Overview
McPherson College is focused on careers.
It’s a focus that begins freshman year and is incorporated across curriculum in the classroom, in service opportunities, and in experiences outside of the classroom. The Career & Experiential Learning office is the hub of this effort engaging students early to begin acquiring the skills for a career and ensuring career placement when they graduate.
The Enterprising MC Student
Explore
Personal and professional development through exploration.
Field experiences/site visits
Career exploration interviews with area professionals or alumni
Aptitude/interests tests
Career fairs
Advising meetings with faculty
Introductory/Gen Ed courses
Volunteering
Horizon Fund
First Year Seminar
Experience
Learning through reflection of participation and observation
Job shadowing
Mentorships
Student clubs
Conference attendance
Networking events
Pop-up career courses
Service learning
Sophomore and junior seminar courses
Soft Skills (Practice interview, cover letter, resume)
Student Debt Project
Engage
Participation in professional opportunities and relevant positions to improve skills toward understanding of the workplace and graduate school
Internships
Jobs
Graduate school clubs and preparation workshops
Part-time, relevant work - On or Off Campus
Conference presentations
Senior research projects/capstone projects
(Click on sections to learn more.)
Starting their freshman year, students are introduced to the Enterprising MC Student model – a process to explore, experience, and engage while discovering the skills they need to be successful in their future careers.
Throughout their years at McPherson College students become more adept at applying what they learn through this process resulting in a strong resumé to assist their job search. Initially students are encouraged to establish direction and declare a major then test that direction, try-out ideas and confirm their decision. In later years, students add to their knowledge base and experiences, make adjustments if necessary and increase their level of career involvement. Finally, students are supported in taking on leadership roles, mentorships, engaging with industry mentors and interning with organizations within their desired field.
Explore
Personal and professional development through exploration.
- Field experiences/site visits
- Career exploration interviews with area professionals or alumni
- Aptitude/interests tests
- Career fairs
- Advising meetings with faculty
- Introductory/Gen Ed courses
- Volunteering
- Horizon Fund
- First Year Seminar
Experience
Learning through reflection of participation and observation.
- Job shadowing
- Mentorships
- Student clubs
- Conference attendance
- Networking events
- Pop-up career courses
- Service learning
- Sophomore and junior seminar courses
- Soft Skills (Practice interview, cover letter, resume)
- Student Debt Project
Engage
Participation in professional opportunities and relevant positions to improve skills toward understanding of the workplace and graduate school.
- Internships
- Jobs
- Graduate school clubs and preparation workshops
- Part-time, relevant work – On or Off Campus
- Conference presentations
- Senior research projects/capstone projects
Related Link
Learn stackable skills through a variety of experiences:
Career Placement
We’ll help you get started in your career by connecting you with job opportunities prior to or upon graduation.
Internships
Gain direct, hands-on work experience while earning your degree. Internships occur in your field of study. 80% of the recent graduating class had at least one internship or field experience prior to graduation.
Field Experience
Shadow a professional to see what a day in the life of your chosen career path looks like.
Off-Campus Job
Earn money in a paid position, that may or may not be in your chosen field, with an employer outside of the college.
Work Study or On-Campus Job
Apply for a paid position, arranged between you and an on-campus department.
Related Link
Career Services FAQ:
