On Friday, Oct. 17, Bethel College’s Employment Experiences (EE) Department made its debut presentation to local businesses at the Newton Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast. The presentation highlighted opportunities for collaboration between the college and community partners in hiring students for off-campus positions.
Dr. Joseph Husong, Assistant Vice President for Employment Experiences and Student Success, presented an overview of the EE program and explained why local businesses should partner with Bethel students. Following the presentation, Husong shared his thoughts on the event:
“It’s always a privilege to be able to partner with the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce. They are long-time supporters of Bethel’s students, constantly looking for new ways to deepen the relationship between the Newton area community and the Bethel College student body. We are grateful for their continued partnership and support and I personally am thankful for the opportunity to share my passion for the Employment Experiences program with the larger community.”
Sheridan Weinbrenner, Bethel’s Career Counselor and Student Success Coach, who is in her second year in the position, expressed excitement about the presentation. “Our presentation at the Chamber has been a long time coming! I’m really glad we could showcase what we have been working on for businesses in the community and create connections that will lead to future off-campus EE job opportunities with community partners,” she said.
A range of faculty and staff from the Student Life, Athletics, Academic, and Advancement departments attended the event, along with two students who helped set up and represent the EE program. David Ultreras, a first-year transfer student from Hutchinson Community College, shared his experience:
“The Chamber event was an awesome way to start my morning, and I really enjoyed representing EE and meeting so many people in the community. Getting the chance to talk with the mayor and council members was a cool bonus, but what stood out most was seeing how many businesses and community members came together to support each other and Bethel.”
The presentation is a key step in expanding the Employment Experiences program to include off-campus jobs with community partners. By providing students with opportunities to apply skills learned in on-campus EE positions to real-world settings, the program aims to enhance students’ professional development and prepare them for future career success.
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