Representatives from more than 25 organizations joined students in The Commons Great Room for the 3rd annual Professional Pathways Reception on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Arcadia's Office of Career Education facilitated the fall networking event.

The reception provided a casual format for students to learn about various employers, including internship and full-time opportunities available. Organizations such as Horizons Behavioral Health, Northwestern Mutual, the Quaker School at Horsham, and more were on hand. Additionally, students interested in furthering their education were able to chat with admissions representatives from several colleges and universities in the area.

Rayven Hooten '28, a Biology/Pre-Med major, is contemplating a change in the focus of her studies. Thus, she came to the event looking to speak with employers that work in the behavioral health field.

"I've been thinking about switching my major to Psychology, so I've been talking to some of the behavioral health organizations," she said. "I looked at the organizations who would be here online, but I still wasn't really sure who I wanted to talk to. It's kind of been whoever I make eye contact with."

Hooten was grateful for the chance to attend a networking event like this so early on in her college career.

"I am excited to learn how to start networking. I want to jumpstart my career, and a main part of that right now is learning how to network. This event was perfect for that."

Rayven Hooten '28 chats with Matt and Sarah, representatives from ESS, an education staffing and management organization

Ian Catalino-Vasquez, '28, a Law and Public Policy major, also strolled around the room, chatting with various employers and learning about the opportunities available to him.

"Every organization I've talked to has been doing really great things, especially those concerning childhood education and special education," he said. "I liked hearing about their ideas and policies, and they seem like really good people."

Catalino-Vasquez expressed his appreciation for the organizations that took the time to attend the event.

"It's really great that they come here to the university to talk to the students about the different things they do and shine a light on different issues and how we could potentially help solve them. I feel like it was a great opportunity to be here."

One of those employers in attendance was ESS. ESS is an education staffing and management organization that specializes in placing qualified staff in daily, long-term, and permanent K-12 school district positions, including substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school support staff.

Matt and Sarah, the representatives from ESS, explained that their organization likes to partner with college students because of their flexibility.

"ESS allows a lot of flexibility for our employees, so it makes sense for us to be in a college setting because it works for the students' schedules as well," Matt said. "If they can do something with a set schedule, like substituting, that's great. Or, they can pick up jobs when it works for them. So we always love partnering with colleges and universities. We're happy to be here."

ESS stressed they are on the lookout for all majors, but discussed more about how they can help education majors.

"For education majors with 60 college credits, they can work as a substitute teacher," Sarah explained. "If they are in that four year teacher-preparation program for Pennsylvania, and have those 60 college credits and are clearance compliant, they can be a sub. So that's something we're looking for as well."

For students like Connor Williams '26, a Business Administration major, the reception offered a chance to identify imminent internship options.

"In the summer of 2025, I have to do an internship for my major, so I am here to see what opportunities are out there," he said. "I see myself as more of a salesperson, so I spoke with Northwestern Mutual, which was great."

Williams sees events like this as a way to test out his soft skills as well.

"Besides learning about the internship and job opportunities, I am able to practice some of the good life habits I know go far in the professional world. Being personable, making good eye contact, all of that can go a long way without having any experience prior to a job."

Employers will continue to recruit Arcadia students for internships and full-time roles throughout the coming months. Students can learn about all upcoming recruiting events via the Career Launchpad, where they can set their preferences to be notified about jobs, internships, and recruiting events based on their industry and interests.

Students can also schedule an appointment or stop by Knight Hall Suite 100 Monday - Friday from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. for a resume critique.