David Holbert completes career-focused Sophomore Year Experience at Baldwin Wallace University

2017 Oct 5

David Holbert of Beachwood was one of just 31 students to successfully complete Baldwin Wallace University's Sophomore Year Experience (SYE) program during the 2016-17 academic year. The unique program is a living/learning community that links academic coursework and specialized programming within a residence hall to provide career preparation, exploration and real-world experience.

Holbert, a graduate of Orange High School majoring in music theatre, participated in the SYE program while living in Carmel Hall on BW's Berea, Ohio campus. The program included a career decision-making course taught by career advisers as well as a LinkedIn workshop that focused on strategies for using the business networking site in a professional manner. As part of the program, the students planned a game night event to increase student engagement on their hall floor. In addition to the career component, the group volunteered in the local community through BW's Saturday of Service program.

The goal of SYE is to better prepare students for finding jobs and internships within their chosen field. The program focuses on the four pillars of career development, community engagement, leadership and service. After choosing their pillar of interest, students collaborate with their program assistant, a group leader and their peers to plan, market and execute an event. The program culminates in an end-of-year celebration that includes reflection, sharing successes, hearing from SYE alumni and job charades.