Join us for READY Day
Save the date for 9.23.26 for READY Day! All students are expected to participate, as classes and labs have been cancelled on this day. READY Day is meant to prepare you to understand who you are, what your passions are, network with employers and alumni, and learn about professional development topics within and outside our major. The day is personalized to your class year with a unique focus for the experiences you’ll have on READY Day.
Otterbein’s READY Day guides students through programming and opportunities personalized for their year of study with some common experiences shared by all.Developed after several years of disciplinespecific career jumpstart programs, students gave the READY Day concept very high marks specifically acknowledging:
- The benefit of connecting with alumni in their field of interest.
- Learning and practicing networking skills in real time situations with professionals.
- The chance to explore internship and employment opportunities.
Keynote speaker for each track
Free professional headshots for every student
Guidebook app allows students to plan their entire day
150+
alumni participants
160+
sessions for students
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.
First Year Seminars
Every Otterbein journey starts somewhere. This first-year course invites students to explore engaging topics while building connections, discovering campus resources, and gaining the tools and confidence to make their Otterbein experience their own.
Immersive Experience Panels
Immersive Experiences are hands-on opportunities to apply learning beyond the classroom, with every student completing at least one before graduation. Through these panels, students explore five experience areas, hear from campus experts, ask questions, and discover opportunities that match their interests and goals.
Majors & Minors Fair
Exploration is an important part of finding the right academic path. The Majors and Minors Fair gives first-year students the chance to explore majors and minors across campus, connect with faculty, ask questions, and discover academic possibilities that match their interests and goals.
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.
Sessions and Workshops
Core Years students spend READY Day learning by doing. Hands-on workshops and interactive sessions connect academic interests with practical skills, career preparation, and real-world experiences designed to help students get ready for what comes next.
Industry Panels
Real-world perspectives take center stage at READY Day. During industry panels, industry professionals share firsthand experiences and insights, giving students a closer look at specific career fields and the opportunity to ask questions of people doing the work every day.
Next Destination Fair
Career possibilities come into focus at the Next Destination Fair. Core Years students connect directly with employers, organizations, and graduate programs to learn about career possibilities, build professional relationships, and gain a clearer picture of the paths available to them.
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.
Industry Panels and Workshops
At READY Day, Seniors connect real-world insight with practical preparation through industry panels and interactive workshops. Professionals working in the field share firsthand perspectives, while hands-on sessions build skills and confidence for the transition from Otterbein into careers and beyond.
Next Destination Fair
With Graduation on the horizon, READY Day helps seniors prepare for the opportunities ahead. The Next Destination Fair connects students directly with employers and graduate programs to build relationships, explore openings, and take meaningful steps toward life after Otterbein.
Career Networking
READY Day creates connections that extend beyond the day itself. Seniors have a distinct opportunity to attend networking receptions, continue conversations with professionals and partners, build relationships, and expand their networks in a relaxed, engaging setting.
Throughout the day I was able to network quickly and safely, explore potential career options, learn integral content to life, and even scope out some graduate schools I didn’t have on my radar previously.
Kyle Miller ’26
Computer Science, Mathematics, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies triple major
READY day was a meaningful professional development experience for me. READY day helped me grow professionally by expanding my network and encouraging me to think more intentionally about my future.
Tra’Nyse Frazier ’26
Allied Health major
Over 130 companies, non-profit organizations and graduate schools participated in the Next Destination Fair.
Thank you to the following donors for their leadership-level gifts in support of READY Day 2026 and the READY Program:
Signature Corporate Sponsor:
Additional Leadership Level Donors:
Signature Corporate Sponsor:
Additional Leadership Level Donors:
Cheryl Sinden
Angela Falstick Centofanti ’97
Class of 1976
Legacy Gift
Westerville Otterbein
Women’s Club
Sean Donnelly MBA’07 and
Kellyn Donnelly
Jack Whalen ‘66 and
Karen Persson Whalen ‘68
T-Mobile for Education
(Headshot Booth Sponsor)
Otterbein Service Partners:
Alumni, Business & Community Partners
Otterbein Alumni and business and community leaders are invited to share their expertise and encouragement in developing the next generation of Cardinal talent at READY Day