Acadia University
Wolfville, Nova Scotia B0P 1X0
(902) 585-1362 Fax (902) 585-1072News Release
For Release: May 11, 2001Making the transition from classroom to workplace easier
(Wolfville, NS) – Acadia kinesiology graduates are ready to face the ‘real world’ thanks to a unique program called Senior Seminar. As part of the required kinesiology studies, the Senior Seminar class prepares students for their future by learning what it means to be a professional. The knowledge gained in this course helps students face the decisions they will make as they leave school.For 47 kinesiology students graduating this year, the Senior Seminar class was a chance to learn what being a professional really means. Forming small groups the students developed self-directed projects, exploring topics such as support and mentoring, self-promotion, networking and community nurturing. Working under the guidance of their professor Dr. Wendy Bedingfield the students built a web page, put on a professional luncheon, planned a retreat, ran high school presentations, raised money for charity and sent delegates to a conference. Dr. Bedingfield says, “The vision is to prepare them to be in the workplace taking them from being a student to being a professional.”
Potential graduates often worry about what awaits them in the fall. Fears of not finding a job are accompanied by concerns that they are not ready for workplace pressures. Senior Seminar discussions are designed to help students feel comfortable about the school to work transition. Dr. Bedingfield explains, “We address the graduation fears. The most important thing they learn is that they are prepared, they already have the skills they just need to have the confidence.”
Building networking opportunities is an important part of Senior Seminar. Dr. Bedingfield’s students connect with recent Acadia kinesiology graduates to hear about their achievements, illustrating how others have succeeded in finding jobs. One group project was to organize a professional luncheon, which helped them make contacts in various fields. Senior Seminar student Heidi Bullen says, “I just had a job interview with the person I sat next to at our professional luncheon. It really helps to meet people.”
Today’s fast-paced workplace presents new challenges for graduates trying to land their first job. Resume development, self-promotions, uncovering the hidden job market and personal career paths are areas covered by Senior Seminar. Students learn about functional resumes that categorize skills and highlight achievements. Discussions about internship programs and job decisions based on personal values help young graduates get their foot in the door and feel comfortable about the decisions they make.
When Acadia’s Kinesiology graduates cross the convocation stage on May 14 they will be ready to take the next step. Senior Seminar participants feel that they are better prepared for what lies ahead than their fellow students who are envious of this unique course. Bullen says, “When I tell my friends what we did in Senior Seminar they say they wish they had a course to prepare them for the workforce. I am glad I took this course, I feel I am ready for the working world.”
-30-
For more information contact:
Sheri Woodland
Communications Manager
Office of Public Affairs
Acadia University
(902) 585-1362
Acadia HomePublished by: The Office of Public Affairs
Last revised: May 11, 2001
URL: http://www.acadiau.ca/whatsnew/newsrelease/2001/Transition_May11.html