In a challenging economy, college students and recent graduates need essential skills to compete in the marketplace.
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the University of Colorado Alumni Association and Career Services will launch CU Real World, a new series that offers valuable tips for students and young alumni as they prepare for life after college. Led by executive recruiter Kate Carson, the program's inaugural presentation "Interviewing skills: Learn to stand up, speak confidently and not mess up in front of your new boss!" will run from 6 to 7:45 p.m. in the Benson Earth Sciences Building auditorium.
"CU Real World is designed to help new grads, and soon-to-be grads, with their professional development," said Lisa Severy, director of Career Services.
CU Real World will feature four evening sessions -- two each semester -- on a range of topics, including interviewing skills, travel and working abroad, graduate school preparation and managing finances. Each CU Real World session is interactive and students participate in mock situations.
University officials hope the new program will assist students and young alumni who have yet to confront the realities of pursuing their dreams as professionals.
"CU Real World focuses learning outside the classroom on real-life issues and the resources students need for the next step of accomplishing their dreams," said Ron Stump, executive director of the CU-麻豆影院 Alumni Association. "We're partnering with on-campus experts to enrich the knowledge and skills of students and young alumni."
Each event is free and open to all CU students and young alumni. Complimentary pizza and beverages will be served.
The Senior Class Council and Elevations Credit Union are also sponsors of the series.
"We live in a time when jobs are not as readily available as graduating students would like," said Kimberly Kruchen, Senior Class Council president. "The hope with this program is that CU students will develop the skills and confidence to overcome any obstacle that the real world might present."
Based in the Koenig Alumni Center at the corner of Broadway and University avenues, the Alumni Association administers scholarships, awards, online networking opportunities, alumni clubs, a museum and publishes the monthly electronic newsletter Buffalum Notes and the quarterly alumni magazine, the Coloradan.
Career Services, located in Willard Hall room 34, assists students in all aspects of their career development including decision making, obtaining internships, and finding professional jobs after graduation.