"I knew that I needed an internship over the summer and I knew that I could use some extra motivation to go out and land an interview. The program also facilitates networking, which is the best way to get your foot in the door with any company."
- Jamie Booker '22
Career Year is a career development program designed to support second-year students who want to take meaningful steps toward their future careers. Many students reach their second year unsure about their career direction, how to gain relevant experience, or how to connect with professionals in their field of interest. Career Year provides workshops, mentorship, and interactive activities to help students explore career options, build essential skills, and take action on their career goals. Through the program, participants will connect with employers and alumni who can offer valuable guidance and may help them secure a summer internship or experiential opportunity that most closely aligns with the career of their choice.
Eligibility
All Case Western Reserve second-year students are invited to apply. Students who identify as first-generation college students, or identify as belonging to other historically underrepresented backgrounds, are especially encouraged to consider applying.
Time Commitment
The time commitment is approximately 6-7 hours per month throughout the academic year. This includes biweekly meetings (1.5 hours each) and participation in career development activities of their choosing, such as career fairs, workshops, company info sessions, employer site visits, and informational interviews. Participants will also engage in mentorship opportunities that help build professional connections, career insights, and personal development.
Benefits
Many second-year students are in the process of selecting a major or determining their next steps after CWRU. Developing career goals early can help them make informed decisions about their studies, extracurricular involvement, and skill development. Career Year provides:
- A structured approach to career exploration and planning
- Opportunities to connect with employers and professionals
- Hands-on experiences that strengthen career readiness
- A chance to develop leadership, communication, and professional skills
- Support in finding internships and career mentors
- A network of peers who share similar career goals
By participating in Career Year, students will gain the confidence, skills, and connections needed to successfully navigate their career paths.
Featured Past Participant
Name: Jamie Booker '22
Major: Computer Science with software engineering concentration
Career goal: I’d like to be an applications developer.
Why did you choose to participate in Career Year?
I knew that I needed an internship over the summer and I knew that I could use some extra motivation to go out and land an interview. The program also facilitates networking, which is the best way to get your foot in the door with any company.
What did you gain from the program?
Aside from helping me land an internship at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Career Year taught me how to talk to recruiters and what they look for when hiring interns. I was introduced to people from Key Bank, the Fed, Summer on the Cuyahoga, and from a few other places. And, with each introduction, I grew a bit more confident in my ability to talk about my previous work experiences and about the value that I could add to a team. I also learned that the Career Center and Experiential Education offers mock interviews for students. I had one with Brian Matthews and I don’t think I could emphasize enough how essential that experience was to helping me get my internship offer.
What advice do you have for other students who participate in Career Year?
Please don’t be discouraged by setbacks, keep your head up and keep pushing forward until you reach your goal. I applied to around 15 internships, had two interviews, and got one offer. I’ve found that the best way to land an internship is to either meet a recruiter face to face or to have a phone call with them. It’s nerve-wracking sometimes but just keep in mind that success is a positive feedback loop and, once you land that first great job, many more opportunities will arise.
How to apply
Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort will be available in August 2025.
If you have any questions about the Career Year program, please contact krittika.grau@case.edu