Caldwell University
October 27, 2026
Bridging the Gap: How Caldwell University’s Office of Career Development Prepares Students for the Modern Workforce
Caldwell, NJ – Career readiness in college graduates looks different today than it did 15 or 20 years ago, amid rapid changes in technology and the industrial landscape. While a college degree remains valuable, modern employers increasingly demand real-world experience alongside academic credentials and the ability to think critically and adapt to new environments on the fly. It is up to university faculty and staff to help students identify and hone the practical skills that employers are looking for.
At Caldwell University, career readiness starts on day one. Freshman students are introduced to the Office of Career Development’s team and services. These services include access to platforms like Handshake, FOCUS-2, and What Can I Do With This Major? and events.
Susanne Galvin serves as Director of Career Development and Planning at Caldwell University. She has nearly 20 years of experience in higher education. She describes coming into the world of higher education, saying
“Coming from a background in corporate business and industry, I saw new college graduates struggle to present themselves professionally and articulate their strengths simply because no one had taught them how to navigate that transition. I saw a lack of equity.”
She saw a need for positive coaching and guidance, and decided she wanted to help. In her role at Caldwell University, Susanne and the Office of Career Development and Planning do just that.
“We offer one-on-one coaching, major selection, career exploration, resume writing, job searching, and real-world skill development. We view college as a transformational experience helping students identify their core motivation and set clear goals for what they ultimately came here to achieve: social mobility, a rewarding career, and long-term financial security,” said Galvin.
This focus continues throughout students’ time at Caldwell University. Incoming classes will work their way through the university’s new Cougar Edge Program. This program is a badging system designed to help students build and demonstrate “core career competencies,” such as Communication, Professionalism & Self-Development, and Critical Thinking. Students earn digital badges as they complete targeted activities, workshops, and real-world experiences.
Susanne explains the benefit of this program, saying
“By tracking and recognizing these achievements, Cougar Edge gives students a tangible, measurable way to show employers they possess both the academic foundation and the practical professional skills needed to thrive in the workforce.”
Career readiness is about more than what happens in the classroom. Employers want well-rounded candidates with leadership and communication skills that come from being involved in campus life. Galvin offers this advice to students, saying, “Build your resume outside the classroom. Good grades get your foot in the door, but campus involvement, leadership roles in student clubs, and part-time jobs are what actually make employers want to hire you.”
By combining personalized coaching, targeted workshops, and hands-on campus involvement, Caldwell University ensures that students leave campus with far more than just a diploma. With tools like the Cougar Edge Program and What Can I Do With This Major?, graduates are uniquely positioned to turn their academic degrees into rewarding, lifelong careers.
