Tazia Machl, Staff Writer
Beloit College is preparing to debut two schools for the Fall 2024 semesters: The School of Media, and the School of Environment, Climate and Sustainability. The schools aim to facilitate more specific career opportunities for students.
These additions follow up the recent opening of the School of Business and School of Health Sciences. Ultimately, the schools are meant to provide mentorship, networking, and career advising, creating a bridge between the College and the post-graduation workforce.
The School of Media, led by Prof. Shawn Gillen, will increase course options for those interested in media studies and journalism. Gillen also seeks to expand upon off-campus initiatives: currently planned are short-term events in Chicago, where students will spend a portion of their summer connecting with alumni and exploring the city through a media lens. Also planned are a variety of certificate-acquisition programs, with offerings including certificates in music, writing and investigative reporting.
Certificates will provide students with opportunities to learn skills which are directly applicable to the workforce. Additionally, they will serve as a resume builder, enhancing student’s future employability.
The School of Environment, Climate and Sustainability also provides an interdisciplinary approach to career development in sustainability. Directed by Prof. James Zambito, the school will centralize opportunities for students interested in environmental fields.
“Sustainability and environmental studies are interdisciplinary. We’re drawing on expertise from across campus but also from students with a variety of interests. A political science major and chemistry major will approach issues regarding sustainability in two different ways.” said Zambito. “For that reason it’s very much an interdisciplinary group of faculty and staff and also students. We can funnel those opportunities, from internships to field trips.”
The schools are serving as an evolution of the Career Channels program and are part of the Impact Beloit program. Certain programs are planned to begin later this semester.
Featured Image Credit: Beloit College
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