Bridging Paths to Success at Westcliff University’s Career Fair 2024
This week, Westcliff University hosted its first Alumni Affairs & Career Services (AACS) Week, a comprehensive program designed to help students and alumni advance their careers. The series of workshops, presentations, and networking events throughout the week culminated in the highly anticipated career fair, where participants met with local employers, explored career opportunities and gained valuable industry insights.
Highlights of AACS Week
Leading up to the career fair, the Alumni Affairs & Career Services department provided resources to ensure students were fully prepared for the event and beyond:
- Resume Building Workshops: Experts provided hands-on guidance on crafting professional resumes tailored to various industries.
- Personal Branding Sessions: Students learned how to market themselves effectively, both in person and online.
- Mock Interviews: Participants practiced their interview techniques with alumni and employers, receiving valuable feedback.
- Alumni Showcase: Successful Westcliff alumni shared their journeys from students to leaders in their fields, inspiring attendees to build their own networks and career paths.
Year-Round Career Support at Westcliff
The career fair is just one of many services that the AACS department offers. Throughout the year, the department provides resources such as career coaching, job placement assistance, and networking events. They help students refine their professional skills and navigate the job market with confidence. According to data from Westcliff’s employment verification process, 90% of graduates secure employment in their field within six months of graduation, highlighting the effectiveness of these ongoing programs.
Employer and Student Perspectives
Reflecting on the success of AACS Week, Amy DiBello, director of Alumni Affairs & Career Services, noted: “We designed events that allowed students to actively engage with real-world career development activities—whether that was refining their resumes, building their personal brands, or practicing their interview skills with industry professionals. By the time the career fair arrived, our students were not only prepared but confident in their abilities to make meaningful connections with employers.”
The career fair itself saw students eagerly interacting with employers, discussing how their education and skills could contribute to various industries. Robert Cho, a veteran and current Master of Science in Information Technology student at Westcliff University, reflected on his journey transitioning from a business graduate to now pursuing a career in cybersecurity. “The support from the career services team and their job placement programs has been invaluable. Westcliff provided me with the tools and guidance to shift gears and focus on a field I’m truly passionate about. Their resources have given me confidence as I look for roles in cybersecurity, and I feel prepared to succeed in this new career path.”
Employers were equally impressed by the students’ preparation. Blake Kapreylan from Enterprise Mobility shared: “Westcliff students are eager to learn, and that’s exactly what we’re looking for. Everyone I’ve met today has demonstrated a strong willingness to grow.”
Building Connections for Future Success
At the alumni showcase, Yyosang Yun, a computer science major, reflected on how the event inspired him: “Hearing from alumni who have transitioned from students to successful business owners was incredibly motivating. Their stories showed us how the experiences and knowledge gained at Westcliff can fuel a passion for entrepreneurship and provide the foundation to start our own companies.”
Griselda Palomarez, talent acquisition partner at Westcliff University, noted the high level of professionalism on display: “The students here are confident and well-prepared. It’s clear they’ve received excellent training, which reflects positively on Westcliff.”
Looking Ahead
Employers, students, and alumni alike left with new connections and opportunities, ready for the next steps in their careers. Stas Kharkats from SMS Datacenter, who recently hired a Westcliff alum, summed up the event: “This was a fantastic experience. The talent here is brilliant, and we’re eager to see how these connections develop. We recently brought on Allah, a Westcliff alum, and he’s doing great. Westcliff students often have more work experience and are incredibly driven, which makes us excited to keep hiring from this talented pool.”
With the success of AACS Week, Westcliff University continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering students and alumni. From networking to professional development, these events build lasting relationships and create pathways to success. As the Westcliff community grows, so does its reputation as a center for career innovation and opportunity.
