The Three C’s of Career Discovery

SUA alumnae gather for a photo. Photo Courtesy of SUA Alumnae Instagram.

By Maren Gemerchak
February 22, 2025

Toledo, OH. - Students can often find it overwhelming to search for career paths. Lucky for them, the Saint Ursula Academy Counseling Department offers them the chance to explore opportunities they might not have even considered.

Coffee, Cookies, and Careers is a bi-monthly event hosted by SUA alumnae, sharing their experiences with current students in hopes of providing personal insight.

Since 2024, each event has aimed to explore a different field of work.

“Every year, the counseling department does a needs assessment,” said Victoria Montry, one of SUA’s counselors. “Since my time here, one of the things that students have asked for is help in career readiness.”

The different alumnae brought in are largely dependent on student requests. By conducting their needs assessments, which act as interest surveys, the Counseling Department can determine what careers are of most interest.

“I always appreciate more student feedback, just because I never want to be stagnant in the opportunities that we provide,” said Mrs. Montry.

Students learn the details of bariatric healthcare. Photo Courtesy of SUA Alumnae Instagram.

Once the information from their surveys is assessed, the school then reaches out to former graduates to see who’s available to offer their experience.

“You’d be surprised at how big the web of connections goes. It’s just so broad and expansive, even in careers you wouldn’t think of,” Mrs. Montry said. “With a lot of these niche careers, people usually don’t even know they exist.”

Of course, the event is also dependent on alumnae availability. 

“Especially with high-demand careers, it can be difficult when their schedules are all over the place,” Mrs. Montry said. “It’s hard, because I would like more consistency.”

Yet, alumnae are continuously eager to reach out at this opportunity, despite their busy schedules.

Students learn the details of being a nurse. Photo Courtesy of SUA Alumnae Instagram.

“Even if it’s not reaching every single kid, having meaningful conversations keeps us all connected,” Mrs. Montry said. “I think that means a lot, to most people.”

The alumnae don’t volunteer their time to the school because they need to; they do so out of the hope that it will benefit those who are aspiring to do the same things they’ve done.

Whenever students are feeling lost, they can always look for direction in these trailblazers.