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A Year In Review: CPE Experience

This year marks my first year as a Career Peer Educator at the Career Center at Lawrence University. This job has been so rewarding in so many ways and I am ecstatic to continue until graduation! I have learned so much, professionally and personally. I could not have asked for a better on campus job and a better team!

One of the most interesting things we did this year was our informational interviews. We interviewed two people, alumni or recruiters, every term, with the topics varying per term. In the Fall, I interviewed Joe Loehnis ’06 about the arts administration industry (“Joe Loehnis ’06: From Cellist to CEO“). I learned a lot about how I really wanted to be professionally and how Lawrence can really prepare you for the field. In Winter, I spoke with Ilan Blanck ’17 about the process of interviewing and hiring (“Ilan’s ’17 Eyes On Interviewing“). I enjoyed hearing about Ilan’s experiences with current professors of mine and how they helped shape him into who he is today. Hearing as well about his current position at The Music District was eye opening for what I had the potential to do with my degrees at Lawrence, and of course what interviewers were really looking for. And this term, I interviewed Reese Pike ’25 about her graduate school experience (“An MM Isn’t As Scary As You Think“). I actually had no idea that there were masters programs that were only one year, and that allowed me to think more in depthly about my own future. Every interview I did this year taught me something knew, professionally and personally.

I remember doing my training for this role and being so scared to have appointments with students. I was terrified of having no idea what to say, or saying the wrong thing. And while my first few appointments were unnecessarily long, I began to realize it really wasn’t that bad. I’m an orientation leader and got a few of my first-years to schedule something with me, and then throughout the year had a few appointments with my friends. I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and being able to offer advice or thoughts that are genuinely beneficial. Helping people find jobs, internships or opportunities that they had a real passion for was an unexpected joy. My own resume has grown so much while working here, and of course my LinkedIn is actually used now. I feel so much more confident in myself professionally through this job.

In our weekly staff meetings, we spent so much time on interviewing. We would each answer interview questions, and trust me some of them were really hard to answer or just straight odd. It was uncomfortable, but I feel so much stronger in that realm. I have always interviewed well, but I’ve never been asked really formal interview questions, and that will for sure change. My fellow CPEs are such kind and lovely people and we have really cultivated a kind environment that never made me scared to mess up or say the wrong thing.

I have grown to just love the environment we’ve cultivated at the Career Center. My relationships with my bosses and my coworkers are special to me, and seeing them is sometimes the highlight of my week. I always feel so supported, professionally and personally, even if I am struggling. There were a few times where the second floor of Chapman Hall felt like a second home, and it has always felt like a safe space. This was a job I never thought I would have in college, but I really can’t imagine my second year of school without it. The Career Center has been nothing but kind to me, and I am excited to come back in the Winter!

My Journey as a Career Peer Educator (CPE) : Lessons, Connections, and Growth

As I reflect on my time as a Career Peer Educator (2024 -2026), I realize that the role has been much more than helping students with resumes or answering career questions. It has been an opportunity to connect students with resources, opportunities, and people who can help them take the next step toward their goals. Through appointments, workshops, tabling events, newsletters, blog writing, and informational interviews, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the many paths students can take after graduation and the importance of helping them navigate those possibilities.

One of my most memorable experiences this year was working with a student over the course of a term to create a personalized career plan. Together, we identified career interests, developed timelines, gathered application materials, explored resources, and established regular check-ins to track progress. Seeing that student move from uncertainty to confidence reinforced the value of individualized career support and reminded me that meaningful career development often happens through consistent guidance rather than a single conversation.

Another memorable experience came from tabling in the Stietz and YoungChild Atrium. Many students stopped by to ask quick questions, learn about Career Center resources, or share career-related concerns. These interactions showed me that while many students are interested in career development, they may not always have the time or confidence to schedule an appointment. Meeting students where they are, has helped me understand the importance of outreach and accessibility in career education.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a CPE has been creating content for fellow students. Some of my favorite articles included The Hope and Joy of Hospice: Chapter 1 – The Application Process, Your Path to Medicine Does Not Need to Be Perfect, and What Recruiters Really Look for in Interviews: Insights from Emplify Health Career Services. Through these articles, I was able to share experiences and advice from professionals while making career information more approachable and relevant for students.

Professionally, I have grown in several important ways. First, I have become a stronger communicator. Whether conducting appointments, interviewing professionals, writing articles, or presenting information, I learned how to translate complex ideas into practical guidance that students can use. Second, I developed stronger networking and relationship-building skills through informational interviews with alumni, graduate students, healthcare professionals, and recruiters. These conversations expanded my understanding of career pathways while teaching me how to build meaningful professional connections. Finally, I gained a broader understanding of career development resources. Through my work supporting the Health and Medical Professions (HMP) and Physical and Natural Sciences (PHN) career communities, I discovered countless tools, databases, programs, and opportunities that I now feel confident sharing with others.

Looking back, I am most proud of the resources I helped create and the connections I built along the way. The Career Center has given me opportunities to grow as a professional, mentor, writer, and communicator. More importantly, it has shown me how impactful it can be to help someone take one step closer to their future. I am grateful for the students, staff, alumni, and professionals who shared their experiences with me, and I know the lessons I learned as a Career Peer Educator will continue to influence my own career journey for years to come.

As I prepare for my own next steps after Lawrence, I leave this role knowing that some of the most meaningful work happens when we help others recognize possibilities for themselves.

Dennis Boakye ’26 is a senior with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Mathematics. Dennis is the current career peer educator for the Health and Medicinal Professions (HMP) and the Physical and Natural Sciences (PHN) career communities at Lawrence University. Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn.

A year in life of a CPE by Sabin

Over the course of this academic year at the Career Center, I’ve had the opportunity to take on a variety of responsibilities and experiences that have contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. Working in this environment has helped me better understand career development processes while also strengthening several practical skills that I will carry forward. 

One of the key areas I have grown in is my understanding of informational interviews. I learned how they function as a powerful tool for exploring career paths, gaining industry insight, and building professional connections. This knowledge has also helped me become more confident in initiating and guiding these conversations in a meaningful way. 

I also developed stronger communication skills through consistent engagement in tabling events and workshops. These experiences required me to communicate clearly, adapt my message to different audiences, and actively engage with students in a professional setting. Over time, I became more comfortable speaking with diverse groups and presenting information in an approachable and effective manner. 

Another important area of growth was gaining experience with job interviews and applications. Practicing interview scenarios and understanding application processes helped me feel more prepared and structured in how I approach career opportunities. Additionally, I learned more about graduate school applications, which gave me a clearer understanding of the steps, timelines, and expectations involved in pursuing further education. 

Several moments stood out as highlights of my year. One of the most memorable was co-hosting the networking workshop in collaboration with the Lawrence University Data Science Club, which achieved a record participation of over 50 attendees. This experience demonstrated the impact of collaboration and planning, and it was rewarding to see such strong engagement from students. 

Another meaningful part of my experience was my one-on-one meetings with Grace. These conversations played an important role in my development, offering both professional guidance and personal growth. They helped me reflect more intentionally on my goals and progress throughout the year. 

In addition, serving as the president of the Data Science Club allowed me to build networks across industries and apply those connections to increase engagement for Datathon ’26. This experience helped me understand the importance of outreach, relationship-building, and initiative in creating successful events. 

Overall, I have really appreciated the supportive and friendly environment at the Career Center. It has been a space where I’ve felt encouraged to learn, contribute, and grow while also enjoying the work itself. I am looking forward to continuing this growth in the upcoming year and taking on new challenges and opportunities. 

Computer Science and Data Science major, Mathematics minor at Lawrence University, and the President of the Lawrence University Data Science Club. Connect with Sabin on LinkedIn

Exploring the Operating Room Through Forage’s Surgical Tech Job Simulation

As someone interested in healthcare and patient care, I chose to complete this simulation because I wanted a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes in the operating room. While many students are familiar with physicians and nurses, the role of a surgical technologist is often less visible despite being essential to patient safety and successful surgical procedures. This simulation gave me the opportunity to explore that role in a structured, low-pressure environment and made the surgical setting feel much more approachable and less intimidating.

The simulation focused on the responsibilities of a surgical technologist throughout the perioperative process, including the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of surgery. I learned how a surgical technologist’s responsibilities change across these phases and how maintaining organization, communication, and sterility contributes to patient safety. The program also introduced key medical terminology, common surgical supplies, and the workflow of an operating room team. Rather than simply memorizing information, I had to think critically about real-world scenarios and apply what I learned to make decisions similar to those a surgical technologist might face.

One aspect I particularly enjoyed was seeing how different healthcare professionals collaborate during a procedure. The simulation highlighted the importance of teamwork, preparation, attention to detail, and anticipating the needs of others. These are skills that extend far beyond the operating room and are valuable in many healthcare professions.

I would recommend this simulation to students interested in medicine, nursing, physician assistant studies, surgical technology, or any healthcare career involving patient care. It is especially useful for students who want exposure to the clinical environment but may not yet have shadowing or hospital experience. The simulation provides a realistic introduction to surgical workflows without requiring prior medical knowledge.

In an interview, I would discuss this experience as an example of proactive career exploration. I will explain how the simulation strengthened my understanding of perioperative care, patient safety, and interdisciplinary teamwork. I will also emphasize how it reinforced the importance of preparation, communication, and critical thinking in healthcare settings. Completing the simulation helped me better appreciate the role surgical technologists play in supporting both patients and the broader surgical team.

Here is the link to the Surgical Tech Forage Simulation

Dennis Boakye ’26 is a senior with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Mathematics. Dennis is the current career peer educator for the Health and Medicinal Professions (HMP) and the Physical and Natural Sciences (PHN) career communities at Lawrence University. Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn.

Reflecting on My Experience as a Career Peer Educator

This term marks my third term working at the Career Center as a Career Peer Educator for Visual and Performing Arts. Looking back, this role has been one of the most meaningful parts of my academic year because it has helped me grow both personally and professionally. As a CPE, I have had the chance to support other students, write articles, practice professional skills, and learn more about my own career goals.

One of the most memorable experiences from this year was working on a project where we talked with Lawrence alumni about their experiences as graduate students. Since I am also thinking about graduate school in the future, this project felt especially useful and personal to me. It was helpful to hear directly from Lawrence graduates about their application process, the challenges they faced, and the strategies that helped them succeed. Their advice gave me a clearer idea of what to expect and made the idea of applying to graduate school feel less overwhelming.

You can read those articles here: 

  1. Grad School Tips from Isabel Dorn ’25
  2. Grad School Advice from Nazlee Harunani’25

Another memorable experience was practicing interview questions with Grace Kutney and the other CPEs during our staff meetings. These practice sessions always felt like a judgment-free zone, which made it easier to try, make mistakes, and learn from each other. Over time, I have become much more confident in how I speak, organize my answers, and respond to interview questions. The bond we share during those meetings means a lot to me, and it has made the Career Center feel like a supportive community.

One of my favorite memories was also sharing the news that I got a summer internship and seeing everyone at the Career Center be genuinely happy for me. That moment reminded me that the Career Center is not just a workplace. It really feels like a family where people support and celebrate each other.

Through this role, I also had the chance to explore different career-related topics through writing. One article I wrote was about my experience completing a Forage simulation with Lloyds Banking Group, where I learned more about UX design. I have always been interested in UX design, so this was a great chance to understand the field better and reflect on what I learned. You can read my article here: Learning UX Design with Lloyds Banking Group: My Forage Experience

I also wrote an article about how students can start building a photography career even if they do not have a professional camera or expensive equipment. This topic was important to me because many students feel like they need perfect tools before they can begin, but sometimes starting with what you already have, even just a phone, is enough. You can read that article here: Starting a Photography Career with What You Already Have

Professionally, I have grown in several ways through my work as a CPE. First, I have become more confident in communication, especially when practicing interviews, talking with students, and writing for a student audience. Second, I have learned how to reflect on career experiences and turn them into helpful resources for others. Third, I have become more open to learning about different opportunities I can explore, such as completing Forage simulations and researching graduate school options.

Overall, being a Career Peer Educator has helped me understand career development in a more personal way. It has not only allowed me to help other students, but it has also helped me learn more about myself, my goals, and the kind of professional I want to become.

Grad School Advice from Nazlee Harunani’25

Thinking about grad school but not sure where to start? Nazlee Harunani ’25 has been there. Now at Wake Forest University School of Medicine studying neuroscience, she knows what it takes to make the leap from Lawrence to grad school, and she’s sharing what worked for her. Nazlee has always been focused on her goals, and her story shows that with planning, preparation, and a little persistence, grad school is doable, even when you’re moving far from home for the first time.

No gap year

Nazlee didn’t take a gap year because she didn’t want to be out of school for a whole year. She did feel a bit burned out sometimes, but because she had been doing research over the summers, it kept her on track and ready for the next step.

Choosing the right program

For Nazlee, the most important things were:

Location – she wanted somewhere warmer than the Midwest.

Program & faculty – she wanted a strong research program with supportive faculty.

Preparation – the research she did at Lawrence helped her feel ready for grad school.

Moving away came with challenges, like adjusting in a new city, being far from family, but overall she really enjoys her program.

Applying to grad school

The hardest part was the personal statement.

She started preparing in October of her junior year.

Her advice: start early! Doing work over the summer helps, and submitting applications early is a big plus.

Other tips from Nazlee

Know what you want to study before you start applying. Email admissions if you need help, they might give waivers or advice. Use your undergrad research experience, it really helps you feel prepared. Grad school can feel scary, but if you plan ahead, start early, and know what you want, it’s totally doable. Nazlee’s experience shows that staying focused, organized, and proactive makes the process a lot more manageable, and even exciting!