Fast Forward: Students to participate in alumni-led career preparation week

Students participate in a career workshop at Connecticut College.
Students participate in a career workshop at Connecticut College.

This month, 20 Connecticut College students will participate in Fast Forward, a weeklong intensive college-to-career preparation workshop led by alumni professionals. The five-day, multi-track program will provide a real-world perspective in the areas of finance/entrepreneurship, law, non-profit organizations and health professions.

“This is another exciting opportunity Connecticut College students have to develop the career and networking skills they need to be successful in today’s interconnected and global workforce,” said Noel Garrett, dean for academic support and director of the Academic Resource Center.

Participants will receive in-depth, interactive training in developing a marketing plan and personal brand; public speaking and presentation; financial literacy; and finance and business practices. They will follow one of four industry tracks: business/entrepreneurship, law, health or non-profit. All sessions will be led by Connecticut College alumni.

The program, which runs Aug. 7-12, will begin with an opening dinner and keynote address by Trustee Annie Scott ’84, director of information technology at Middlesex Community College and founding member and first president of the Board of Directors of the Brass City Charter School.

Throughout the week, students will have opportunities to assess their skills with mentorship and guidance from Conn alumni and employers. They will also receive extensive feedback from professionals in their fields and develop a personalized plan for achieving their career goals.

“This program is especially appealing to me because it provides the opportunity to get a head start on fine tuning the communication and personal skills necessary in almost any career, while also giving participants a chance to create connections with successful alumni,” said Erin Martin ’19, who plans to complete Fast Forward’s health track. “I am particularly excited to meet with Connecticut College alumni who are now experienced in the field I hope to pursue.”

Fast Forward is sponsored by the College’s Academic Resource Center. There is no cost for students to participate. 

The workshop is part of the College’s four-year career program, an integral part of the Connecticut College experience that complements the academic rigor inside the classroom and prepares students for 21st century careers. Through the program, all students are eligible for up to $3,000 for an internship in the summer before their senior year. Recently, the program was named one of the top 20 in North America by the Princeton Review. 



August 1, 2016