Career Education Center
In This Section
Location
(5) Palace Road Building
Suite P304
One Palace Road
Email: careers@simmons.edu
Phone: 617.521.2488
Hours
Academic year:
Monday - Thursday:
8:30am to 7:00pm
Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Career counselors are available by appointment.
June through August:
Monday - Thursday:
8:30am to 4:30pm
Friday: 8:30am to 2pm.
Success Connection 2007-2008
Program Description
The Success Connection Leadership Program is a unique mentoring opportunity for Simmons students who plan to graduate in May 2008 (January 2008 graduates also eligible). The program literally connects students with success in the form of highly accomplished Simmons alumnae who host a student who shadows the alumna at her place of work.
Success Connection mentors are members of the Simmons Leadership Council (SLC), which was formed in the early 1990s in part to help advance career and professional development of Simmons students. Success Connection mentors include leaders in a variety of professions such as finance, entertainment, publishing, consulting services, non-profit, marketing, law, and the arts. Selected students travel – primarily in the Northeast – to meet their mentor one-on-one. As a Success Connection student, you will immerse yourself for a day or two in a leader-driven work environment complete with meetings and events, strategic thinking, and business lunches. Not only does Success Connection offer you valuable insights into professional leadership qualities and skills before you graduate, but if selected for the program, you can continue connecting with mentors and other Success Connection participants after you officially join the ranks of Simmons alumnae.
Student-mentor matches are based primarily on the leadership experience a mentor offers and the career interests of the student.
For additional information, click here for FAQs about Success Connection.
Applying to the Success Connection Program
In order to be considered for the Success Connection program, please complete the following steps. If possible, submit the brief but important application early, during the summer or in the first week of classes. A complete timeline of the application process is included with the Frequently Asked Questions.
Step 1: Complete and submit the online application form no later than October 1, 2007.
Step 2: Make sure an updated resumé is on your CareerLink profile. If you have not yet received a user name and ID via email from the Career Education Center (CEC), please call the CEC at 617.521.2488 or stop by the CEC at One Palace Road, Suite 304. CEC staff members are ready to assist you with any CareerLink-related questions.
If you prefer, simply send an electronic copy of your résumé to Sarah Zengo in the Office of Alumnae/i Relations via email at sarah.zengo@simmons.edu .
Step 3: Familiarize yourself with the following expectations of the Success Connection Leadership Program. Participation in this program means you accept the responsibility to do the following:
Be professional!
This means everything from checking spelling and grammar in your written communication (emails, essays, resumé, etc.) to dressing appropriately to writing thank-you notes. While these may seem obvious, their importance cannot be overstated.
Follow instructions!
This means, for example, that you will need to arrange your travel within given parameters and within a given timeframe. Another example is researching information about your mentor and/or mentor's organization. Details about preparing for your shadowing experience will be provided soon after notification of acceptance to the program. These instructions are intended to help you gain the most from your experience.
Be reliable!
Plane delayed? Telephone your mentor. Blizzard keeps you in Boston? Notify your NYC hotel immediately to cancel your reservation, etc.
Be reflective!
Within two weeks of your shadowing experience, submit a brief essay (100 to 500 words) that describes what you learned, felt, and experienced as a Success Connection participant. This essay may be shared in whole or in part with the Simmons community (via web, fliers, etc.) and members of the Simmons Leadership Council (Success Connection is sponsored by this Council; a group of about 40 Simmons graduates considered to be leaders in their fields).
Be available!
When you graduate from Simmons, register on Alumnet, the online community for alumnae, and keep your contact information current. Also, even as a recent graduate, please volunteer to be part of the Simmons Alumnae Professional Network, so you become available to mentor students as you progress in your career.
Special Note
Selection to Success Connection is based on leadership experience, professionalism (expressed through both the written application and personal interview), and good academic standing. Career Education Center staff is available to assist students with interview preparation, resumé review, and all other parts of the application process.