CDC Memories

As this semester draws to a close, everyone on campus is filled with an array of emotions. Underclassmen are excited that they are moving up in the Hope world, and upperclassmen are feeling more nostalgic as their time here seems to be flying by. The seniors are feeling especially nostalgic as they reflect on their time spent at Hope, recounting all the fond memories they’ve made here and recognizing all the ways in which this school has shaped them academically, spiritually, personally, and professionally.

We asked some of our senior Career Advisors to comment on their experiences with the Career Development Center (CDC). First, Morgan Weaver speaks to her experiences with the CDC, saying:

Senior Morgan Weaver
Senior Morgan Weaver

My experience as a CA has been one of the highlights of my time at Hope College. It’s been an excellent opportunity for me to bring together the professional skills I’ve developed throughout college as well as my passion for understanding the relationship between faith and work, allowing me to put them to use serving other students. I believe that the Career Development Center is one of the most valuable resources provided at Hope. In my mind, a key component of a Christian education ought to be understanding that good stewardship also includes being stewards of the skills and passions God has created within each of us. The CDC facilitates this by helping students to identify and develop their unique skills and passions while pursuing careers where they will have opportunities to apply those skills and passions, living into the call to be disciples of Christ in the unique way God has created each of them. It is because of the Career Development Center that I have developed as a professional and gained the experiences I needed to come out of college with a clear sense of my vocation and the avenues open to live it out, so I am blessed to be able to help other students grow in the same ways and begin to understand how they too can be stewards of their own gifts and passions through the work that they’ll do.

Palmer D’Orazio also reflects on his time spent working with the CDC, stating:

Seniors Palmer D'Orazio and Hannah Cutshall
Seniors Palmer D’Orazio and Hannah Cutshall
During my freshman year, the CDC helped me line up my first summer internship. Since then, I’ve been telling all of my friends to get into the office for everything from StrengthsQuest to their job search. I’ve been able to develop my design skills, help out my classmates, and learn from the staff on a day-to-day basis. I still can’t believe that they pay us!

Finally, Jaclyn Van Dyk also recounts her CDC experiences, writing:

Senior Jaclyn Van Dyk
Senior Jaclyn Van Dyk

Being a Career Advisor (CA) has been such a wonderful experience. I have had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally in this office and create relationships with the staff and other CAs. During my time as a CA, I have worked on many events and projects, giving me a wide variety of experiences that both challenge me and help me grow. I was able to plan the Etiquette Dinner, assist with Job Pursuit, College to Career, Externships, and more. The office has been a huge asset in my professional development by guiding me through the internship search process, giving me critical feed back on my resume, setting goals, networking, and more. It has been an incredible time working at the Career Development Center, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a Career Advisor during my time at Hope.

Although it’s important to remember all the good times our seniors have had at Hope, it’s okay to admit that they’re also feeling both excitement and nervousness as they step into this new stage of early adulthood. We at the Career Development Center know that you never need to fret, because you are always welcome back here at the CDC. As a Hope Alumni, you can still utilize the services and assistance of this office at any point after you graduate, and we would be happy to assist you.

The CDC also knows there’s no need to worry because our senior class is composed of bright, talented, well-rounded, thoughtful, and capable individuals who have nothing but success ahead of them. We have full confidence in each and every one of you students, and we’re always here if you ever need to be reminded of how much you can offer the career world with your talents.

We can’t wait to see our returning students in the fall, and we also cannot wait to see what our graduates accomplish! Have a fantastic summer, everyone!….Don’t forget to stop in and see us (we’re open all summer long).

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1 Comment

  1. Hey CDC,

    Wow, it’s so great to see how much support students have at Hope College. I think it says a lot about the school after reading these comments by Career Advisors. It’s wonderful that they received so much preparation to go into the workforce and get a professional job. Keep the great work!

    Dennis

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