WashU’s career communities guide students from day one, helping them explore passions, build skills, and connect with mentors.
“Our goal is to be there for students from the moment they arrive on campus.”
As a child, Washington University in St. Louis junior Katelina Theerman Rodriguez dreamed of becoming a writer, then a chef, and later an FBI agent. But by the time she stepped onto campus, her career aspirations were less clear.
“It can feel a little daunting when you don’t have a clear career path, especially when a lot of your friends know exactly what they want to do and what classes to take,” said Theerman Rodriguez, a sociology major in Arts & Sciences. “But I remind myself that college is all about discovery.”
That spirit of discovery is at the heart of WashU’s Center for Career Engagement (CCE) and its innovative career communities program. Launched three years ago, the program organizes students into communities based on fields of interest, such as art, design and media; health care and sciences; and technology, data and engineering. These communities, led by certified career coaches, help students uncover their passions, develop workplace skills, and connect with alumni and employers.
For Theerman Rodriguez, joining the career exploration community and enrolling in the one-credit course “Career Exploration at WashU” has been transformative. Through the program, she’s gained clarity about her values and strengths, and is now considering a career in urban planning—a field that aligns with her passion for social justice and community development.
“Being in this class has been clarifying for me in helping me think through what I care most about,” she said.
A New Approach to Career Education
The CCE’s career communities program represents a shift in how career education is delivered. Historically, career centers focused on the final stages of the job search—resumes, cover letters, and interviews. But Christine Keller, director of career communities and career development, believes career support should begin much earlier.
“Our goal is to be there for students from the moment they arrive on campus and support them as they are forming their own ideas about what they want to do with their lives,” Keller said.
Today, 8,921 undergraduate and graduate students are engaged in one or more career communities. Each community offers a robust calendar of events, from alumni panels and industry expos to skill-building workshops and networking opportunities. For example, the art, design and media community recently hosted a Creative Careers Expo, while the government, policy and social impact community provided professional headshots for students.
These events are open to all students, regardless of major or school, ensuring that opportunities are accessible and inclusive.
“It’s better for our employers and, more importantly, it’s better for students,” Keller said. “We are building our students’ social capital so they are in a position to thrive, now and in the future.”
Building Connections and Confidence
For senior Maggie Aideyan, the career exploration community has been a game-changer. Through classwork, internships, and fellowships, she discovered her interest in client relations. Aideyan credits the program with teaching her how to build a professional network—a skill she jokingly refers to as “LinkedIn stalking.”
“You’re at a really good institution, and your peers are doing really cool things. Look at what they are doing and ask them about those opportunities,” said Aideyan, who is studying organization and strategic management at Olin Business School and educational studies in Arts & Sciences. “Even if it’s not the right fit, there is value in knowing what you don’t want to do.”
First-year student Alden St. John, a member of the government, policy and social impact career community, is just beginning his career journey. He dreams of working in politics but is learning the field is broader than he imagined. Regular drop-in hours with CCE advisers and employers have helped him explore his options and connect with mentors.
“This has been a great way to figure out what avenues are available to me,” said St. John, a political science major. “And, to be honest, what jobs may no longer be available to me because of government cuts.”
Alumni as a Resource
One of the program’s unique features is its emphasis on alumni engagement. Susan Craig, associate director of the government, policy and social impact career community, notes that the community boasts 1,400 alumni who are eager to support students and one another.
“A big part of our work is to pay attention to labor trends and respond accordingly,” said Craig, who has been an adviser for 14 years. “For us, that means more programs that highlight state and local opportunities.”
Alumni also benefit from the program. The CCE provides career support to graduates, including those navigating job losses or career transitions.
A Unified Career Center
The career communities program is part of a broader transformation at WashU’s CCE, which adopted a unified career center model three years ago. The shift has resulted in more coaches, events, tools, and collaboration with faculty.
The changes have also broken down barriers between schools and majors. Now, students from diverse academic backgrounds can access the same opportunities, whether it’s a tech startup seeking a data scientist or a publishing firm looking for creative talent.
“For a long time, career education focused on that last stage of the job search,” Keller said. “But we can’t wait for students to walk into our office. We need to meet them where they are and help them discover where they fit in.”
For students like Theerman Rodriguez, Aideyan, and St. John, the career communities program is doing just that—helping them find their place in the world, one step at a time.
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