadowing, professional document review, interview practice, internship searches and major advising. (Photo by Erin Pence)

By Sarah Cavendar ’20

When sophomore accounting major Paige Buschur walked into the career and internship fair this spring, she had a polished resume, a clear pitch and a plan — all thanks to a few sessions at the Lake Campus Career Hub. She left with a co-op at Crown Equipment.

Buschur’s experience reflects the Career Hub’s focus on connecting more students with employment opportunities at Wright State’s Lake Campus.

The Career Hub is a one-stop resource for career exploration, job shadowing, professional document review, interview practice, internship searches and major advising. As part of the university’s workforce development team, the hub also connects local industries with student and alumni candidates.

“The Career Hub is most beneficial because it shows you all of the open opportunities, and it is just up to you to take the next step,” Buschur said. “If you are unsure about your career path or even a resume, the Career Hub is a great place to start. There is a lot of help with resumes, internships and career planning.”

Suzanne Batten, career coach and assistant director for career engagement and success, said the hub has expanded services and opportunities aimed at preparing students for post-graduate success. This year alone, more than 300 students and alumni have engaged with the Career Hub, participating in activities, workshops and appointments.

The hub hosts multiple events a month, ranging from employer talks to on-campus activities. Those events have included Table Talks: Meet the Employer sessions, monthly workshops, Lunch with Lowdy and professional development programs through the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE). The hub has also expanded its SOCHE resources and webinars.

Career and internship fairs are held each Fall and Spring Semester. This spring, the hub added a hiring event in which businesses conducted open interviews for posted positions.

Other new additions include mini-internships and job shadowing activities tied to specific majors and local businesses. A semester-long internship course allows students to convert hours worked at a job into course credit, giving them a way to apply their degree field to hands-on career experience.

Halle Elwer, a senior nursing major, was among the first students to enroll in the internship course. The online course requires students to complete discussion posts reflecting on their internship experience.

“It’s so important to get on-site experience,” Elwer said. “So much of it I can’t learn in the classroom. I’m extremely grateful for the work I’m already doing, and I’m getting school credit for it.”