For many students what lies beyond Franklin University Switzerland can be both intimidating and exciting. Some have already made a list of their life and career goals and targets, while others are still struggling to understand where to start from and how to fit in. Transitioning into adulthood and the "real world" can at times be overwhelming, but Franklin is ready to support all students and can be a great foundation for planning a future career and postgrad success. With the assistance of the Office of Career Strategy (OCS) at Franklin, any student can learn how to build a resume, practice mock interview questions, get career advice, or look into securing an internship that may give advantages during post-graduate job searching.

The OCS equips students with resources for career exploration and preparation through workshops, events, and individualized counseling to assist them in favorably embarking on fortunate career paths in a global environment. Ebonie Rayford, M.Ed., Assistant Dean of Student Life and Career Strategy, asserts "we are always considering the future and the next steps of our students’ professional paths, and want to motivate and help them in providing the right tools to accompany them in their reach for professional achievements."

The OCS actively promotes networking, connecting Franklin undergraduate and graduate students with alumni, through events, collaboration, mentoring, internship opportunities and even more. Staying in touch and building a professional and global network is key to a smooth evolution from classroom to career. The Franklin community is highly resourceful and helping connect our loyal alumni with graduates is vital, particularly during these uncertain times. For instance, last semester, alumna and Franklin Trustee Jennifer Berg '76 hosted a presentation where she shared tips and tactics on job interviewing with students - read more here. The OCS also launched a new formal mentoring program through PeopleGrove to help students gain invaluable insights on how to succeed in life after graduation, while increasing alumni-student connections.

Here are just a few details about the many exciting programs and initiatives currently or soon to be offered by the OCS:

  • PeopleGrove, Alumni-Student Flash and Formal Mentoring Programs through a new dedicated Franklin desktop and mobile app platform to help connect students to alumni so they have established career connections upon graduation. In addition to supporting peer networking, it has a collection of career resources;
  • Career Navigator, the Career Strategy section of the Franklin network contains many useful resources for students to reference when applying for internships, jobs, and finetuning their interview skills;
  • Internship listings, at Franklin, internships can earn university credits, teach valuable skills, and add experience to resumes and this is why opportunities spanning from employment, self-employment, academia, and volunteering are strongly recommended;
  • Resume Book, a compilation of resumes from juniors and seniors that will be sent to alumni and potential employers each spring. This allows for graduates to have better visibility at the onset of their careers;
  • Franklin Family Podcast, a weekly Podcast featuring members of the Franklin community;
  • Franklin Accelerated Program, an extracurricular program geared to second year students;
  • European university college Association (EucA) Partnership, a collaboration that offers students access to  international career networking opportunities and helps them develop skills through various training events and conference.

By establishing the OCS in in partnership with the Office of Alumni Affairs, students will experience increased opportunities on campus as being assisted in preparation for rewarding and successful careers. Franklin is committed to this project to better serve students and further engage with alumni by fostering a growing community as we currently find ourselves in a new era of expansion. 

For more information on the Office of Career Strategy, check out this article.