Bryn Mawr Haverford OCEAN Students Alumnae/i Employers Events
Welcome to the Career Development Office (CDO) at Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges! Our mission is to maximize two highly selective colleges' resources fostering career exploration, networking, outreach to employers and professional growth for students and alumnae/i. Your student will have to make many decisions throughout their collegiate experience. There are many options to consider after graduation: working, attending graduate school, traveling and/or volunteering. This may be the first time that both students and families do not have a clear path into the future. It can feel uncomfortable, frustrating and daunting.
The CDO is here to offer support and resources for students to begin their journey into career exploration and development. It is our charge to provide direction and guidance as students navigate these challenging choices. We recognize that the possibilities are limitless and we want to instill in our students that they have been prepared by their liberal arts education to seek new, exciting and rewarding opportunities.
Families can assist their students in a variety of ways. Offer support and encouragement. Be open to new and different ideas. Allow students the freedom to explore different career opportunities. Realize that missteps and redirection can be a natural part of career development. Share your networking resources. Discuss strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. Encourage goal setting. Suggest visits to the CDO early and often during their academic tour.
Can you help my son or daughter choose a major? [top]
We encourage students deciding on a major to attend events of the departments, talk with the faculty, and meet with their deans. We are happy to assist students in the decision by having them meet with a career counselor, exploring careers and industries, and providing resources to help in their decisions. We can discuss different opportunities for experiential learning, and speak with them about post-graduate possibilities, including both jobs and graduate school. Some of our best resources are the Bryn Mawr and Haverford the alumnae/i lists, where students can search alumni by major, and see first hand the wide variety of careers that each major can offer.
Can you help my son or daughter find a job or internship? Can they make any money during the summer? [top]
We are happy to help students seeking summer opportunities. We encourage all students beginning the search for a summer experience to schedule an appointment to meet with a Career Counselor. We subscribe to an online internships database and offer many other resources for those seeking internships. Finally, we have part-time jobs and summer jobs on our job board. Students at Bryn Mawr and Haverford earn money during their summers by working jobs, obtaining a paid internship, or applying for one of the many College Sponsored Internships.
What kind of programs and services do you offer? [top]
We offer a variety of services and events for all classes and majors. Students are encouraged to stop by early in their college experience to see any of our career counselors. Our programming includes career panels, workshops, career exploration days, employer site visits, etc. A full list of current programs and program descriptions can be found at cdoapps.haverford.edu/resources/events/.
What is the Extern Program? [top]
The Extern Program enables students to explore different career options by allowing them to get a firsthand glimpse of a career field of interest. By shadowing professionals in their workplace, they can begin to explore their interests and learn about various opportunities. From two days to two weeks during a school break, externs observe and talk with alumnae/i sponsors and their colleagues. In most cases, they participate in the normal routines of the sponsors, following their hosts throughout the workday or working on special projects. Often, the externs spend time in several departments to gain insight into allied positions in the sponsor's particular career.
How do you support students interested in graduate/professional school? [top]
Is there an opportunity for my son/daughter to connect with alumnae/i? [top]
We offer many ways for students to connect with alumnae/i for career information and advice. Our Online Networking Guide is a great place to start. Through use of our searchable database in our office, students can identify alumnae/i that represent their interests and contact them. A variety of programs are offered throughout the year to help students meet alumnae/i such as networking receptions, career panels, and career exploration days.
How does the CDO help my son/daughter connect with employers? [top]
We are proud of our Recruiting Program which provides students with opportunities to apply and interview for jobs and internships with many employers. Opportunities exist to apply for On Campus Interviews, Resume Referrals, City-Based Recruiting Days, and Virtual Job Fairs throughout the year. We also host many employers on campus for Information Sessions.
How can I help? [top]
There are several ways you can help. Encourage your son or daughter to visit the CDO on their own, meet with a career counselor, and take advantage of our wide variety of resources. We can help guide them through each part of the process. Allow your son or daughter to learn about the value of networking by offering advice and contacts for them to pursue. Consider participating in our Extern Program or offer your organization as a Site Visit to allow other students to learn about the details of your own industry. All in all, support their career interests and encourage them to keep an open mind about the process of job hunting or pursuing graduate school.