With the goal of providing tangible, career-related outcomes through alumni, faculty/staff, and employer-led engagement and programming, the second-annual Career March Madness kicks off soon.

“Career Services has been working hard to help connect Wittenberg students to experiences that will help them identify and gain skills necessary for #LifeAfterWitt,” said Joi Garrett Scales, associate director of career operations and student employment. “We are very proud to introduce a preview of some of our Career March Madness programming.”

As part of the month-long series of events, students will be able to craft their first resume in partnership with Career Services staff, or have their resume reviewed by staff and students trained in resume reviewing. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to take a professional headshot for use on LinkedIn, resumes, job applications, etc. By offering both services, all participating students will be able to leave the event with a revised resume and updated professional headshot for future job prospects.

“Our mission for Career March Madness is to provide career readiness programming that meets the wants and needs of every Wittenberg student, while following the latest industry trends and best practices,” said Tim Bates, assistant director of career exploration and engagement. “We’re excited to see our students gain confidence in their career journeys through the tangible takeaways that this initiative provides.”

Career March Madness will start on March 15 with a PathwayU presentation and go through April 7. Events will take place at the Joseph C. Shouvlin Center for Lifelong Learning, the COMPASS Sweet Success Center in the Thomas Library, and Bayley Auditorium in the Barbara Deer Kuss Science Center.

Below is a brief description of all the events:

• PathwayU Presentation, Virtual via Handshake and Microsoft Teams, Tuesday, March 15, 4-5 p.m. Students will be able to explore their personal and professional interests through this informative workshop. Participants will be able to begin to connect their interests with their job search.
   
• Liberal Arts & Careers Discussion, Shouvlin, Room 201, Wednesday, March 16, 4-5 p.m. This panel of all-star alumni will discuss how they used their liberal arts education to leverage careers in a field not directly related to their degree. They found a path forward, but maybe not a linear path. Students will have an opportunity to get connected with possible internships after the panel discussion.
   
• Nursing Hiring Event, Shouvlin 105 and First-Floor Atrium, Friday, March 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This career fair for nursing students will feature up to 10 hospitals from major metropolitan cities in Ohio. The demand is high for our nursing students!
   
• Pre-med & Exercise Science Discussion, Bayley Auditorium, Friday, March 18, 4-5:30 p.m. This panel of all-star alumni in the medical field (sports and family medicine, neurology, and orthopedics) will share their experiences and tips/tricks for medical school followed by an opportunity to discuss shadowing opportunities in breakout sessions.
   
• Master of Divinity Conversation, Virtual via ZOOM, Monday, March 21, 4-5 p.m. This panel is for anyone considering a masters in divinity. You don't have to be a religion major to learn more!
   
• Social Justice & Law Discussion, Bayley Auditorium, Wednesday, March 23, 4-5:30 p.m. Janet Jackson ‘75, an all-star alumna and Wittenberg Board of Directors’ member with extensive history in the legal and nonprofit worlds, as well as a deep connection to Wittenberg, will talk with Sean L. Walton, the attorney for Casey Goodson's family, about their careers, their roads to and through this work, and their overall thoughts about social justice and the legal system.
   
• Why You? Mock Interviews, Virtual, Thursday, March 24 and Friday, March 25, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Students will have an opportunity to practice interviewing and get valuable feedback from alumni in various career fields. Students often make connections that land them internships and jobs after the interviews. Talk about networking!
   
• Leadership Discussion, Blair Hall, Room 108, Monday, March 28, 4-5 p.m. Learn the value you bring as a leader, how to set yourself apart in the job search and as a new professional. Students will walk away with tangible tips on how to take initiative, be assertive, and stand out in this new competitive employment environment.
   
• Resumé & Professional Headshot Drop-In Hours, COMPASS, Thomas Library, Wednesday, April 6, 1-5 p.m., and Thursday, April 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Students can stop in and get their resumés reviewed/revised and have professional headshots taken. Headshots will be taken from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday.

For more information on Career March Madness, go to @WittCompass on Instagram, Career Services Events | Wittenberg University or email careers@wittenberg.edu.