Celebrating a decade of student success
As Augustana College's CORE (Career, Opportunities, Research and Exploration) celebrates its 10th anniversary, its new director Lindsay Adolphs reflects on how the center has helped hundreds of students achieve their dreams and shape their futures.
Launched in 2014, CORE delivers personalized mentorship, resources and learning experiences focused on shaping students' post-graduation paths. This includes personalized support and resources for career development, graduate school, internships, study abroad, research, entrepreneurship and community involvement.
Adolphs, assistant vice president for CORE and community-engaged learning, said CORE has a strong track record of assisting students in achieving remarkable professional and personal outcomes. She’s excited to lead the next group of students who will become the leaders that our region, nation and world needs.
Q: How has CORE changed since it was created?
Adolphs: The offices that make up CORE have evolved over the years, but the goal of creating a customized network of mentors and coaches, resources and hands-on learning experiences has remained the same.
As one example, academic advising was once part of CORE. Today, CORE includes transformative engagement hubs including the EDGE (Entrepreneurial Development through Guided Experiences) Center, the Center for the Advancement of Community Health and Wellness, and the Upper Mississippi Center for Sustainable Communities.
Q: What makes CORE different from other college career centers?
Adolphs: CORE stands out because the career center is just one part of CORE. CORE fosters intentional connections that other institutions don’t always offer. The direct collaboration between the career and vocational center as well as other centers within CORE allows students to seamlessly connect with impactful learning experiences that meet their unique needs.
CORE helps students maximize their time at Augustana by working with coaches to find meaningful experiences. It's incredible to see the work each area of CORE accomplishes and how each area's impact is amplified by intentional connection.
Q: How does CORE collaborate with local businesses and organizations to benefit students?
Adolphs: We collaborate with local businesses in various ways — through internships, research and advisory councils.
The EDGE Center, Upper Mississippi Center for Sustainable Communities, and Center for the Advancement of Community Health and Wellness work directly with community partners to connect students with meaningful projects in the local community. All three centers create opportunities supporting both community and student needs, a truly exciting endeavor.
My role is specifically designed to support local businesses and organizations while generating new connections, including local, regional and national businesses. I learn about their needs and explore how we can best connect them with Augustana students.
This spring, I will be launching small industry-based councils consisting of local community partners, staff, faculty and alumni to cultivate additional innovative engaged-learning experiences. This work is part of Bold & Boundless, the college's strategic plan, which prioritizes engaged learning, maximized student potential and connecting through partnership. This work not only prepares students for their future endeavors, but also ensures we are aligned with what employers are seeking.
Q: In what ways does CORE engage with alumni to create opportunities for current students?
Adolphs: This is an area I am so excited about as we move CORE forward! In my short time here at Augustana, I’ve quickly learned that we have an incredible alumni base that is eager to engage with CORE. I have had several opportunities to engage with the alumni board, local alumni and even our alumni in Washington, D.C. I’m excited to build upon our alumni connections and to build new opportunities as well.
Q: How do you envision CORE evolving in the next few years to better serve students?
Adolphs: My vision for CORE is to maximize and expand our existing partnerships to better serve students. With each new class comes new interests, passions and a need for additional engaged-learning opportunities. I see CORE at the forefront of fostering partnerships that support students' passions and curiosities.
Q: How can students get involved with CORE and what steps should they take to make the most of its services?
Adolphs: There are so many ways! If a student is unsure of their path or doesn't know where to start, meeting with a career coach is the best place to begin. Students can log into Handshake, find the career coach that matches their interests, schedule an appointment and get started. Career coaches can help students navigate what will serve them best and guide them through the next steps.
Students who have identified paths they want to pursue can connect directly with any of the centers within CORE. Whatever students are seeking, we’ve got the resources and support they need in CORE.