Direct Faculty & Staff Push Needed: 80+ Cardinal Career Prep Spots Open
Your direct intervention is needed to help our students take advantage of a high-impact professional development opportunity. With our sign-up deadline approaching on Wednesday, September 30, 80 open slots remain for Cardinal Career Prep.
Over a dozen alumni and employer partners—including representatives from Fastenal, Northwestern Mutual, Mayo Clinic, MN Department of Revunue, Knights of Columbus Insurance, and the City of Winona—have volunteered to provide low-stakes mock interviews and resume reviews. Participating professionals represent a wide range of roles, including financial analysis, healthcare administration, sales, public service, corporate management, data visualization and analysis, and risk consulting.
Past data shows that students attend because you personally tell them to. Your direct encouragement is the single most effective motivator to get them past their hesitation.
Why Every Student Should Participate (Regardless of Major)
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Low Time Commitment: Sessions are only 30 minutes long—meaning a student can complete both a mock interview and a resume review in an hour or less between classes.
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Universal Skill-Building: In the real world, interviewers rarely share an applicant’s exact background. Practicing professional communication, answering behavioral questions, and receiving actionable feedback benefits every major and career trajectory.
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Fail-Safe Environment: This event is designed as a zero-stakes space to practice before high-stakes job, internship, or graduate school interviews.
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Resume Readiness: HR experts will review resumes live, ensuring students are prepared for upcoming career fairs and applications.
Quick Actions You Can Take Today
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Faculty: Post a quick announcement with the Handshake link on your Canvas course pages.
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Student Affairs, Residence Life & Campus Leaders: Remind students during housing/floor meetings, club gatherings, advising sessions, or mentoring check-ins to register before the deadline.
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Athletic Staff & Coaches: Remind student-athletes that mock interviews build game-day muscle memory for professional pressure. Consider adjusting practice schedules slightly so they can participate.
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Student Employee Supervisors: Encourage your student workers to attend and consider allowing them time away to participate.
Key Event Details
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What: Cardinal Career Prep (Mock Interviews & Resume Reviews)
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When: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Where: David R. Thies Arena
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Student Registration Deadline: Wednesday, September 30 via Handshake
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Direct Sign-Up Link: Register on Handshake
Note for registered students: Remind them to upload their resume to Handshake by October 1 and wear business casual or professional attire on event day.
Please help us honor the commitment of our visiting employers and alumni by ensuring every spot is filled. Thank you for making this transformative experience possible for our students!
