Finding a career can sometimes feel as exciting and intense as March Madness. Wittenberg’s Office of Career Engagement & Professional Development understands that which is why it’s offering up its own version of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball championship (dubbed March Madness) by hosting Career March Madness now through April 5.

And just as basketball teams advance to the Sweet Sixteen, the Elite Eight, and the Final Four, Wittenberg students will also be enticed to move on into each round with some great prizes, including gift cards, a Witt tumbler, and an embossed padfolio. Students who make it through all three rounds will be automatically entered into a raffle to win the championship prize - a 43” Insignia Fire TV. The winner will be announced before the tip-off of the final basketball game on April 8.

“Career March Madness is a fun way to take students through steps on their career path. The first step is to find out who you are and what kinds of careers fit you and that is what you will do in the Sweet 16,” said Cheryl Cates, executive director of career engagement & professional development at Wittenberg. “The next step is to explore career opportunities, which is what the Elite 8 gives you: input from eight Wittenberg alumni who can help you learn about at least eight potential career paths. Students will then need to start putting together all the information and create the tools that will help them succeed in that career, which is what our events are all about. And the prizes are amazing!”

Here's how Wittenberg’s Career March Madness works:

• During the Sweet Sixteen round, complete the Myers & Briggs 16 Personalities test to jump-start a career search and learn about what careers fit best. Participants will win a $5 Witt Sips gift card. Follow the QR code located on the flyers that can be found on signs at four campus locations – in the atrium of Post 95, the atrium of Hollenbeck Hall, the atrium of the Barbara Deer Kuss Science Center, and in the Lobby of Champions inside the Health, Wellness & Athletics Complex.
• To complete the Elite Eight round, reach out to eight Wittenberg alumni through NetworkWitt to find out more about their career paths. Students who complete the round will win a Wittenberg tumbler.
• Attend four or more of the 20 events sponsored by the Office of Career Engagement & Professional Development and win an embossed padfolio to advance through the Final Four. Events include guest speakers, workshops, podcasts, internship searches, career counseling, LinkedIn headshots, networking events, and resume reviews.
• After completing each round, students can pick their prize(s) at the front desk of the COMPASS: Sweet Success Center in Thomas Library.
• Every student who completes all three rounds is automatically entered to win the championship grand prize.

Some events students can attend during Career March Madness this week include a headshot series today and Thursday, March 21, from 11 a.m. to noon in Thomas Library. This event is an excellent opportunity to update LinkedIn profiles or any profiles on professional networking platforms.

Also today, Wittenberg’s Student Alumni Association, the Business Network, and Career & Professional Development will host an Alumni Networking Night at CoHatch The Market for students to meet alumni, grow their network, and enjoy light refreshments. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Other events include ‘Women’s Herstory Week’ experiences 6 p.m. each day this week at Founders Pub. Women’s History Month is a time for the campus to celebrate the many contributions of women and to learn more about the impact they have had within the U.S. and beyond, through their activism, advocacy, and community building. Events include Crafting Your Own Image, Alumni Networking, Salary Negotiation, and a ‘Women in Time’ slideshow.

Later, on April 2-3, from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m., respectively, students can meet with a career coach for drop-in resume and review sessions to have cover letters, resumes or LinkedIn profiles assessed. Drop-in meetings are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For additional information, click here.