Alumni often say they found their career path thanks to the mentorship of a favorite professor at Otterbein. Others share stories of finding their friends for life in their residence hall, at orientation, or in class. That’s because Otterbein has always been committed to preparing students for their future careers and creating a community where every student belongs. Here are some of the latest ways Otterbein is providing both mentorship and a sense of belonging to today’s students.
The University recently launched its new Otterbein READY career preparation curriculum through which every student will learn how to network, complete at least one immersive experience, participate in mock interviews, receive mentoring, have a career plan they develop, and more before they graduate. This fall, Otterbein hosted its first READY Day, a new, innovative, annual professional development conference with intentionally planned programming and opportunities personalized for each year of study. These are just a few of the ways Otterbein is preparing students for successful careers after graduation.
What did it take to host READY Day?
• More than 150 alumni were presenters, panelists, networkers, and volunteers
• More than 100 businesses, community partners and graduate schools participated
• 2,300 students attended 163 sessions
• 20 faculty and staff served on the Planning Committee
• 200 staff volunteered to work the event
• The generous support of donors and sponsors*
*To see the full list, go to www.otterbein.edu/READY
Through Otterbein’s READY Program, every student will:
• Graduate with at least one immersive experience.
• Have advisors and mentors help them design professional goals.
• Map their future success with a career plan they build.
• Benefit from meaningful opportunities that include self-discovery, preparation for action and transition, and READY Day.
What it means to be Otterbein READY:
• Average salary of the Class of 2024: $57,870
• 93% of the Class of 2024 were employed, in graduate school, or serving in the military or volunteer service within six months of graduation.
Educating the “whole student” at Otterbein includes encouraging every student to be their most authentic self. Student life has changed a lot over the decades, and today’s students have the broadest range of opportunities to express themselves than ever before. Check out some of the student-led special interest groups that are currently active below:
Creative Spirit | For actors, artists, or singers seeking creative outlets.
• 11th Hour Theatre Company
• Mainstage Improv Troupe
• Ottertuned
• Thriving Artists
Fun and Games | For students who bond over games of strategy and sportsmanship.
• Fables on Tables (Dungeons and Dragons)
• Gamers Guild
• Otterbein Pickleball Club
• Ping Pong Club
Faith and Spiritual Life | For ALL students who want to develop a meaningful understanding of faith and spirituality.
• Gospel Choir
• Interfaith Group
• Muslim Student Association
• Otterbein Catholic Student Ministry
• Otterbein Christian Fellowship
Celebrating Cultures | For ALL students who want to celebrate, appreciate, respect, and learn more about various cultures and identities.
• Black Student Union
• FreeZone
• HOLA: Heritage of Latin Americans
• Otterbein Asian Community
• Otterbein Multicultural Club
Creative Collaboration
Last academic year, 18 organizations joined with Otterbein’s Pluralism Collaborative, under the direction of Rev. Lucy Kelly, director of faith and spiritual life, on a series of events that brought together students from different affinity groups to cultivate a civil campus climate.
Alpha Lambda Delta/Phi Eta Sigma Honorary Society | Birderbein | Black Student Union | Botanical Society of America (Otterbein chapter) | CardinalCorps Leaders* | FreeZone | HOLA: Heritage of Latin Americans | Men of Vision | Muslim Student Association | Otterbein Asian Community | Otterbein Multicultural Club | Plan-it Earth* | Pollinators* | Raise Your Voice* | SEEDS* | Sigma Delta Phi (Sphinx) | Sisters United | Van Sant Fellows