November 21, 2002
Career Week wins national honor
The UW Career Week was honored with an Outstanding Advising Program Award at the annual National Academic Advising Association conference last month. This award was given to five programs across the U.S. in recognition of innovative and exemplary advising program practices.
Responding to the perennial student question, “What can I do with this major?” Career Week is designed to help students choose a major field of study and make the transition from college to career opportunities and satisfying employment. It includes more than 50 panels, workshops, and special events featuring alumni talking about their experiences in specific fields and providing students with tips on how to enter and succeed in these careers.
First offered in 1999, the UW’s Career Week distinguishes itself from similar events on other campuses in that it was first conceived by academic advisers and counselors. Now it’s coordinated by academic advisers, counselors, and faculty from more than 50 departments and programs in collaboration with the Center for Career Services, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and the UW Alumni Association.
The 2002 Career Week attracted more than 2,900 students and young alumni. More than 200 attended the centerpiece special event, the Husky Career Lunch, where students had an opportunity to have lunch and network at a table hosted by UW alumni from various career fields. Freshman and sophomore attendance was up compared to 2001, indicating that more students are benefiting from these programs at an earlier point in their academic careers.
Career Week Steering committee members Susan Templeton, senior career counselor from the Center for Career Services, and Melissa Wensel, director of advising for the Department of English, accepted the award. Other steering committee members included: Don Gallagher (Co-Chair), UW Alumni Association; Betsy Bridwell, Jackson School of International Studies; Jody Burns, Psychology; June Hairston, Office of Minority Affairs; Christina Kerr, Political Science; Mariko Navin, The Information School; Lani Stone, Chemistry; Kimberly Swayze, English; Michelle Townsend, School of Oceanography; and Mary Pat Wenderoth, Zoology.
This year’s Career Discovery Week, open to all UW students, alumni, faculty and staff, will take place January 27–31. To learn more, visit the Career Week Web site: www.careerweek.washington.edu.
