We agree with Kathy Hubbard '74: DePauw students could benefit greatly from a more accessible menu of opportunities.
Currently the university's main professional opportunities programming pales in comparison to internship and job placement pipelines generated by programs of distinction, like the Media Fellows and Management Fellows. The catalogued alumni network is weak at best. The Tiger Tracks site is poorly advertised and, additionally, the internship/job pickings available for application are slim.
Hubbard commented to us that she has hosted DePauw interns in the past. However, she has always had to seek them out herself. She believes DePauw students should have the resources to capitalize on their networking opportunities and reach out to alumni themselves. We agree.
Like other recent gifts, we're incredibly thankful to the Hubbard's for their donation.And we're hopeful that it can not only be used to renovate the to-be student engagement center, but to significantly bolster programming and staff.
We have seen movement there with the recent hiring of Dean for Experiential Learning Raj Bellani, the implementation of the Sophomore Institute and an expressed desire to build a unique-to-DePauw professional opportunities experience.
Yes, steps are being made, but we still have a ways to go. There is a lot to be improved on within the office, especially in the basic building block of alumni and employer relationships.
A deeper alumni base and strong pipelines to companies would, in theory, lead to a more attractive and busier Tiger Tracks - the most accessible menu for students to search out alumni themselves. Building those relationships could also lead to recurring internship opportunities to mirror those of the Fellows programs.
Deeper, more attractive programming would also help to build a wider campus understanding of the great potential these offices have. It seems a majority of students today are clueless on how they can benefit from the Civic Global and Professional Opportunities office.
Students want to stop by and utilize its resources, but often choose to put it off. Luckily, having the Hub and the lounge area increases its traffic and visibility. But what will happen when the food moves out?
We hope the Hubbard Student Engagement Center will continue act as an engaging space with a unique peg to attract a student often. What will bring a student in the newly renovated building more than once a semester, or at night?
A group of new offices without usable spaces for students won't. The mailroom and Help Desk will bring some during the day. New study spaces could bring a few at night. Designated spaces for alumni or recruiters to meet students could help.
The Hubbard's donation marks another exciting affirmation of DePauw's alumni dedication. We hope that will be reflected in the now endowed professional opportunity programming.