Senior Launch Program

In Spring 2023, every graduating College of Arts & Sciences senior will be assigned a Senior Launch Coach.  Oberlin College faculty and staff members from CELA and partner departments have committed to personally guiding students during their final semester, connecting them to professional support services, and helping Oberlin celebrate the successful launch of the class of 2023.

Each coach has been matched with a senior cohort of 10-15 students based on their own background and professional expertise. They will communicate with seniors throughout the spring semester, ensuring that they have access to the resources and help they need to successfully plan their first steps away from Oberlin.

During the first week of the spring semester, Launch Coaches will reach out to new cohorts of graduating students, connecting each student to the help and encouragement of a professional coach.

CED’s 2023 spring semester workshops and events feature topics of greatest importance to graduating seniors. A full list of workshops can be found on this page; make sure to check back throughout the spring semester for additional information. 

As Senior Launch Coaches communicate the wants and needs of graduating seniors, additional support and programming will be designed accordingly.  We are committed to meeting students where they are and helping them get where they want to go next.

Spring 2023 workshops include:

• Making a Statement: Writing Statements for Grad School, Job Apps, and Fellowships
• Navigating the Job Search Process and Final Semester Planning
• Navigating the Internship Process
• Resumes and Cover Letters: Good to Great
• Creating Your Personal Brand: LinkedIn, Digital Portfolios, and More
• Demystify Networking and Build Your Social Capital
• Interviewing with Confidence
• Business Etiquette and Professionalism

To view the full list of Spring 2023 workshops and register for sessions, log in to Handshake.

Climbing a Moving Ladder: Navigating the Politics of Inequality

Speaker: Menna Demessie '02, Ph.D. Race & Ethnic Politics Scholar, DEI Strategist

Racial disparities in workforce opportunities, upward mobility, and compensation and benefits are, in large part, attributed to labor markets structurally designed to perpetuate inequality in the workplace. While private and public sector investments in DEI initiatives address the aforementioned gaps and create safe spaces for employees facing discrimination or other shared concerns, it is also important to center your own personal circumstances, networks, challenges, and opportunities in order to customize a career path of success that recognizes an imperfect, nonlinear, and often unfair processes that face so many of us who may identify as BIPOC, first gen, LGBTQIA+. Dr. Demessie will provide a realistic overview of equity and equality in the workplace and the necessary steps to help empower you to make more informed decisions on your roadmap to success.

Dr. Menna Demessie is a political scientist, public policy professional, and social justice advocate with a track record of advancing research and policy solutions to bridge the racial gap across a host of socioeconomic issues including voting rights, criminal justice reform, minority access to capital, and employment. As the former SVP of Policy and Research and the Leadership Institute for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Dr. Demessie spent a decade spearheading partnerships with the White House, Congress and nonprofits.

• Saturday, March 4, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
• King Building, Room 106 (register on Handshake)

Elevating Your Game: What They Don't Tell You about Career Success

Speaker: Menna Demessie '02, Ph.D. Race & Ethnic Politics Scholar, DEI Strategist

This workshop will provide practical tools and tips targeting job searches, sponsor and mentorship procurement, cultivating innovative strategic opportunities for career advancement, building social capital, financial stability and wealth creation. Emphasis will be placed on transferable skill set building, social justice and community work, and employing entrepreneurial approaches to the job market. This workshop will be informal, interactive, and address students’ specific questions.

• Sunday, March 5, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
• Moffett Auditorium/Mudd A-050 (register on Handshake)

Senior Launch Regional Lunch

Join us for a lunch and meet-and-greet with other members of the Class of 2023 who may be moving to the same city/region. We will also give some insight into alumni groups and how you can connect with Oberlin alumni in your chosen city/region using OberLink.

• Thursday, April 6, 2023, 12:15-1:30 p.m.
• Moffett Auditorium/Mudd A-050 (register on Handshake)

Senior Launch Party

Come join us for an afternoon of food, connecting with Senior Launch Coaches, learning about resources for alumni, and mingling with your fellow 2023 graduates. We will also have swag to give away - drop by for great conversation and fun!

• Friday, April 14, 2023, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
• Center for Engaged Liberal Arts/Mudd A-Level (register on Handshake)

First 90 Days on the Job: A Conversation with President Ambar

Starting a new job is exciting! However, integrating into a new environment and team, navigating your transition and onboarding, and managing expectations can be stressful. This session with President Ambar will cover how to achieve success and make a positive impact during your first ninety days on the job.

• Sunday, April 23, 2023, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Dye Lecture Hall (register on Handshake)

As always, students have the opportunity to schedule individual appointments with a Career Advisor to discuss the career planning process more in depth.

Appointments can be scheduled through Handshake (Category: Career Exploration and Development; Type: Select a career community or Getting Started).