Experiential Learning & Career Development Center
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Hours: Mon. – Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Make an Appointment | ELCDC on CanvasLog in to Handshake |
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The Albright College Experiential Learning and Career Development Center (ELCDC) offers a variety of services for students, alumni and employers. The Center assists students in exploring majors, careers, and experiential learning opportunities that enhance Albright’s core learning goal of “engaging the world.” The career development process helps students make meaning from their experiences and education, leading to greater personal satisfaction and professional success. To see how we might help you, read some of our student and alumni success stories.
Ready to request a workshop for your class or club? It’s as easy as 1-2-3!
- Choose a workshop from our list below
- Complete the request form
- Enjoy the workshop!
Connect With Us:
Kim Justeson
Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning and Student Professional Development
KJusteson@albright.edu | Kim assists faculty with the development of experiential learning course components and speaks with students about career development and experiential learning in classes, workshops, and meetings.
Kim came to Albright in 2006 to launch the Center for Experiential Learning and Research, which has since combined with the Career Development Center to be known as the Experiential Learning and Career Development Center. After graduating with a B.S. in Applied Learning and Development from The University of Texas-Austin she taught, lived and traveled abroad for several years. She then made the move to higher education and worked at UT-Austin and Kutztown University before coming to Albright.
Kim holds a Master of Science degree in Education from Albright College as well as the professional certification in Education Abroad through the Forum on Education Abroad. She has completed the Experiential Education Academy through the National Society for Experiential Education and was recently certified as a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory.
Kim’s passion is travel and she has traveled throughout Asia, Australia, Micronesia, Europe, and Latin America. She loves working with students to find experiential learning opportunities to enhance their coursework.
General Assistance: 610-921-7630 | elcdc@albright.edu
Peer Educators
Our Peer Educators are also available to help students! They are specially trained to assist with resume review, study abroad overview, job and internship search, and other quick questions.
Lily Ellefson, ELCDC Peer Educator
Olivia Leatherman, ELCDC Peer Educator
An Binh Nguyen, ELCDC Peer Educator
Estefania Cenci, ELCDC Peer Educator (studying abroad Fall, 2024)
Study Abroad
Interested in learning more about studying abroad? Check out our study abroad webpages to get started. Want to take the next step? Log onto our Lions Learning Abroad Canvas course to see exactly what your choices are and how to apply for a program. If you are planning to study abroad on a program that is NOT led by an Albright faculty member you’ll want to make an appointment at least one full semester prior. Connect with us in Handshake to schedule an appointment!
Fall 2024
Career Closet Open House- October 1, 2024 -3:00-5:00 PM, Come explore the Career Closet! The Career Closet is located on Linden Street next to Gable Health Center. We will have music, giveaways and *FREE* shopping in the CC.
Graduate and Professional School Fair – October 9, 2024- 11:00 am – 1:30 pm in the Albright College Student Center. Registration is encouraged but not required.
“Write Research and Resumania Hub” -Sundays 8:00 – 10:00 pm throughout the semester: in Roessner Hall, 1st Floor Atrium – Visit our peer advisors as well as advisors from the Writing Center and the Library for help with all of your resume and research writing needs.
“Write Research and Resumania Hub” -Wednesdays 4:00 – 6:00 pm throughout the semester: in the Student Center, Main Lounge – Visit our peer advisors as well as advisors from the Writing Center and the Library for help with all of your resume and research writing needs.
Other Helpful Resources
Handshake (Connect with Employers/Mentors for Jobs and Internships)
Academic Scholarships and Opportunities
Your Career: Links and Resources
Alpha Resources on Canvas
General ELCDC Resources on Canvas
Guides & Tip Sheets
Career Development – Choosing a Major
Instagram
Facebook
More Resources
Career Closet
Albright College and the ELCDC are proud to offer the Career Closet – professional clothing for students FOR FREE. This clothing might be needed for presentations, interviews, attire for work or internship, etc. including shoes, accessories, and jewelry!)
Where else could a student potentially pick out a two-piece suit and a pair of shoes 100% free?
No appointments required! Students may stop by at any time during our open office hours (Monday-Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm), and may take up to three items for FREE!
For those interested in donating to the Career Closet, we ask for all items to be in good condition and are current classic styles. Items can be dropped off during Albright business hours or by appointment. All proceeds go back into the Career Closet to purchase items we do not receive through donations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should students visit the Experiential Learning and Career Development Center?
Whitney Jefferson
- Why should a student who has decided on a major need to use the Center?
- How does the Center help students who are undecided about their major?
- Is it common for students to start out knowing exactly what they want to do with their lives but then become uncertain or consider a completely different direction?
- What majors, co-majors and special programs are offered at Albright College?
- What is the Honors Program and who is eligible?
- Who Can Study Abroad/Off Campus?
- Will I be able to afford to study abroad/off campus?
- When can I study abroad/off campus?
- How can I find on-campus employment opportunities?
- How can I find off-campus part-time employment, internships or full time job opportunities?
- What assistance does the Center provide for applying to graduate school?
- What is an ACRE?
- What is Handshake?
When should students visit the Experiential Learning and Career Development Center?
Students can utilize the Center at any time during their academic career and as alumni of Albright. Students are encouraged to begin working with us in their first year.
According to the National Association of College and Employers 2010 Student Survey, “the likelihood of a student getting a job offer increased with the frequency of career center use. Students who used the career center four or more times a semester were more likely to have job offers than those who used it once a semester.” It all begins with choosing/confirming a choice of major, developing a plan for experiential learning opportunities and being able to articulate your skills and experience both on a resume and in person.
Why should a student who has decided on a major need to use the Center?
Many students begin college confident in their choice of a major. In any major, there are a number of career paths that a student can take depending on their interests and abilities. Shadowing, networking, gaining “hands-on” experience through an internship, study abroad, and/or undergraduate research project can help students to develop skills that are valued by employers and to gain real world experience that can clarify or solidify the direction of their career. The Center is a valuable resource for finding such “experiential education” opportunities, and for providing access to alumni and employers. Also, as noted in the answer to question 2, research shows that “the likelihood of a student getting a job offer increased with the frequency of career center use. Students who used the career center four or more times a semester were more likely to have job offers than those who used it once a semester.”
How does the Center help students who are undecided about their major?
As an incoming Alpha (undecided) first year student or a sophomore who is re-exploring their initial major direction, we can help. The Center offers several self-assessments in consultation with a career counselor who will help the student to define their interests, values, skills, personal characteristics and what concentration and career options may be a good match.
Is it common for students to start out knowing exactly what they want to do with their lives but then become uncertain or consider a completely different direction?
Many college students struggle with the decision about their college major and are unsure of their choice, even if they have selected a college major. Approximately eighty percent of all entering students change their concentration (major) at least once during their college career. Albright wants to emphasize that it’s fine for students to enter college without a clear idea of which academic program they wish to pursue and what their ultimate career will be. Being “undeclared” or “undecided” isn’t a cause for panic! The opportunity for academic exploration is a unique life opportunity, and it is central to the educational experience at a liberal arts college like Albright.
What majors, co-majors and special programs are offered at Albright College?
Go to the Albright Undergraduate Programs page for more information.
What is the Honors Program and who is eligible?
For more information about the Honors Program at Albright, please visit this page
Who Can Study Abroad/Off Campus?
No matter what your major, you CAN study abroad/off campus. Our staff will work with you to find the best location and program for you. It is possible to take courses in English through a program provider in a non-English speaking country. There are also many domestic programs available right here in the United States, including the Washington Center, the Philadelphia Center, and the National Theatre Institute. Students interested in studying abroad must be in good academic standing, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 / 4.0, in good financial standing and in good social standing. For more information on planning a study abroad experience visit this page.
Will I be able to afford to study abroad/off campus?
When you study off-campus, you only pay the price of that particular abroad program. There are no extra fees from Albright. Occasionally, students end up paying less than they do at Albright! Albright scholarships, such as the Presidential, Founders and talent scholarships, cannot be used for off-campus study. However, Stafford loans, Perkins loans, State grants and most privately funded scholarships may be used. Many Albright affiliates offer additional scholarships for which Albright students can apply, and there are other opportunities, including the Gilman Scholarship (for students receiving a Pell Grant) which we can discuss with you when you make an appointment to talk with our staff. For information about additional scholarships and paying for your study abroad experiences visit this page.
When can I study abroad/off campus?
Students wishing to study abroad or off-campus in a domestic program may do so upon completion of two full-time semesters at Albright. This means students may study abroad as early as the summer between the first and second year at Albright. Most Albright College students study abroad during their sophomore or junior year. Seniors may study abroad during their fall semester only with permission from the Registrar’s Office.
How can I find on-campus employment opportunities?
All on-campus employment is handled by Albright College Human Resources. Student employment opportunities can be found on this page or by contacting the department directly.
How can I find off-campus part-time employment, internships or full time job opportunities?
The Center offers students and alumni various online resources in addition to individual career counseling to discuss specific strategies based on your needs. Please contact us to schedule an individual appointment. In addition to job/internship postings, we are committed to facilitating on-campus recruitment (held October/November and March/April), job/internship fairs (February/March) and preparing students for the best job search possible through workshops, online/resource library information and individual appointments.
What assistance does the Center provide for applying to graduate school?
Our career counselors can assist you in finding the right graduate/professional school, defining criteria to assess programs, developing your personal statement as well as provide information about various admission exams such as the LSAT or GRE. We also host a graduate/professional school fair each fall where students will have an opportunity to meet with admission counselors from graduate/professional schools in various disciplines.
What is an ACRE?
The Albright Creative Research Experience (ACRE) is an interdisciplinary program that enables students to conduct research or creative activity in partnership with nurturing faculty mentors during the summer or over the interim session in January. All students are invited to submit an ACRE application. A committee of faculty members reviews the proposals and recommends awards. Participants receive a stipend and free room and board during the summer or January interim. Students and faculty from all disciplines meet each week to share their experiences and learn from each other. Many collaborative teams of students and faculty present their research at academic conferences and publish their results in professional journals.
What is Handshake?
Handshake is an online system that allows you to post your resume, view and apply to part and full-time job and internship listings, and connect with professionals. Be sure to complete and keep your Profile and Documents sections updated. Before posting your resume on Handshake, students are encouraged to receive resume feedback from a career counselor. This one-stop, web-based system will help you to manage your job search throughout your time at Albright. A comprehensive calendar of ELCDC events is also accessible through Handshake.