Bates alumni present public interest career forum
The Harward Center for Community Partnerships, in conjunction with Alumni and Parent Programs and the Office of Career Services, presents a public interest career forum for current Bates students entitled Beyond the Bubble: Batesies in Public Work from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, in the Benjamin Mays Center. A barbeque for participating students, faculty, staff and alumni immediately follows the presentation.
Bates has a long history of nurturing civic engagement in its students and alumni, says Anna Bartel, associate director of the Harward Center. In fact, she says, this event grows out of conversations with several such engaged alums. “Every year, we are proud to see a number of Bates graduates settle in Maine to do the important public work that strengthens our communities. We see this forum as an opportunity to bring these alumni together with current students to discuss careers in the public sector, from grassroots organizing to government work.”
The event is an opportunity for alumni to discuss both their present work and career paths with current Bates students. For aspiring young public servants, the job search can often be intimidating, Bartel says. This forum will offer current students the chance to benefit from alumni experiences and to learn about the exciting opportunities that exist in Maine.
Many local organizations offer summer work or internships that can provide valuable work experience for current students. This event allows students to connect with alumni from organizations that interest them.
The Harward Center plays an active role in creating and sustaining partnerships. “We are excited to collaborate with Alumni and Parent Programs and the Office of Career Services in this important partnership-building event,” Bartel says.
The forum will offer ample time for informal networking with students and fellow alums. There will also be a short panel presentation and a question-and-answer session touching on a wide range of public careers.
