“Otterbein is one of a select number of schools nationwide to have
made this type of program a requirement for students to graduate.”
— JOHN COMERFORD, Ph.D., President, Otterbein University
Most institutions define student success by a single outcome: earning a degree. At Otterbein, success means much more. Otterbein graduates leave campus not only with academic knowledge, but also with the skills, experiences, and confidence needed for a successful career. In fact, career readiness is such a fundamental part of the Otterbein experience that it is required for graduation.
This distinct approach makes Otterbein the only university in Ohio with a four-year required career readiness program. Much more than just a career center, an alumni panel, or a resume workshop, Otterbein READY is an intentionally designed curriculum that integrates career preparation into the college journey with four years of purposeful programming, guided exploration, personal advising, and immersive experiences.
Otterbein READY ensures students can engage earlier and more directly with the real-world experiences of their future professions and apply what they are learning in the classroom from day one.
YEAR ONE
The first year of college is a time of self-discovery for most students. Recognizing that, Otterbein READY encourages first-year students to reflect on who they are, what they love to do, and what is important to them. Through intentional coursework, guided reflection, and meaningful conversations with faculty, staff mentors, and academic advisors, students begin to identify their strengths and talents, clarify their goals, and explore opportunities. These early experiences lay the foundation of their career exploration and professional development journey for the next three years.
CORE YEARS
During their sophomore and junior years, Otterbein READY helps students translate self-discovery from their first year into plans and action by connecting them with people and resources that support their growth as students, emerging professionals, and global citizens. Every Otterbein student completes at least one immersive experience that allows them to apply their knowledge, gain real-world perspective, and deepen their potential for impact after graduation — although many choose to complete multiple experiences. These experiences may include internships, research, study abroad, community engagement, or other hands-on opportunities, and students are encouraged to choose experiences that challenge and inspire them. Thanks to generous donors, Otterbein provides immersive experience funding for students — so if they can dream it, they can do it.
Along with their immersive experiences, these core years provide programming to deepen connections with academic advisors, staff mentors, and campus resources; continue career exploration; and develop life and work goals.
The five focused areas for immersive experiences are:
Internships and Professional Experiences
Community Engagement
Global and Intercultural Experiences
Leadership
Undergraduate Research and Creative Work
SENIOR YEAR
Senior year marks the culmination of a student’s Otterbein journey and the beginning of their next chapter. As they prepare to transition into new professional, personal, and community roles, students complete the Senior Year Experience (SYE), the curricular capstone of the Otterbein READY program. In this course, they reflect on their immersive experiences along with what they have learned through their academic and co-curricular opportunities. Designed to help students synthesize four years of growth, the SYE course challenges them to connect their knowledge, skills, and experiences while building their confidence.
Seniors also complete a personalized READY plan for work and life after college and participate in practical life-skills workshops, fondly called “Adulting 101.” They practice their networking skills while building their professional networks with alumni and industry partners. By graduation day, students leave not only with a degree, but with a clear sense of purpose and a roadmap for their future.
READY Day Major Donors
Thank you to the following donors for their leadership-level gifts in support of READY Day 2026 and the READY Program during the past year:
Signature Corporate Sponsor:
Worthington Companies Foundation 
Additional Leadership Level Donors:
• Angela Falstick Centofanti ’97
• Sean Donnelly MBA ’07 and Kellyn Donnelly
• Cheryl Sinden, Trustee Emerita and Former Chair
• Jack Whalen ’66 and Karen Persson Whalen ’68
• Class of 1976 Legacy Gift
• T-Mobile Education – Headshot Booth Sponsor
• Westerville Otterbein Women’s Club
First held in September 2025, READY Day is the centerpiece of Otterbein READY. This annual campus-wide conference brings together students, alumni, employers, graduate schools, and community partners for a day of professional development, career exploration, and networking. Students participate in seminars and workshops tailored to their year of study, while also engaging with opportunities designed to support their personal and professional growth.
The inaugural READY Day demonstrated the power of the Otterbein network. More than 150 alumni returned to campus to share their expertise and career insights with current students, while more than 100 employers, community organizations, and graduate schools participated in the Next Destination Fair, a comprehensive showcase of internship, job, service, and continuing education opportunities.
First-Year Students: Focus on learning about themselves, their major, and how to prepare for their four-year Otterbein experience. The Majors and Minors Fair provides an opportunity to explore academic options across campus.
Sophomores and Juniors: Focus on planning immersive experiences, exploring opportunities with business and community partners, and developing professional skills in their area of interest.
Seniors: Focus on planning for life post-Otterbein, making meaningful connections with their life and career goals, and refining their professional etiquette and skills.
Next Destination Fair: A career and graduate school fair for all students, where they’ll meet with representatives of area businesses, community agencies, and graduate schools.