Dear Aunt Martha,
Cornell is such a large campus and there are so many resources and opportunities out there. I’m not sure where to start. As a Human Ecology student, how can I make the most of the resources offered by this college?
Sincerely,
Curious Collegiate
Hello Curious Collegiate,
There are so many opportunities and resources that Human Ecology offers, and we are so glad to have you be a part of the College! Here are five things to make the most out of your Human Ecology experience:
1. Understand the College and Its Mission
When people ask, “What is the College of Human Ecology?”, what do you tell them? Being able to explain the college’s unique mission will allow you to build your narrative here. In a nutshell, The College of Human Ecology addresses human needs through translational research, innovation, design, education, and policy.
Once you have a grasp on the College and its mission, evaluate how this mission contributes to your interests, goals. How does Human Ecology’s philosophy shape your desired career? Check out the Career Exploration Center’s Marketing Your Human Ecology Education or Developing a Personal Elevator Pitch handouts for specific examples of how to describe your major and how to develop your pitch!
2. Read Communecology!
Communecology is a weekly e-newsletter sent from the Office of Admissions, Student, and Career Development in the College of Human Ecology. Here, you can find out about special offers, information sessions, job postings, career workshops, networking opportunities, important updates, and more! Be sure to check your email towards the beginning of each week to see what’s new!
3. Don’t be Afraid to Talk to Professors, Alumni, and Peers
Networking is a great way to see different career outlooks, and how you can fit your Human Ecology education into the professional world. In addition, forming these connections may introduce you to possibilities you may have never thought of before!
Be sure to check out the Young Alumni Lunch Series where you can chat with a Human Ecology Alum and enjoy a complimentary lunch! Keep an eye out for e-mail notifications, and also stay up to date with our Programs Calendar(found online or in the Career Exploration Center in Academic Surge A, room 119).
On the note of networking with alumni, check out CUeLinks, an online networking platform where you can message alumni to ask about graduate school, career outlooks, their own experiences, and more! These alumni have voluntarily signed up for an account, so they are open to talking to students!
Finally, seize the opportunity to talk to a professor about a class or their research, either during their office hours or through requesting an appointment through e-mail. Ask for a coffee chat with a peer to chat about clubs and organizations on campus that you’re both involved in, or that you’re interested in. Forming these relationships can introduce you to new opportunities and valuable connections!
4. If you are interested in research, reach out to a lab!
The College of Human Ecology has such a diverse range of research, and there are many ways to get involved if you are interested! Visit this page to learn more about participating in Undergraduate Research.
5. Come to the Career Exploration Center
Whether you are wondering what career paths to pursue, or preparing to start a new chapter in your professional life, the Career Exploration Center is with you to support your journey! We offer resources in
- Career exploration
- Resume and cover letter critiques
- Job and internship search
- Mock interviews (scheduled and walk-in)/ Interview Tips
- Navigating Handshake, CUeLinks, or Alumni Connections Program
- And more!
Check out our office in Academic Surge A, Room 119 during our hours! (M-Th 10AM-4PM, F 10AM-2PM)
If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to send us an e-mail at hecec@cornell.edu, or walk into our office during our hours. You can visit us at hecec.human.cornell.edu for more information.
Wishing You the Best Human Ecology Experience,
Aunt Martha