It’s commencement week, and Central is ready to celebrate all our seniors have accomplished. In fact, many graduates have already lined up new opportunities to serve and grow after graduation. How did they make that happen? Central students never stop chasing possibilities, and Central connects them to a strong career network. Meet these new members of the professional world — and read more about the first places they’ll shine beyond Central. Congratulations, class of 2017!
Paige Wilkin
Hometown: Center Point, Iowa
Major: Mathematics
Future job: Math teacher and assistant coach, volleyball and track,
Perry High School
What are you most excited about? The students!! This is by far the best part of being a teacher. I love getting to know their individual personalities. They make each day different, and it is so rewarding to see how they grow over time!
What made the biggest difference at Central? When I interviewed for my job, they loved that I had so many classroom experiences. Central gave me the opportunity to have four semesters of classroom experience even before I started teaching. When I tell administrators about this, they are excited about a first-year teacher having this much time in the classroom.
Austin Little
Hometown: Des Moines
Major: Exercise science
Future job: Field representative, A-Plus Medical Equipment
What are you most excited about? I am excited to be working in medical sales right out of school. I have really enjoyed my major, and I am thrilled to apply that knowledge in my new career. I have always had a huge interest in healthcare, and over the last few years I have developed an interest in sales and communication. The products I will be selling focus on safety and innovation, and I am excited to work with different hospital and surgical center staffs.
What did you learn during your job search? I wasn’t successful every time but learned to improve with numerous phone calls and interviews. At first it was very difficult, but every knockdown was a spark in this process. I think of it this way: if I didn’t go through difficult times throughout this process, I would not have landed the position I did.
Mitchell Phipps
Hometown: Norwalk, Iowa
Major: Business management
Future job: Product analyst, Nationwide Insurance, Des Moines
What made the difference in your job search? My most helpful tool was Central’s extensive alumni network. I spent many hours meeting alumni in my field of interest. Several have become close mentors and advisers to me. I was fortunate enough to receive multiple job offers across industries. The combination of faculty, staff, alumni and my peers were all major players in that.
What made Central so special? People are everything. I have developed close friendships with some of the best people here. The quality that sets Central apart from all other colleges and universities is the intense focus that the faculty and staff have on developing meaningful and long-lasting relationships with students and alumni.
Beth Dillon
Hometown: Washington, Iowa
Major: Business management
Future job: Marketing and business development director at Washington State Bank
What was important in your job search? The internships I had while at Central gave me an edge. I have been able to have great, hands-on experiences with local non-profits, corporations and small businesses. This would not have been possible without great connections in the community and with Central alumni.
What are you most excited about? I am really excited for the variety my job will have. It is a combination of marketing, public relations, community involvement and event planning. No day will ever be the same as the next.
Toby Wall
Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa
Majors: Accounting, Business management
Future job: Business tax consultant, Deloitte
What made Central so special? My experience at Central has been amazing. So many of my professors have wonderful connections, experiences and thoughts that they will willingly share. Since coming to Central, I have also become a much more dynamic communicator. The communication piece is so important when dealing with future employers.
What are you most excited about? I’m most excited to learn and grow as a young professional. Going to college at Central has certainly taught me many, many things, and working in my desired field will allow me to learn more than I could ever squeeze into four years. I’m excited to gain more connections and more knowledge that I can use going forward in my professional life.
Want to read more about what this year’s graduates are doing next? Don’t miss this news: Cody Bock will serve in the Peace Corps, and Garrett Southwick has a Fulbright award to Germany.
