The Aspire Conference begins with morning programming on Thursday, Oct. 6, and continues through Saturday, Oct. 8. As a participant in the conference, you can attend and interact in high-quality experiences led by nationally recognized industry experts, prominent alumni, and even some current Carthage students!
The Aspire Conference is mobile!
Students can access the complete Aspire Conference schedule from their mobile devices for free. To download, visit the Guidebook website on your device and tap the “download” button. Once the download is complete, search for “Carthage College Aspire Conference” and download the guide.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, Oct. 6
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Education Abroad Fair
Living Room Fireplace, Campbell Student Union
Come meet with some of our study abroad partners and learn more about many opportunities to study, intern, research, or service learning abroad at the annual Education Abroad Information Fair. No need to speak another language, and all majors are welcome. There will be refreshments available and a raffle with fun prizes — make sure you stop by!
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Common Ground: Interfaith Lunch
Ehrler Hospitality Center
Share a free meal to find common ground with your fellow Firebirds!
6-7 p.m.
Conference Kick-Off: The Power of Yes!
Campbell Student Union Auditorium
You never know how a simple “yes” can open the door to new experiences, opportunities, friendships, and more. Join Carthage alumna Joanna Baumann, VP of Marketing and Partnerships at iHeart Radio and morning show radio co-host for the leading Las Vegas station, as she shares how saying “yes” took her from Carthage to Las Vegas.
7-10 p.m.
Creative Space
Campbell Student Union
The skill of creativity is needed in all careers. Practice your own creative mindset with playful foods, life-size LEGO competitions, and creating your own swag. Take a glance at last year’s Creative Space in our Flickr album (toward the end of the album) for a quick look at the experience. Kravings Ice Cream Shop will be at the Creative Space with their signature Krazy Shakes — pick your flavors, toppings, and big topper choices!
7:30 p.m.
Carthage Theatre presents: ‘Antigone’
Warburg Theatre
The Carthage Theatre Department presents “Antigone,” written by Sophocles and directed by Professor Herschel Kruger. “Antigone” is a classic piece of Greek theater. It has been performed for centuries all over the world and tells a timeless story that will entrance audience members to the core. The cast of “Antigone” has the opportunity to share the truth of a strong woman and has a meaningful life.
Friday, Oct. 7
7:30-9:30 a.m.
Coffee with Career Specialists
Kissing Rock (Rain location: Einstein’s)
Start off your day with a free breakfast and a quick catch-up with your Career Specialist. Join us at the Kissing Rock!
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
My Aspire Plan (MAP) Station
Lentz Lobby
Quick tips and tricks to get started on your MAP:
- Track your experiences through guided activities to help you develop your career and life readiness.
- Create an experiential learning record that you can share with future employers.
- Connect your experiences to gain skills and knowledge
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Leaving Your Legacy: Student Mentor Lunch
Jockey Rooms, Todd Wehr Center
Stepping into a leadership role with your peers can be both challenging and AWESOME! As a peer leader, you’re creating a lasting legacy on campus. We’d like to thank you with a free lunch and launch you into the year ahead.
RSVP is highly suggested — sign up now!
1 p.m.
Leveraging LinkedIn
128s, Todd Wehr Center
Learn how to create a LinkedIn profile that brings your personal career story to life, whether you’re just starting out, seeking to advance, or making a career change. Jamie Ryan, enterprise account director at LinkedIn, will offer tips on tailoring each section, starting with the key insight that a LinkedIn profile is unique and shouldn’t be approached exactly like a resume. Jamie will cover ways to add media to a profile, methods for showcasing accomplishments and aspirations, and specific examples of profile phrases and language that can help inspire your personal story and connect you to opportunities.
2 p.m.
Creating Your Brand and Know How to Use It
Jockey Rooms, Todd Wehr Center
You are the most powerful marketing tool at your disposal. If you are starting a business, establishing your thought leadership and influence, or trying to get networked into your next role, it’s a great time to start investing in the brand of you.
3 p.m.
Getting Hired on Handshake
128s, Todd Wehr Center
Don’t get lost in the sea of Indeed applicants. Use Handshake, Carthage’s job and internship platform, to find your next step. Learn tips from current employers on how to make your profile stand out and make Handshake work for you!
4 p.m.
How to Infuse Your Story Through Interviews
128s, Todd Wehr Center
Stories are remembered up to 22 times more than just facts alone. How can you turn an interview into a story that will make a lasting impression? This workshop will help you craft your story and tailor it to your future goals. Presented by Tommy Tomlinson, renowned podcast creator and 20+ year reporter and columnist, and Holly Hess, purposeful life and leadership coordinator at Carthage College.
5 p.m.
Internships: Why? What? How? When?
Jockey Rooms, Todd Wehr Center
There’s more to getting an internship than just submitting an application. Find an internship that’s right for you by knowing what they are, why they’re valuable, when to find them and how to land them!
6 p.m.
Firebirds in Your Field
Various (see below)
Meet alumni with your lived experience and how they navigated from Carthage to their careers. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided. See the list of panelists
- BIPOC — Niemann Theater
- LGBTQ — Lakeview Conference Room
- First Gen — Lentz Do Lunch
- Athletics — CSU Auditorium
- Communications, Public Relations & Marketing — TWC 128 B&C
- Science and Health — Christman Pavilion Theater, David A. Straz Jr. Center
- Greek Life — CSU Fireplace
7:15 p.m.
Meet Your Mentor
Jockey Rooms, Todd Wehr Center
Finding true mentors can be hard! Attend this event and walk away with your next mentor. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided.
7:30 p.m.
Carthage Theatre presents: ‘Antigone’
Warburg Theatre
The Carthage Theatre Department presents “Antigone,” written by Sophocles and directed by Professor Herschel Kruger. “Antigone” is a classic piece of Greek theater. It has been performed for centuries all over the world and tells a timeless story that will entrance audience members to the core. The cast of “Antigone” has the opportunity to share the truth of a strong woman and has a meaningful life.
Saturday, Oct. 8
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Catalyst™ Leadership Experience
Jockey Rooms, Todd Wehr Center
Catalyst™ is a one-day program focused on learning to develop your own authentic path, connect to groups and causes you care about, and commit to a plan to be a catalyst for yourself and the groups you’re part of. You’ll consider powerful questions that move you towards action:
- Am I on the right path?
- Who do I want to be?
- How can I connect with other like-minded individuals?
- You’ll learn alongside others who also want to start something extraordinary.
7:30 p.m.
Carthage Theatre presents: ‘Antigone’
Warburg Theatre
The Carthage Theatre Department presents “Antigone,” written by Sophocles and directed by Professor Herschel Kruger. “Antigone” is a classic piece of Greek theater. It has been performed for centuries all over the world and tells a timeless story that will entrance audience members to the core. The cast of “Antigone” has the opportunity to share the truth of a strong woman and has a meaningful life.