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Introduction by Nancy Hoffman Hennessey ´83
Director, Catherine Filene Shouse Career Center
The staff of the Catherine Filene Shouse Career Center partner with faculty and students throughout a student's four years at Hood. Providing services that help prepare students for the professional world–résumé evaluations, mock interviews, volunteer connections, internship and career guidance–occurs multiple times over the course of each day. Students who seek our guidance gain the necessary skills to maneuver through the often confusing world of graduate school and employment. They learn and develop skills that they will take with them when they leave Hood, skills on which they will rely throughout their professional and personal lives that will enable them to continue to develop long after they leave Hood.
The career center itself is not a destination best visited the last week of senior year, rather it is more akin to a travel center that provides information and direction to help students prepare for and achieve their career goals. It is a beginning step that is part of a student's four–year experience.
Through the articles that follow, you will meet and read about the experiences of some of our students who have benefitted from the advice and expertise of our career center staff. And because the career center is available to our alumnae and alumni as well, you will read about those returning to Hood to seek guidance, direction and also to give back.
First Year + Career Center = Engagement
A student"s first year can be at once exhilarating and overwhelming. As Hood first-year students embark on a career development path, they are encouraged to engage in the Frederick community by volunteering. Many new students come to Hood with a proven commitment to service that continues throughout their college years. This provides them with personal satisfaction, real life experiences and connections in the community where they may one day intern or work.
Steve Bearman '09
Steve Bearman knew that at Hood, he would have the opportunity to make a difference. And he knew, even as a first-year student, that the career center would hold the keys to his success.Steve initially visited the career center during his first year at Hood, just to get to know the staff. He wisely recognized that down the road the career center could help him get the one thing he would need to be more marketable, that coveted internship that would get him one step closer to his career goal. "They're the people that are connected to the community," Steve said. "I took advantage of everything they offered." The biology major worked with career consultant Christina Stevenson, who helped him prepare and refine his résumé and cover letter. Their collaboration paid off when he landed an internship with Frederick-based DynPort, a world-class biopharmaceutical company.
Encouraged by the career center and buoyed by a need to give back to the community, Steve joined the student-led Hood Service Association and served as the organization's president during his senior year. "I liked that the group met the needs of the community," he said. "I was searching for a way to leave my mark." And leave his mark is exactly what Steve did. With the help of Yvette Webster, coordinator of service learning, Steve contacted the English Language Learner program coordinator for Frederick County Public Schools, recruited a handful of other Hood students and began what became a very successful homework and tutoring club at West Frederick Middle School. "I wanted Hood students to become better known in a positive way in the community," he explained. "I wanted the public to know that they can turn to us first when they need help."
Sarah Johnston '12
When it came to acquiring leadership experience, rising sophomore Sarah Johnston knew just where to go.Realizing that the November 2008 presidential election was a pivotal one for her and other college students, Sarah saw an opportunity to connect her fellow classmates to the election process through Rock the Vote, a national nonprofit and nonpartisan organization devoted to engaging young people in the country's political process and building their political power. Knowing she needed help to organize what could be a monumental task, Sarah turned to Yvette Webster.
"Sarah is very service-oriented, civicminded and a great student leader," Yvette said. "This was the perfect learning opportunity for her."
Under Yvette's guidance, Sarah had the opportunity to try new skills and learn firsthand how to turn ideas into reality. Her contributions to the success of the months-long project-student volunteers registered more than 200 voters and helped numerous others with their absentee ballots-will go with her well beyond Hood College. "Hood and the career center have prepared me in many ways," Sarah acknowledged. "I feel more equipped to go out in the world as a true global citizen."
Sophomores + Career Center = Discovery
Most students enter college with an idea of what their majors will be and many graduate with something different. That is the beauty of a liberal arts education; it encourages students to explore many disciplines while discovering new interests. The career center staff helps guide students through this process, encouraging them to think broadly and to find a path that best suits their skills and interests.
Kara Cruice '09
It takes a special individual to attend to the needs of others who cannot support themselves.Frank and Betsy Cruice always dreamed that their eldest daughter Kara would become a nurse. Kara, who graduated in May, initially chose to pursue a degree in biology as a first-year student. She soon realized that the discipline focused primarily on laboratory work, as opposed to human science, so she switched to psychology in hopes of concentrating more on analyzing behaviors.
Her goal of becoming involved in medical missions remained at the forefront, but she was concerned that she wasn't receiving adequate training for such an undertaking. That's when she approached Nancy Hoffman Hennessey '83, director of career services and service learning, and together, Nancy and Kara decided that nursing was the right choice for her.
"Nancy was supportive the whole way throughout the decision to go into nursing," said Kara, who has been accepted into the nursing program at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. "They really take the time to get to know you and they see something in you and help bring that out. Nancy helped me realize things I am passionate about that would help boost my résumé."
Kara found her calling at the Mission of Mercy clinic, an independent nonprofit organization that uses licensed medical professionals to provide free medical and dental services and prescription medications to economically disadvantaged people of Arizona, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas via a mobile medical clinic.
Nicole Crone '09
"This is not what I want to be doing, I am miserable," said Nicole Crone to career consultant Susanna Smith.After earning her associate degree from Montgomery College (Md.) in English and on track to earning a degree in secondary education, Nicole began a spring internship teaching in a classroom. It was an experience that changed her life.
Nicole had a solid senior year plan; she would student-teach for two additional semesters, then graduate in May, get a teaching job and be happy. When the reality of life in the classroom became clear to her, she knew she didn't want to be a teacher any longer. After working for three years to get to this point, she asked herself–what am I supposed to do now? "I knew that I was interested in English but I thought that the only way that I would have a job, and make any money, was to become a teacher," Nicole said. "The education program is great but the classroom is just not for me."
Seeking advice from the career center was the catapult for Nicole to her new path. After some career exploration, the staff connected Nicole with an internship at Maryland Life Magazine. Working as an associate editor, writing articles and coordinating calendar events was the change Nicole was looking for. "I absolutely love working in the magazine and publishing industry and feel that I have found my true calling there."
Nicole"s transition was paved with questions, fear of the unknown and a strong determination to be true to herself. After graduating in May with honors, and on time, she has a clear path for her future as a writer. Nicole plans to continue to work at Maryland Life as a freelance writer and coordinator of special projects.
In a letter she wrote to the career center after her experience, Nicole expressed her gratitude: "I don't know if I ever fully expressed to you how instrumental you were in changing my life. I came to you so conflicted about becoming a teacher, and you gave me the courage to break free and pursue my true interests."
Juniors + Career Center = Decisions
If the staff at the career center had its way, no student would graduate without an internship. Students who have multiple internship experiences have an advantage in that they are far more marketable. As the Frederick, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., communities have grown, so have the opportunities for Hood students to find internships. The career center provides the guidance and support for students to connect academic interests with an experience in the working world. The internship search experience is often a precursor to the job search.
Erica Hamor '10
As undergraduate students at Hood attempt to land that dream job after graduation, they will undoubtedly encounter some classes that are more intriguing than others. The same could be said for internship opportunities. Just ask history major Erica Hamor.The rising senior has had five internships during the past two years in an effort to secure a position in the museum industry. With each experience, Erica has been able to discern what aspects of this line of work interest her and which are less appealing.
Internship coordinator Erin Overholtzer- Rose was instrumental in getting Erica started on her quest, which she began at the beginning of her sophomore year. Taking advantage of Hood's prime location in the heart of one of the most history-rich sections of the state, Erin helped Erica secure a position with the Historical Society of Frederick County. There Erica would go on to curate her own exhibit entitled “Keeping Warm in the 19th Century," which in turn led to other opportunities at the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, the Sports Legends at Camden Yards Museum and at the Monocacy National Battlefield.
"The career center was really interested in helping me decide what it was I wanted to do and helped me realize what I did and didn't like," said Erica. "You need a lot of experience in the museum field, in addition to a graduate degree, and since the career center helped me so much with my internship opportunities, I have already gone back and asked them for help with the GREs."
Erin and Erica developed a special relationship over the last two years, and when Erica was one of the fortunate few to secure a prestigious paid internship at Yellowstone National Park this summer, Erin was one of the first people she called. "When I told Erin my news, she was so excited. They are really enthusiastic to help you get on the right path."
Bruce Persons '09
Bruce Persons transferred to Hood in the fall of 2007 from Hagerstown Community College to pursue his bachelor's degree in management.With an interest in financial planning, Bruce came to the career center looking for resources for job searching and résumé building.
"The career center is very accessible, friendly, open and helpful. As a student it is important to take the initiative and use the resources that are available to you."
One requirement for completion of his degree was to have an internship. Securing one at Merrill Lynch in Frederick, Bruce worked closely with George Littrell '89 the summer before his junior year. "It was very beneficial to work with Merrill Lynch and George. I had the opportunity to see what the real world would be like," Bruce said.
Erin Overholtzer-Rose worked with Bruce to help guide him with his career goals, refine his résumé and connect him with the right resources so he could be competitive in his field. "Bruce had a really great experience (with Merrill Lynch)," Erin said. "His feedback was really positive. Everyone agreed that he did a stellar job."
With his cap and gown tucked away, Bruce is already working toward the next step in his plan–the right first job. While waiting for a few job prospects to respond, Bruce has enlisted the aid of Anita Jose, Ph.D., professor of management and chair of the department of economics and management, who forwarded his résumé to employers in her network. "It can be difficult to find an entry-level position (in financial planning)," Bruce said, "and I hope to find a job in corporate finance. One of the most important details to securing a job in this field is to have the right networking."
Seniors + Career Center = Action
Making the transition from college student to professional isn't always easy. Whether students are pursuing graduate school or a career position, the career center's guidance and the On Campus Recruitment program helps them on their paths.
Kathryn Thomas '09
Katie Thomas knew she wanted to be a veterinarian and focused both her academic and extracurricular activities in this direction. An honors student at Hood and four-year letter winner on the track and field and equestrian teams, the career path for this animal lover has been paved with hoof prints and paw prints from a young age.As she approached her final year as an undergraduate student, the biochemistry major quickly realized that although her vocational focus was apparent, there were still a few hurdles she had to clear before she could achieve her ultimate goal of practicing veterinary medicine.
One such hurdle was completing the comprehensive application process to veterinary school, which included preparing for indepth, personal interviews at various schools across the country. It was at that point that Katie realized she needed assistance from the professionals at the career center. Although Katie had a small window of time to prepare for her interviews, Susanna Smith was happy to engage her in mock interviews to groom her for this crucial aspect of the application process.
"They helped me so much," said Katie. "I am very thankful for them. I came in the week before my interview and said, 'I need help' and they were immediately receptive and said, 'OK, we can schedule you now,' and they were very flexible. I recommended them to another student here. A friend was working on his résumé and he asked me to look it over for him and I said, ‘You know what, the career center is where you need to go!'"
"I felt very prepared," said Katie. "I got in there and just gave it a try and (Susanna) had great helpful hints. She said, 'This is what you should say when they ask you about yourself,' and it really prepared me. She was able to break it down and it really helped me approach each question."
Katie, who is headed to the Virginia- Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in the fall, has yet to decide whether she wants her focus to be on large or small animals.
Eric Walton '09
As Eric Walton approached the middle of his junior year, he realized he needed to do something to enhance his chances of landing that perfect job after graduation.The computer science major, although a good student, had little experience to his credit. He was looking for something to boost his marketability when he was introduced to the very competitive Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program, a paid internship sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, Md., for students majoring in computer science, math and science.
The application procedure almost discouraged Eric, who felt his unremarkable résumé could be a stumbling block. So he turned to Erin Overholtzer-Rose for help. "She gave me lots of good advice," Eric said. "Erin's suggestion that my résumé focus on my skills rather than my experiences was brilliant. It definitely worked."
Eric successfully completed the prestigious summer internship and then concentrated on pursuing a post-graduation position in Web development. Erin directed Eric to companies and organizations that were seeking to hire people with his skills and interests, and Susanna Smith coached him on interview skills, expectations and strategies, including what to wear.
Eric´s efforts paid off–he was offered a position at the National Security Agency. And he is very clear about who shares his successes. "The people in the career center staff make you want to keep coming back. I strongly believe the help I got put me in a position for this job."
Alums + Career Center = Mentoring
All students, including those who are having a difficult time envisioning how their major will translate into a career, can benefit from alumnae and alumni who share their expertise through mentoring. Whether through a presentation to a group or a one-on-one conversation, sharing experiences and providing career advice to current students is an example of coming full circle–giving back to the College through the career center can be invaluable to current students and alums.
Kevin Lollar '97
Kevin Lollar found a way to give back to his alma mater through his connection with the career center. As a mentor to two Hood students, Kevin listens to their concerns and dreams, offers words of encouragement and, through his connections in the community, has helped them network with local leaders.The Washington, D.C., native never had role models growing up and his successes didn't come easily. Kevin, for the most part, raised himself, put himself through college, enrolled in law school while in his 40s, practiced law for Legal Aid Bureau, Inc., in Frederick and now serves as the director of development for the housing authority of the City of Frederick. "If I could get through that, surely I could help someone else do the same," he said. Kevin hopes that sharing his life experiences will give others the confidence to recognize and pursue their dreams.
And Kevin has been doing just that. In January, Nancy Hennessey connected Kevin with two management majors who have come to view him as a local hero. They talk about school, their communities, life and dreams. He listens, advises and equates aspects of his life with theirs. In turn, they credit Kevin for raising their faith in their abilities to overcome obstacles and for reinforcing the belief that success is attainable even under the most adverse conditions.
Kevin, a one–time philosophy major, sees himself as a facilitator to students who may not have support from family members or other adults. "Most students don't realize how much control they have over their dreams," Kevin stressed. "Their sense of self is the most important thing students can have to advance their lives."