At WashU, career readiness isn’t an afterthought. It’s part of the student experience from the start, and the Center for Career Engagement (CCE) plays a vital role in building partnerships and frameworks that nurture a career culture grounded in self-discovery and exploration.
“The Center for Career Engagement was established to ensure that all students have equitable access to all career resources, services and programs,” said Associate Vice Chancellor for Career Development and Education Norma Guerra Gaier. “In fact, WashU prioritizes career success for our students, and that really sets us apart from many institutions.”
By integrating career development into the broader WashU experience, the CCE empowers students to turn curiosity into action. With tailored coaching, experiential learning and meaningful connections, the CCE helps students discover not only what they want to do, but who they want to become.
Through its academic and industry partnerships, culture of student exploration and lifelong support, the CCE embodies a model of career education that’s human-centered, values-driven and enduring.
Read on to learn how the WashU Center for Career Engagement is building students for what’s next through its human-centered approach to career readiness.
Power in partnership
Through partnerships on campus and beyond, WashU’s Center for Career Engagement connects learning to life. Faculty collaborations bring career exploration into the classroom, while industry partnerships open doors for students to connect with meaningful employment.
Exploration as a journey
The CCE doesn’t just prepare students for jobs—it helps them discover who they are and who they want to become. From the moment students set foot on campus (and often before), the CCE encourages early engagement grounded in exploration and self-discovery. “We do not expect our students to know exactly what they want to do […]
For life, not just four years
Career support at WashU doesn’t end at graduation—it evolves. The CCE stands as a lifelong partner to alumni, continuing to offer coaching, job boards, and access to resources through platforms like Handshake and WashU CNX. “Once you’re part of WashU, you’re part of our community for life,” said Guerra Gaier. “Alumni can schedule appointments with […]