Career and Professional Development
- Phone: 920-748-8318
- Email: [email protected]
The Center for Career & Professional Development is an integral part of the liberal arts experience at Ripon College. We develop and teach innovative, personalized curriculum in our Catalyst program throughout a student’s four years, implement engaging programming and maintain accurate research that provides our students and employers with data and materials that help us all understand career education and job seeking in the fast-paced world of work. Liberal Arts graduates are more likely to be leaders, contributors, and civically engaged, according to the national Association of Colleges and Employers
Developing the Skills Employers Seek
We believe that specialized events and focused learning opportunities help students successfully navigate through the career development process. We make real world connections from day one with local, statewide and national employers and graduate schools. Together we ensure that each graduating class has the tools and skills needed to take the next step. Through a variety of events, focused activities and interactive programs students learn what makes Ripon graduates stand out. Each opportunity is evaluated for maximum learning effectiveness.
- Internship and job assistance
- Resume, cover letter and interview strategies
- Career exploration class: Self-Identity and the World of Work
- Graduate school application assistance
- Lunch & learns, employer spotlights, graduate school spotlights, workshops and guest speakers, WIPCCC Career Expo
Need Professional Attire?
Rally’s Career Closet is available to Ripon College students at no charge. Borrow an outfit for a special event, or “adopt an outfit” to keep as you build your collection of professional attire. We also have an ironing board, steamer and sewing kit available for last-minute wardrobe corrections!
Accepting Donations: We are always accepting donations of new or gently used professional clothing. (No accessories or shoes, please.) Contact the Career Center with any questions!
Fostering Professionalism
The Center for Career & Professional Development is a technology-driven space where students can experience a high-energy and innovative work space. Students have access to the latest tools necessary in today’s workplaces. It also is an inviting space that welcomes everyone.
Career and Professional Development staff maintain memberships with professional organizations to provide connections and opportunities to students along with keeping up with emerging trends in hiring and best practices.
- Associated Colleges of the Midwest Career Professionals (ACM)
- Milwaukee Area College Internship Consortium (MACIC)
- National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
- National Career Development Association (NCDA)
- Wisconsin Association of Colleges and Employers (WI-ACE)
- Wisconsin Private Colleges Career Consortium (WIPCCC)
Career Discovery Tour
The Career Discovery Tour is a program committed to further expanding student-alumni career networking opportunities. Offered annually during spring break, the Career Discovery Tour provides 12-16 students the opportunity to travel for a week to vibrant cities across the United States to gain first-hand knowledge of a variety of careers directly from successful Ripon alumni and friends.
Meet Our Team
Director, Center for Career & Professional Development
Career Ambassador, Social Media
Majors: Chemistry-Biology, Business Management
Hometown: Green Lake, WI
Class of 2023
Why I chose Ripon College: It offers the flexibility to do more than one major and gives you an individually tailored experience. The small classes allow me to be able to really get to know my professors and for them to get to know me better.
Lead Career Ambassador, Office Management and Marketing
Major: History
Minors: Business Management, Spanish
Hometown: Lomira, WI
Class of 2025
Why I chose Ripon College: I received excellent scholarship opportunities and it allowed me to stay close to family.
Career Ambassador, Rally's Career Closet and Employer Relations
Majors: Politics and Government, Sociology
Hometown: Neenah, WI
Class of 2025
Why I chose Ripon College: It allowed me to double major in two very different majors without being completely overwhelmed with work.
Career Ambassador, Handshake and Internal Communications
Majors: Secondary Education, Spanish
Minor: History
Hometown: Stoughton, WI
Class of 2026
Why I chose Ripon College: Because of how accessible campus resources, like the Career Center, are. Ripon College makes sure you feel supported in all aspects of the college experience.
Career Ambassador, Social Media
Majors: Business Management
Hometown: Seymour, WI
Class of 2027
Why I chose Ripon College: The small class sizes and the friendliness of the professors. I also felt very welcomed from the community surrounding the college.