Knowlton Center Mission Statement

We do what we do so that all students are empowered with the curiosity, self-awareness, and confidence necessary to independently navigate and thrive in their chosen professional lives. 

The following services and opportunities are available to all students:

• Knowlton Connect: Knowlton Connect is more than just another website. It's a digital hub that integrates a student's career experience - bringing together people, opportunities, tools, and content to support a student's entire career journey. It serves as the home for our Career Communities, which provides support from exploration to launch. 
• Handshake: Handshake is a robust online career management system with job and internship listings, upcoming career programs, employer events, and more. 
• Career Coaching: The Knowlton Center team utilizes a theoretical coaching model called Brain-Based Career Development (BBCD) in our 1:1 coaching practice. BBCD is based on cutting-edge neuropsychological research and recognizes how students learn to make decisions and solve problems in the context of career planning. This type of coaching considers the neurological processes and functions that underpin career decision-making and development. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how the brain processes information and involves techniques such as self-reflection, self-assessment, and goal-setting, all of which can help individuals make informed decisions about their career paths. Unlimited career coaching is available to all students and alumni. Make an appointment on Handshake. 
• Internships: The Denison Internship Program offers students a structured learning experience as they explore career fields and integrate and apply academic coursework to a workplace environment. Each year, the Knowlton Center promotes and engages in a variety of internship opportunities – locally, nationally, and globally, that are typically conducted over the summer months. Many alumni and employer partners are interested in hiring Denison interns and frequently post internship positions through Handshake.

As part of the Denison Internship Program, students develop intentional learning outcomes and engage in pre-internship planning and post-internship reflection. Through a competitive application process, the Denison Internship Program provides internship stipend funding for students participating in unpaid, low-paid, or underpaid internship opportunities.

Please Note: International students have very specific requirements and guidelines to participate in U.S. internship experiences Please refer students to the Knowlton Center or the Center for Global Programs, Assistant Director & Career Coach. 

• Resume/Cover Letter/CV Development: Whether writing a resume or cover letter for the first time, or if in need of review for a specific job or internship opportunity, students work with Knowlton Center Career Coaches to ensure that their documents best represent their knowledge, experience, and skills. Career Coaches focus on helping students confidently articulate their Denison education experiences, focusing on value-added outcomes.
• Mock Interviews: There is no better way to prepare for an internship/job interview or graduate/professional school interview than by experiencing an “actual” interview. Career Coaches provide mock interviews for students geared toward the specific industry/position/program. The mock interviews include a constructive critique of their performance and effective interview strategies.
• Networking: Career Coaches work with Denison students to provide strategies for building their professional network and leveraging current connections. In addition to formal networking opportunities, Career Coaches teach students about the value of networking in their job or internship search, provide guidance on utilizing networking resources, and educate students on engaging in informational interviews to aid in their professional career development. The Knowlton Center focuses on two key tools for online networking, LinkedIn and Ask a Denisonian. 
• Graduate and Professional School Preparation: A large percentage of Denison students plan to go on to graduate or professional school. The Knowlton Center assists students with all aspects of the application and selection process: searching for schools and specific programs, identifying application requirements and deadlines, admission interview and test training, and personal statement writing. Dedicated Knowlton Center Career Coaches work specifically with pre-law and pre-health science (medical school, dental school, physician assistant, etc.) students throughout their time at Denison.
• Career Exploration: Students can work directly with Career Coaches and leverage tools like FOCUS 2, which is a comprehensive career-planning program that provides guidance and information to help people make important career decisions. Research-based assessments of career-relevant interests, abilities, skills, and job values help students explore and consider career options that are a good match.
• LinkedIn Learning: Students have full access to LinkedIn Learning, an online educational platform that helps you discover and develop skills through more than 16,000 expert-led course videos. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, interactive and engaging video tutorials will help students master valuable and useful skills.
• On-Campus and Virtual Recruiting: Organizations, companies, and graduate schools visit Denison via the Knowlton Center each semester to provide information sessions, lead workshops, and occasionally conduct interviews.
• Workshops and Programs: Each semester, the Knowlton Center offers a variety of career-related workshops, including topics such as: Resume & Cover Letter Development, Interview Techniques, Networking Tips, Personal Branding, Developing Your Elevator Pitch, Graduate School Preparation, and more. For access to upcoming workshops and additional Knowlton Center-hosted events, check out Knowlton Connect.