This Monday afternoon, Marymount University hosted a grand opening ceremony for its new Center for Career Development in the Ballston Center, celebrating not only a new office location for the department but a restructuring of the Career Development model for Marymount students.
Under the leadership of new Director Joseph Gebbie, the Center is collaborating with administrators, faculty and staff to develop a four-year student career success model that also broadens offerings to MU alumni. During the COVID-19 era when global employment has been unstable, these initiatives aim to ensure career-ready competitive talent for employer partners.
“We want students, from the moment they join Marymount, to start working with the Career Development Center so that they can have a meaningful experience throughout the whole time they’re here,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “This will prepare them for internships, jobs after graduation, or if they’re going to continue to graduate school at Marymount, they can also be successful through that process.”
“I think it’s very fitting that we assemble at the end of the most challenging academic year in American higher education history with an opening, and a true celebration of our new Career Development Center – a place that will undoubtedly impact the lives of current and future Marymount Saints,” added Dr. William Bisset, Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs at Marymount University. “It will act as a symbol to the tenacity of Marymount students, who search for their place in an ever-changing and complicated world.”
In partnership with the University’s Advancement and Graduate Admissions offices, the Center for Career Development’s holistic, four-year developmental learning initiatives include:
- Year 1: Exploration (students learn to understand the importance of majors and the job search process)
- Year 2: Multi-module virtual course prepares sophomores for the job search (crafting resumes and cover letters, and finding mentors)
- Year 3: Connecting employers to students (internships and major-specific career fairs)
- Year 4: Lessons for Life course offering (includes workshops on financial literacy, home ownership and leasing, etc.)
“Our new name and office reaffirms the University’s commitment to give our students and alumni every resource possible so they can be successful,” Gebbie explained. “We will work not just as a service, but as an educational center to help develop our students. I believe Career Development is not just the end – it’s from the beginning, straight through to graduation and beyond. Because once you’re a Saint, you’re always a Saint.”
This office opening brings Marymount’s Career Development efforts even closer to Arlington’s major business hub, and solidifies Marymount’s place as “Arlington’s University.” In addition to Marymount students, faculty and staff, employer partners of the University and officials from the Arlington Chamber of Commerce attended the kickoff event.
“Marymount is Arlington’s hometown university,” said Kate Bates, President & CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. “We have a number of wonderful academic institutions throughout Arlington, but this is the only university that’s headquartered right here in Arlington. And we are so proud and grateful for that partnership.”
