Connecting students and alumni for employment 

Whether you're looking for a job, exploring a career, or seeking a new hire, the career & workforce development center has you covered.

By Sarah A. Moser

• Last year, 38 MNU students participated in job shadowing in conjunction with the business department. One of those graduating students was chosen for an internship with the company he shadowed, which led to a full-time job offer.
• Throughout the school year, local employers set up a table outside the cafeteria to connect with students.
• On WIRED Wednesdays, experts in various fields speak with students in classrooms and welcome them into their companies.

 All of this and much more happens thanks to the Career & Workforce Development office, which was created and is run by Dr. Linda (Kirby ’84) Alexander. This role is one of many hats Linda wears around campus. She is also a professor in the School of Education and serves as a grant writer who has secured more than $18 million for the university. In addition, she serves as the Director of Continuing Education and Concurrent Credit.

“I like to make connections between our students and employers, many of whom are MNU alumni,” says Linda. “Our students are a natural fit: they are prepared, have a great work ethic, understand the mission of MNU, and take that mission wherever they go after they graduate.”

The Career & Workforce Development office began in 2021 with an emphasis on building an employer network so when a student needs an internship, wants to job shadow, or has questions about an industry, Linda can say, “Oh! I have this contact, why don’t you go talk with them?” She says her focus is on getting employers on campus, getting them in front of students, and helping them make connections.

Because the center is still new, many people don’t yet realize the full extent to which they can get help. Linda says the department can help students and alumni create resumes and write cover letters, learn about potential careers, connect with experts in industries, find internships and jobs, practice with mock interviews, and much more. “I wish everyone knew I am here to help them!” says Linda.

Alumni can get involved, or find help, at the center in a variety of ways: Linda is always looking for people to speak at events, attend expos, welcome students for job shadowing and internships and host mock interviews. And these services are also available to job-seeking alumni. Linda says alumni can contact her to get access to the Handshake app.

“It’s an exciting time in the Career & Workforce Development office,” says Linda. “We don’t know what jobs will look like in the next five to 10 years. I get to be in the intersection between academic preparation and career launch; it’s very exciting!”

To connect with Linda and the Career & Workforce Development office, visit www.mnu.edu/mabee-learning-commons/student-development/career-and-workforce-development/ or call 913-971-3292