Providence College Career Services: Guiding Students Toward Success

Providence College (PC) recognizes the pivotal role career services play in shaping students' futures. Through the Chirico Career Center, the college provides comprehensive support to help students explore their interests, develop professional skills, and achieve their career aspirations. The Career Center's multifaceted approach encompasses personalized coaching, networking opportunities, and practical experiences, all designed to empower students for success in a competitive job market.

A Holistic Approach to Career Development

The Chirico Career Center adopts a holistic approach, acknowledging that each student's journey is unique. Eileen Wisnewski, the career center’s executive director, emphasizes this individualized approach, stating, “We believe that each person’s journey is individual and should be treated as such.” The center's services are available to students from orientation onward, encouraging early engagement and proactive career planning, as emphasized by the slogan “Don’t Wait… Slavin 108!”.

Personalized Career Coaching

At the heart of the Career Center's approach is personalized career coaching. Career coaches work closely with students to help them identify their interests, set career goals, and develop strategic plans to achieve them. Susan Riley, the Providence College School of Business career coach, dedicates herself to guiding graduate business students in exploring career opportunities and establishing plans to reach them. Liz Lombard ’18G, associate director for diversity, inclusion, and early engagement, plays a vital role in connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring equitable access to career resources. Lombard began her outreach by working with students in the Friar Foundations Program, a summer bridge program that helps first-year students with the transition to college. Now she is a regularly scheduled guest during Transitions, a preorientation program for multicultural students, and for Horizons, a mentoring program for first-year students of color. Coaches like Lombard engage students in meaningful conversations, exploring their passions, interests, and motivations to help them discover their best-fit career paths. “It’s not just a resume and a cover letter. She asks students who have not chosen a major about their passions and interests, why they chose PC, and where else they applied. The follow up is always key."

Skill Development and Preparation

The Chirico Career Center goes beyond career exploration to equip students with the practical skills needed to succeed in the workforce. The center provides workshops, networking events, and career programs designed to enhance students' professional skills. Students can also access Microsoft certification courses in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to boost their technical proficiency. Furthermore, the Career Center offers resources for resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and career planning. The center also provides quiet rooms for virtual or telephone job and internship interviews.

Networking and Alumni Connections

Recognizing the importance of networking, the Chirico Career Center facilitates connections between students and alumni, employers, and industry professionals. The Friar alumni network plays an integral role in the post-graduate success of PC students. Students and alumni can connect through an online networking platform. The career center staff accompany students on four-day trips to learn more about professions and talk with alumni about their careers, including PC in Hollywood, which takes place in January, and PC in DC, which happens in May. There are also trips to Boston and New York City. The University of Vermont launched six career interest groups to help students build their social capital through networking. The career center assessed the model to determine if members were benefitting and to adjust as needed. As students prepare to enter the workforce, establishing a network of trusted advisers can be a helpful way to gain valuable insights. These connections provide students with valuable insights, mentorship opportunities, and potential job prospects.

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Experiential Learning: Internships and Beyond

Providence College places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, recognizing the transformative impact of internships and career-related experiences. At PC, 94% of students in the Class of 2023 reported participating in at least one internship or career-related experience. The college actively supports students in securing internships by offering grants to make these experiences possible, especially when they are unpaid.

Real-World Experiences

PC students have access to diverse internship opportunities across various industries. Aidan Arone ’23, a double major in finance and management, secured a full-time position with The Bulfinch Group after completing a paid summer internship. Jenna Cobb ’24, a double major in management and marketing, realized her dream with a paid internship with the Boston Red Sox. Santiago Najarro Cano ’24, a marketing major and theatre minor, interned at L’Oréal USA after receiving guidance from the Career Center. Penelope Tejada ’26 landed a paid summer internship on the White House campus. Myles Johnson ’24 secured a paid summer internship with BNY Mellon due to his diverse academic interests. These examples demonstrate the breadth of opportunities available to PC students and the Career Center's success in connecting students with meaningful experiences.

Financial Support for Internships

Providence College recognizes that unpaid internships can create financial barriers for some students. To address this, the college offers grants to make these experiences accessible to all. Connor Cavanaugh ’25, who interned with Governor Maura Healey, received a $4,000 Veritas grant through the Chirico Career Center, making the unpaid internship feasible. This financial support ensures that students can pursue valuable internships regardless of their financial background.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Providence College is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in all aspects of campus life, including career services. Liz Lombard’s role as associate director for diversity, inclusion, and early engagement underscores this commitment. Lombard actively engages with students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing tailored support and resources to help them navigate the career landscape.

Addressing Systemic Barriers

The Career Center recognizes that students from diverse backgrounds may face unique challenges in their career journeys. By addressing systemic barriers and providing targeted support, the Career Center strives to create a level playing field for all students. This includes offering culturally responsive career counseling, connecting students with diverse mentors and role models, and promoting inclusive hiring practices among employers.

Measuring Success and Adapting to Change

Providence College continuously assesses the effectiveness of its career services and adapts to the evolving needs of students and the job market. The Career Center tracks key metrics such as internship participation rates, job placement rates, and alumni satisfaction to measure its impact.

Data-Driven Improvement

By analyzing data and gathering feedback from students and employers, the Career Center identifies areas for improvement and implements innovative strategies to enhance its services. This data-driven approach ensures that the Career Center remains relevant and responsive to the changing needs of its stakeholders.

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