The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has developed an online platform for career development and networking among students, alumni, faculty members and supporters.
The UL Lafayette Alumni Association’s Cajun Compass enables people who sign up for the free service to connect with mentors, or to mentor someone else. The platform gives users the ability to seek – and find – others with similar majors, careers goals and interests.
“Students can search for mentors employed by companies they aspire to work for; employers, on the other hand, can scout potential hires,” said Jennifer LeMeunier, executive director of the
Users can schedule virtual chats, use discussion boards to ask questions or share advice, post jobs and internships, and visit a job board that culls postings from across the world.
Jonathan Adams, engagement coordinator for the University’s Alumni Association, said Cajun Compass “provides a comprehensive range of capabilities for one purpose - to connect people who can best assist each other in meeting their career goals.”
The platform enables users to refine searches by geographic regions, stages of their careers, or participation in common campus organizations or activities. It also includes links and resources that offer information on job markets and trends.
Cajun Compass was created with input and feedback from University alumni, students and faculty and staff members.
One of them is Megan Breaux, president of Alumni Association’s College of Education Alumni Chapter. Breaux is also a college and career coach with GEAR UP. The U.S. Department of Education program provides support and resources for high-school students making college and career choices.
“Cajun Compass is a very innovative resource, because it takes the guesswork out of networking and establishing professional relationships. It’s especially beneficial at a time when face-to-face networking isn’t feasible,” she explained.
Learn more or sign up for or email compass.louisiana.edu with questions.
Graphic credit: University of Louisiana at Lafayette