Columbus State Launches ‘cougar Career Connections‘ to Link Students with Alumni Expertise
Columbus,GA – Columbus State University has unveiled a new initiative,’Cougar Career Connections,’ designed to pair students with alumni mentors for personalized career guidance and networking opportunities. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic readiness and professional success, providing students with invaluable insights from experienced professionals in their fields of interest.
This launch comes as Columbus State considerably invests in student career development. Last year, the university bolstered its Center for Career Design by adding over 40 International Coaching Federation-certified career coaches to offer individualized support throughout a student’s academic journey. Coupled with the university’s utilization of the Handshake online employment platform, ‘Cougar Career Connections’ represents the latest step in a comprehensive strategy to enhance internship, job, and post-graduate placement rates.
The program’s core function is to facilitate meaningful mentorship relationships. Students will connect with alumni who can offer advice on career paths,industry trends,and professional skill development.This initiative directly supports the university’s strategic plan, which strongly emphasizes experiential learning and integrates career competencies into the new River core curriculum for all first-year students, ensuring real-world experience before graduation.
“We recognize the immense value of our alumni network and the power of mentorship in shaping successful careers,” said Michael Tullier, Executive Director of Strategic Interaction + Marketing at Columbus state. “‘Cougar Career connections’ provides a structured pathway for students to tap into that expertise and build lasting professional relationships.”
Employers seeking to connect with Columbus State students for employment and career opportunities can find more information on the Center for Career Design’s website: https://careercenter.columbusstate.edu/.