READY Program

Your READY Experience

Otterbein is proud to be the only school in Ohio and one of a select few nationwide with a four-year career and professional development program that all students are required to complete to graduate. Your future is that important to Otterbein.

If college is all about the joy of learning; Otterbein READY is about taking that joy and learning how to put it to work for your future! At Otterbein, an education isn’t something you receive — it’s something you experience.

It’s doing things with your own hands.
It’s testing out lessons from the classroom in real-world situations.
It’s feeling READY to take your Otterbein education and put it to work with your knowledge so you can claim your dreams and realize your goals for life after college.

Year One

KNOW YOURSELF by starting to explore how you learn, what you want, and what’s important to you.

In your first year, you’re going to have the chance to start thinking about who you are, what you love to do, and what you are curious about exploring!

Your First Year in the READY program starts with a check in to see how things are going. This is a safe spot to share what you’re liking, what you hope gets better, and if you are understanding how things are working.

First Year Seminar (FYS)

This course — with all kinds of interesting topics to explore — is a great introduction to life at Otterbein and all of the resources available to you. It’s led by professors who are especially dialed in to what first year students like you need and want.

Common Book: This is a common reading assignment and an uncommon experience you will share with your entering Class. It’s intended to get you on the same page, literally, as your new classmates.

Check out some recent FYS options you might get to choose from:

Women in Pop Music
Sociology of Star Trek
Science of Happiness
How to Succeed in Business

Exploring Neurodiversity in Our Social World
True Crime Film
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Studies in Art and Cultural Heritage

YEAR ONE HIGHLIGHTS

Orientation introduction
Staff Mentors in FYS Courses
FYE Co-Curricular events
Focus on discovery, exploration, and selfknowledge
Strong connections to Otterbein faculty, staff, academic advisor, and resources
READY Plan for Otterbein journey
Curricular Requirement: First Year Seminar

Core Years

CONNECT with people and resources that support your growth as a student, professional and world citizen.

EXPAND your options with experiences that introduce you to new possibilities and opportunities.

READY REQUIREMENT: Every Otterbein student will complete a focused, hands-on experience in which they will acquire or apply knowledge to enhance their post-graduate impact.

The Power of Immersive Experiences

Immersive experiences give you the chance to jump in and explore what you’re learning through hands-on opportunities. And while these things are all helpful on your resume — the real power of these experiences come from what they help you learn about yourself. Students can choose from five different immersive experiences:

Community Engagement
Global and Intercultural Experiences
Interships and Professional Experiences
Leadership
Undergraduate Research and Creative Work

Five Immersive Experiences by Otterbein Students

“OtterPaws, the service club I am a part of, has allowed me to grow both personally and socially while fulfilling a purposeful act for me. Being a part of this club has built my understanding of the needs of others on campus, and it has built up my sense of empathy, understanding, and perspective.”

– Isabella Starlin

Exercise Science major, Psychology minor

“I had the opportunity to present my research at the National Health Disparities Conference in New Orleans, where I shared findings on how genetics, culture, and environment influence the behavior of bi- and multiracial college students.”

– Hooda Hersi

Public Health Education major,
Chemistry and Psychology minors

“As the education intern with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra of Columbus, I was given a unique behind-the-curtain experience of the inner workings of a premier professional orchestra. My responsibilities included assisting the education manager with planning and execution of education and outreach events in Columbus schools and libraries.”

– Tyler Green

Music with a concentration in Music Theory & Composition

Otterbein students went on a two-week adventure to the Galapagos Islands. Through a team-taught course, students covered topics like island geology, environmental threats, and tourism before heading to the islands, where they were a part of projects to remove an invasive grass species and helped rewild endangered trees.

“Before, I saw leadership as being the person in charge or the one with the most responsibility. After hearing from speakers and interacting with other students, I realized leadership is much more about how you show up for others. It is about listening, being reliable, and creating space for people to feel heard and valued.”

– Addison Scott

Public Relations and Communication Studies majors,
Health Communication minor
Attended the Public Relations Student Society of America
national conference in New Orleans.

Public Relations and Communication Studies majors,
Health Communication minor
Attended the Public Relations Student Society of America
national conference in New Orleans.

Senior Year

Get READY to be prepared to make the transition from college to your new personal, professional, community and broader context.

The Senior Year Experience Course is the curricular capstone to the READY program that will help you articulate just how prepared you are for success after Otterbein.

Through this course, you’ll reflect on how your studies and coursework, together with all of your other campus involvement, ultimately informed and shaped your immersive experiences (and what you discovered about yourself and your readiness through your immersive experience, too). This course will help you consider your entire Otterbein experience and should ensure you feel confident about your ability to launch into your post-graduation plans.

Part of being Otterbein READY means you’ve got a plan for what comes after graduation. As a senior, you’ll also synthesize how the skills, knowledge, and experiences you’ve had means you really are READY for all that comes next!

SENIOR YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

Culminates the entire READY experience
READY Plan for work and life after college
Life Skills workshop
Networking and connections to alumni and industry partners
Required Senior Year Experience

How Otterbein Has Made Students Career READY

“Because of my experiences at Otterbein, I feel more prepared, organized, and confident as I transition into the next chapter of my career.”

– Aida Rabadi

Allied Health ’26

“Otterbein has fostered a level of curiosity and engagement that stems from a love for learning that will serve me for the rest of my life.”

– Bryan Flannery

Finance & Accounting double major ’26

Finance & Accounting double major ’26

“Through leadership roles, internships, and campus involvement, I’ve developed confidence, communication skills, and the ability to advocate for others.”

– Jennatta Mensah

Public Health Education and Health Communication ’25

“From the first education class, teaching candidates are in the field. I feel confident in myself that I will be the best possible teacher because of my experience at Otterbein.”

– Mary Flowers

English Literary Studies and Adolescent to Young Adult Integrated Language Arts Education ’26

English Literary Studies and Adolescent to Young Adult Integrated Language Arts Education ’26

“The networking I've done while in school is already getting me performance opportunities. It's also instilled a confidence within me that I will achieve everything I believe I can. ”

– Vincent Bostick

Vocal Performance ’26

Vocal Performance ’26

“Professors taught me how to be a well-rounded and respectable individual who works hard. Through people at Otterbein I have made a lot of connections and established a network.”

– Noah Palmer

Business Administration and Management ’25

READY Day

Every year, Otterbein sets aside an entire day for students to focus on professional growth, career exploration, and planning for what’s next. On READY Day, campus transforms into a professional conference with speakers, panels, networking opportunities, hands-on learning, and interactive sessions — all focused on helping you prepare for what’s next. Explore how the focus of READY Day changes each year with you.

READY DAY YEAR ONE

For first-year students, READY Day is all about discovery. You’ll spend time learning more about your strengths, interests, major, and Otterbein opportunities. Department sessions help first-year students connect with faculty and academic programs. The Majors and Minors Fair provides an opportunity to explore academic options across campus.

READY DAY CORE YEARS

For sophomores and juniors, READY Day focuses on preparation and career readiness. You’ll explore industries and career paths, learn about immersive experiences, and begin building the skills, connections, and confidence to feel READY.

READY DAY SENIOR YEAR

For seniors, READY Day is focused on launching what’s next. Whether you’re pursuing a career, graduate school, or another opportunity, you’ll strengthen your professional skills, expand your network, and prepare for life after Otterbein.