The Meruelo Family Center for Career Development has expanded its programs and services beyond the Dome in an effort to reshape career development for Notre Dame students.
Through its regional engagement model, the center has brought career discernment and networking opportunities to some of the country’s most influential metro areas, including Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, New York City and Houston. Unlike most traditional career development programs, the regional engagement model has an external focus, forming meaningful relationships in job markets where Notre Dame students want to work.
“The regional engagement model at the University of Notre Dame is a cornerstone of the career development experience that truly sets the University apart,” Northern California regional engagement manager Allison Gagnon said.
The program offers students several tools to connect with sought-after employers, including the Golden Gateway Series, an initiative that helps students network with professionals at companies like Google, Nike and Apple. The regional engagement model also offers career treks, helping students discern potential vocational paths in locations relevant to specific career paths.
“These treks provide behind-the-scenes access to organizations and opportunities to learn about different career paths and chances to connect with Notre Dame alumni and friends who can offer mentorship, advice and professional guidance,” Gagnon stated.
The model also employs a regional engagement team, which operates throughout the country. Team members in national hotspots help teams enhance the Notre Dame network, enabling the University to connect more directly with national fields.
“The regional team is ND’s career ‘game changer,’” regional engagement associate for Southern California Dorothy Kozak Snoke said. “For students wanting an inside glimpse into top employers in major industries – aerospace, sports, media, biotech, Fortune 500 companies – we connect the dots with connections to help you get in the door.”
Junior Vince Smith reported gaining valuable experience working with firms across San Francisco and Silicon Valley through the model.
“I have been able to gain a real understanding of the technology and venture capital ecosystem, and developed many lasting and meaningful relationships with big names in these industries,” Smith said.
Senior Connor Casey, who participated in a Bay Area career trek, noted that the opportunity highlighted the many paths that can come after business analytics and finance degrees. On the trek, Casey met alumni working for LinkedIn, who shared unique insights into profile-building strategies.
“Not only did I gain a behind-the-scenes glimpse into several tech giants, including Salesforce and LinkedIn, but I was also able to personally connect with two dozen Notre Dame alumni and fellow students,” Casey said.
According to Casey and Smith, both recommended their experiences to others, with Smith expressing his gratitude for the initiative.
“I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am for this program and how much I would recommend others take advantage of these opportunities,” Smith said.
The University is planning to expand the model as the center hopes to establish teams in other major cities such as Boston and Washington, D.C. Both have dynamic job markets and increasing student interest, making them perfect future targets for the evolving program.
“Rather than simply offering career services on campus, like many other universities, our regional model embeds staff in strategic regions to cultivate real-time, meaningful relationships with employers, alumni and parents,” Gagnon stated, emphasizing that the model not only helps students take the next steps in their professional careers but also contributes to a global network rooted in community, innovation and growth.
