A Day of Immersive Career Exploration
The Experiential Learning team at the Career Connections Center had the pleasure of leading students through an inspiring and immersive Career Trek experience. Throughout the day, students engaged in meaningful conversations, asked thoughtful questions during a panel with UF alumni, and explored how their psychology and sociology coursework connects to real‑world career pathways.
Students began their day at UFHR, where they gained firsthand insight into the diverse and people‑centered world of Human Resources. Students began their day at UFHR, where they met with nine department leaders representing the breadth of Human Resources at the university. This included leaders from the Vice President’s Office, Training and Organizational Development, Communications and Worklife, Labor and Union Relations, Employee Relations and Engagement, Classification and Compensation, Talent Acquisition and Onboarding, Employment Operations and Records, and Benefits and Leave. Through these conversations, students gained a comprehensive understanding of how HR supports the UF community and how each department contributes to the employee experience. Staff members shared how their work spans talent acquisition, onboarding, communication, and supporting the university community. Students also learned how labor market data informs HR decision‑making and how UFHR serves as a central hub for faculty, staff, and student support. Their curiosity and professionalism made the visit both energizing and impactful. Additionally, students learned that professionals working in Human Resources rely on strong project management, emotional intelligence, problem‑solving, and conflict resolution skills, as well as an analytical mindset to succeed in a dynamic, people‑centered environment.
The group then traveled to Meridian Healthcare for a guided tour across multiple buildings, offering a deeper understanding of the organization’s mission and community impact. Students met directly with the COO and members of the Meridian team, asking insightful questions about mental health services, administrative leadership, and clinical career pathways. For those interested in behavioral health, counseling, or organizational leadership, the visit offered a powerful look into the essential role mental health plays in supporting community well‑being. Students also learned about the importance of maintaining their own mental health while helping others, explored how care differs for children as young as five compared to older adults, and visited on‑site residential spaces where adults receive support. The tour concluded with students connecting with UF alumni and learning about the diverse career paths they have pursued, reinforcing the value of compassion, patience, and heart in this field.
Networking Through Meaningful Connections
By building these connections—whether through meaningful conversations, exchanging business cards, or connecting on LinkedIn—students strengthened their professional network and created relationships that can support future opportunities. These interactions set the stage for the final part of the day, where students shifted from networking to showcasing their own skills.
To end the day, students shared their résumés and personal stories with a talent acquisition team, gaining valuable practice in articulating their strengths and receiving real‑time feedback from professionals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Meridian Healthcare and UFHR for welcoming our students and creating such a supportive, informative environment.
Student Highlights
Students shared many highlights from the experience:
“I really enjoyed learning about the various lines of work and aligning my own values with each occupation.”
“Seeing the real day‑to‑day responsibilities of each field was so exciting. Hearing firsthand from professionals about their roles and the skills they value was incredibly meaningful.”
“The best part was connecting with people who share similar aspirations. I loved hearing stories from successful professionals I can look up to.”
During the panel, one student even prompted the presenters with a creative question: “If you’re interested in ______, then this is the job for you!” This sparked thoughtful reflection from the professionals, encouraging them to break down the core traits, skills, and daily responsibilities of their roles. It also helped students better understand whether their own personalities, strengths, and interests aligned with specific career paths—an important part of career exploration and self‑discovery.
Why Career Treks Matter
Career Treks allow students to explore industries, build confidence, and see their academic interests come to life. These experiences help students reflect, grow, and envision their future beyond the classroom.
The Experiential Learning team invites all students to explore upcoming Career Treks on the Career Hub—your go‑to space for anything career related. These opportunities are a powerful way to learn, connect, and discover new possibilities. Join us on a future Trek and continue your journey of reflection, exploration, and career discovery.
Career Trek with the Experiential Learning Team at Career Connections Center. Career Trek with the Experiential Learning Team at Career Connections Center. Career Trek with the Experiential Learning Team at Career Connections Center. Career Trek with the Experiential Learning Team at Career Connections Center. Career Trek with the Experiential Learning Team at Career Connections Center. Career Trek with the Experiential Learning Team at Career Connections Center. Career Trek with the Experiential Learning Team at Career Connections Center. Career Trek with the Experiential Learning Team at Career Connections Center. Career Trek with the Experiential Learning Team at Career Connections Center. Career Trek with the Experiential Learning Team at Career Connections Center. Career Trek with the Experiential Learning Team at Career Connections Center. Career Trek with the Experiential Learning Team at Career Connections Center. Career Trek with the Experiential Learning Team at Career Connections Center.
