Exploration Community

The Exploration Community is designed to help you answer questions that will move you towards the life you want to lead. Career exploration is the process of learning about yourself, about career options, and planning for the life you imagine after Denison. Figuring out the right career path for yourself can seem like a daunting task but the earlier you start, the easier it will be. You will be able to narrow your career focus by learning about yourself through program participation, engaging with alumni and potential employers, and using available resources. While many students will begin their post-grad planning here then join career-specific communities, students and alumni are welcome at any time as they consider various career options.

The Journey Program

The Denison Journey Program is designed to help you think about your future with excitement, possibility, and promise and support you in breaking down the steps to get there into small, manageable pieces.  All students are encouraged to participate in the Journey Program – but the optimal time for participation is the summer before your Sophomore year, during your Sophomore year, or the summer after your Sophomore year.

Steps in Career Exploration

Career Exploration can seem daunting. Breaking it down to a few actionable steps will help you manage and even enjoy the process! The Knowlton Center team is here to assist you and we look forward to working with you! Click below to learn more about each step in the process.

  • Engage

    • Engage in your collegiate experience beyond your academics. There is no need to join several organizations just to list them on your resume.
    • Think about what interests you, what you are curious about, where you want to spend time?
    • Choose a few co-curricular activities and go deep, try to rise to leadership roles as an upperclassman.
    • Challenge yourself to do something different and out of your comfort zone.
  • Reflect

    • The next four years will go fast, maybe not every moment or every class but it will be important to find time to check in with yourself and ask…
    • Are the things that I am doing what I want to be doing?
    • What do I enjoy, what do I no longer enjoy?
    • What type of life do I want after Denison? Where?
  • Create Your Career Action Plan

    • As you begin to think about different careers, make a list of questions you have.
    • Design a plan for how you will get the answers using Knowlton Center resources, professors, peers, and professionals in the field.
    • Consider how you will use your time while on the hill and off over the next few years. Use this Career Exploration Action Plan to guide you!
  • Meet with a Career Coach

    • Every student is in a unique place in their career planning process.
    • We are happy to meet with you whether you have a very defined plan or you have no idea at all as to what you want after Denison.
    • If you have never met with a career coach, meet with one of our Peer Coaches first (see below).
    • If you have met with a staff member prior, reengage by scheduling an appointment with one of our career coaches.

Drop-in for Peer Coaching

If you are new to the Knowlton Center, the best place to start is with our Peer Coaches. Peer Coaches are Seniors who will walk you through what you can expect from the Knowlton Center, how to take advantage of the many resources you have available to you, how to leverage the 1:1 Career Coaching we provide and help you get started on basics like your resume. Drop-in for Peer Coaching on the 3rd floor of Burton Morgan. Peer Coaches are available:

  • MONDAYS:  9:00 -10:15 , 11:00 -1:30 , 3:00  -4:00
  • TUESDAYS:  10:30  -1:15, 1:30 -3:30
  • WEDNESDAYS:  9:00 – 12:15 , 12:30 -3:30
  • THURSDAYS:  Noon-4:00
  • FRIDAYS:  9:00 -12:15,  12:30-4:00

Introducing the Peer Coaches: Maggie McNamara

Hi, my name is Maggie McNamara. I’m a senior Economics and Global Commerce double major with a minor in Spanish from San Diego, CA. On campus, I’m the Vice President of the Denison Investment Club, Secretary of the Mortar Board …

By Margaret McNamara
Margaret McNamara Peer Career Coach
Read more »

Introducing Peer Coaches: Mohamed Hassan

Hey there! My name is Mohamed Hassan, and I’m a senior double majoring in Political Science and Communication with a concentration in Narrative Journalism and a minor in Cinema. Originally, I’m from Egypt; however, I’ve lived in New York for …

By Mohamed Hassan
Mohamed Hassan Peer Career Coach
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Introducing the Peer Coaches: Daniel Seely

Hello! My name is Daniel Seely and I am a Peer Career Coach in the Knowlton Center this year! I am a senior from Columbus majoring in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics with a minor in Music Performance. When I’m not …

By Daniel Seely
Daniel Seely Peer Career Coach
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From the Hill to the FBI as a Creative Writer

Hello!

My name is Anna Spears and I graduated from Denison in 2007 with my BA in creative writing. When I first started college, I wasn’t sure what was on the horizon for me. I toyed with going pre-law, and …

By Melanie Murphy
Melanie Murphy Director, Career Communities and Coaching
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Introducing the Peer Coaches and Fellows: Fiona Schultz

My name is Fiona and I am excited to be joining the Knowlton Center’s Peer Coaching team! I am a senior from Minneapolis, Minnesota who fell in love with Denison the first time I visited as a high schooler. I …

By Fiona Schultz
Fiona Schultz Peer Career Coach and Peer Fellow: Nonprofit, Education and Government Career Community
Read more »

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Knowlton Center Guides and How-to Info

This guide provides sophomores with actionable items that will aid their career exploration and planning process.

This guide provides recommendations for first-year students as they begin the career exploration process.

LinkedIn Learning Courses

Creating a Career Plan

Dr. Chaz Austin
The employment landscape can be volatile and scary. But with a solid career plan, you will be prepared and adept…

Learning Personal Branding

Chelsea Krost
You are the most powerful marketing tool at your disposal. If you are starting a business, establishing your thought leadership,…

A Day In The Life of a Data Scientist

Madecraft
The best way to understand what it’s actually like to work as a data scientist is to spend the day…

Success Habits

Chris Croft
View Chris’s LinkedIn Newsletter Habits have been identified as the key to success over the long term. Take a short…

Knowlton Center Career Tools

Additional Support Resources

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