Wayne State students turn campus connections into career opportunities

At Wayne State University, preparing students for professional success begins long before graduation. Through the university's College to Career initiative, academic departments and colleges across campus connect classroom learning to hands-on experiences that help students launch meaningful careers.

Driving this focus on professional readiness is Career Services, the central resource for career development. The office provides career advising, resume and interview workshops, and campuswide networking opportunities like the All-Majors Career Fair - one of the university's largest events connecting students with employers across industries.

This November, Career Services will continue that momentum during the National Career Development Month, which features countless opportunities for students to expand their skills and professional networks. Among the highlights is the Job Search Conference: Job Sourcing for Career Success on Nov. 19, a daylong event featuring sessions on job search 101, effective networking and navigating the job market.

"Career development is more than finding a job - it's about helping students discover their purpose and gain the confidence to pursue it," said Shawn Pewitt, director of Career Services. "Through workshops, one-on-one advising and networking events, we're giving students the tools and experiences they need to succeed. We want every Wayne State student to graduate feeling prepared, connected and ready to make an impact in their chosen field."

The university's schools and colleges continue to advance the College to Career mission with a series of career-focused events designed to prepare students for professional success. The Mike Ilitch School of Business hosted over 90 companies at one of its largest career fairs to date and the James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering welcomed 70 employers at its event.

A Michigan Public Radio representative high-fives a student during the Communication and Journalism Internship Fair.

The Department of Communication hosted its annual Communication and Journalism Internship fair, which brought together Detroit's top media organizations - including The Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, FOX 2, WDIV, WXYZ-TV, HOUR Detroit Magazine and DTE Energy - to meet students eager to launch their careers in journalism, public relations and digital storytelling.

Students and employers fill St. Andrew's Hall for the annual Communication and Journalism Internship Fair, connecting classroom learning with real-world opportunities.

"This is such a unique event for Wayne State students to connect directly with communication leaders across this major market of Detroit," said Alicia Nails, professor of teaching, internship coordinator and director of Wayne State's Journalism Institute for Media Diversity. "Because we're located in such a dynamic media market, our students are exposed to a full spectrum of communicators - whether they want to work in a newsroom or in a corporate communication department. These are the conversations they're having now about internships and professional readiness, and that's powerful." 

First-year journalism major Maria Witcher stands outside St. Andrew's Hall after attending the Communication and Journalism Internship Fair.

For communication and journalism majors, completing an internship for credit before graduation is part of the curriculum, ensuring students gain real-world experience and build professional confidence before entering the workforce.

First-year journalism major Maria Witcher said the fair helped her see what's possible.

"I had some really insightful conversations," Witcher said. "I got to see what my future could look

like as a journalist and I made connections I really needed."

Christia Bowden, managing editor of The South End and senior journalism major

Christia Bowden, managing editor of The South End and senior journalism major, agreed. 

"I walked away with not only new contacts but also a clearer sense of where I fit in the media

world," Bowden said. "Events like this make me proud to be part of Wayne State. We're getting real opportunities to grow."  

For more information on Career Services, visit: careerservices.wayne.edu.