Cabrini College is always finding ways to help students be effective after graduation, such as participating in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education (SEPCHE). SEPCHE brings together nine colleges and universities for networking opportunities in their field of study. These networking events give students the opportunity to network with alumni within that field.
On Tuesday March 12, 2013 the Co-op and Career Services Office transported four Cabrini students to Immaculata University who hosted the Human Services networking event. The evening began with a keynote speaker, who was the department chair for the Foreign language department at Immaculata. Following the keynote speaker, there was a panel that allowed students to ask questions on how to succeed in school and in the work world.
“There was only enough time for about ten questions because all nine panelists had different perspectives on each of the questions which were useful for the students,” Director of Co-op and Career Services Nancy Hutchison said. The SEPCHE event was Cabrini’s first appearance at the event and certainly not the last as expressed by Hutchison.
Senior student Olivia Olsen was one of the four students who attended the event. Olsen is a history major with a minor in psychology and music. However, she plans on utilizing her personal skills and psychology minor to jump start a profession.
“The event was definitely an eye-opener and opportunity to know what types of career paths I can pursue,” Olsen said.
The event became more personal after the panel transitioned to a round table discussion. At this point, students were able to share resumes with panelists. There were six tables that sat one or two panelist with about 10 students.
“I would say it was a success- there was a full house,” Hutchinson said. “There had to be at least 54 students.”
The Human Services networking event focused on the following majors: Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Social Work.
“The first man I spoke to gave me a funny look when I told him my major, he thought and said in so many words that I shouldn’t really be there. But I didn’t allow that to stop me or discourage me because the other speakers told me that even as a history major I could have a place in human services,” Olsen said.
The next SEPCHE event will take place here at the College. The event is scheduled to take place April 10 from 6-8 p.m. in the Mansion. This networking event will be called S.T.E.M. which will bring alumni from fields of Science, Technology, English, and Math. Co-op and Career services strongly encourage students to take advantage of these free opportunities. They suggest that students come in business attire and bring a few resumes for the table discussion.
Students are encouraged to come even if they fell excluded because their specific field of study is not there because there always is a chance for each student.
“We are looking for a more diverse group of people each time. Each time the focus is different.” Hutchinson said.
