News & Notes October 2026

Career Development Month and a new chapter for work-based learning at Ohio State

As we prepare to recognize National Career Development Month in November, I want to begin with a note of gratitude. The progress we're making to strengthen career readiness at Ohio State is only possible because of the commitment of faculty, staff, advisors, employers, and campus partners who invest their time, expertise, and energy in supporting our students.

Career development is about much more than helping students secure their first job after graduation. It is about helping students explore possibilities, connect their academic experiences to future pathways, develop career competencies, and build the confidence to navigate a rapidly changing world of work. Career readiness is a critical component of student success, and it is a responsibility we share collectively as an institution.

What makes Ohio State unique is that this work happens everywhere. It takes place in classrooms, advising conversations, research labs, student organizations, community engagement experiences, internships, and countless interactions that help students discover opportunities and build meaningful connections between their education and future careers.  

As we continue building a more connected career ecosystem, I am also excited to introduce Angela Henderson (right), who recently joined the Career Center of Excellence as Ohio State's inaugural Work-Based Learning Manager. 

Angela will help advance efforts to expand and strengthen experiential learning opportunities across the university, working in partnership with colleges, employers, faculty, and staff to increase access to career-connected experiences for students.

Angela's appointment reflects Ohio State's commitment to preparing students not only for graduation, but for lifelong success. Please join me in welcoming her to the CCOE team. As we enter Career Development Month, thank you for the role you play in this important work. Together, we are helping Buckeyes turn their aspirations into meaningful futures.

—
Tricia Zelaya-Leon
Senior Director, Career Center of Excellence

Global partnership in action: Welcoming the Korean Employment Information Service (KEIS)

On October 7, the Career Center of Excellence had the privilege of hosting a delegation from the Korean Employment Information Service (KEIS), creating an opportunity for meaningful dialogue around career readiness, workforce development, and the evolving role of higher education in preparing students for the future of work.

The visit brought together representatives from KEIS and colleagues from across Ohio State, including partners engaged in career services, student success, employer engagement, and global education. Through a series of conversations and presentations, participants explored how universities, employers, and government agencies can work together to support successful career outcomes and respond to changing workforce needs.

While the discussion covered a wide range of topics, a central theme emerged: preparing students for success requires collaboration. Whether through career education, experiential learning, employer partnerships, or workforce initiatives, lasting impact depends on our ability to connect stakeholders around a shared vision.

The visit also reflected an important aspect of the CCOE's charge. As a university-wide initiative, the CCOE serves as a convener, bringing together partners across colleges, administrative units, employers, community organizations, and, in this case, international stakeholders. These connections create opportunities for shared learning, innovation, and new perspectives that strengthen our work.

As workforce challenges increasingly transcend geographic boundaries, global partnerships like this one help Ohio State remain connected to emerging trends and promising practices from around the world. Thank you to everyone who participated in the visit and helped showcase the collaborative spirit that defines our university. Together, we continue to build stronger pathways between education, career readiness, and workforce development.

Many thanks to our colleagues who supported this visit: Dr. Scott Brown (Buckeye Commons), Adam Cahill (College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences), Jim Ellison (John Glenn College), Marilyn Bury Rice (Alumni Career Management), Dr. Kaya Sahin (Office of International Affairs), Rita Koryan (Office of International Affairs), Dr. Danielle Pyun (Institute for Korean Studies).

Industry in focus