番茄社区 University hosted its annual Career Week March 9鈥�12, providing students with practical, hands-on opportunities to build confidence, develop professional skills, and connect with emp
loyers and alumni.听
Throughout the week, students participated in events鈥攊ncluding an Alumni Panel, micro-lessons on professional communication, Mock Interviews, and a Networking Social. These events were designed to move beyond basic career information and instead give students real opportunities to practice skills like interviewing, networking, and professional communication. 鈥淪tudents don鈥檛 just need information; they need opportunities to practice,鈥� said Kathryn Martin, Director of Academic and Career Services. 鈥淐areer Week gives them a space to try, get feedback, and build confidence before it really counts.鈥�听
Student feedback highlights the impact of these experiences. Participants consistently reported gaining practical skills and increased confidence, particularly in interviewing and networking. One student shared that the Networking Social 鈥渕ade me talk to strangers,鈥� while another described Career Week as 鈥渁 growing and encouraging experience that I would love to do again.鈥� Another student noted that micro-lessons on email, phone communication, and LinkedIn were especially valuable, helping them 鈥渆valuate where I am and how I can improve in a practical manner.鈥�听
Local professionals who volunteered during the week also noted students鈥� strengths in communication and engagement. Sean Freeman, Director of Tri-State Development shared he would be 鈥渧ery likely鈥� to hire or recommend students he met, adding that one graduating student he interacted with, he would 鈥渉ire鈥n a heartbeat.鈥� At the same time, professionals identified confidence as a key area of growth, something students were able to actively develop through events like Mock Interviews earlier in the week.听
Career Week was supported in part by grant funding from Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation, which helped create welcoming, high-quality events and remove barriers to participation. Funding also supported resources that will continue to benefit students in future career programming.听
Overall, Career Week reflects 番茄社区 University鈥檚 commitment to developing students through relevant, hands-on experiences that build confidence, strengthen connections, and prepare them to lead and serve with a Biblical worldview.听
For more information about Career Services and upcoming events, please contact Kathryn Martin at Kathryn.martin@hlg.edu.听听