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Vocational Exploration Student Resources  - OPCD - 91¸£ÀûÉç

Vocational Exploration Resources for Students

Rome Campus
“
The journey that stirs you now is not far off.
The Odyssey, Book II, 285

 

Welcome to your 91¸£ÀûÉçOdyssey

91¸£ÀûÉçOdyssey is here to inspire and guide you on the exciting journey of discovering your deeper purpose and calling. Through hands-on vocational exploration, meaningful mentorship, and impactful community service, you'll have countless opportunities to uncover what truly drives you. By teaming up with campus and community partners, we make sure you have the support and resources to explore your path and bring your purpose to life.

Vocation: where your deep happiness and the world's deep needs meet.


Start Your 91¸£ÀûÉçOdyssey

 

Vocational Exploration

Vocation is more than just your job. It's an internal push toward a particular kind of work and an external pull toward the needs of your community. It is your purpose, meaning, career, and everything in between.

Finding your vocation is a journey -- it’s your very own 91¸£ÀûÉçOdyssey! And like Odysseus, you’ll face obstacles along the way. You’ll solve problems, explore strange environments, and make discoveries that will eventually lead you to a life of purpose and meaning, no matter what path you choose.

Community Engagement

For many 91¸£ÀûÉçstudents, engaging with and serving your community is integrated into your sense of self and of your personal calling. Through the 91¸£ÀûÉçOdyssey program, students can find opportunities to serve, build community, and explore your vocation in the process.

Get Involved with Service at UD

At UD, opportunities to give back are always within reach. From events like Charity Week and Clash of the Classes to club-led service projects, you’ll find plenty of ways to serve others while building meaningful connections with both the 91¸£ÀûÉçand Irving communities.

Students On Mall

Vocations & Volunteer Fair

Hosted every Octoboer, this fair brings nonprofit organizations and religious orders to the 91¸£ÀûÉçcampus to recruit student candidates for volunteer, internship, and full-time service opportunities. 

Campus Tour

Nonprofit Internship Stipend Program

Rising juniors and seniors are eligible to receive funding for unpaid internships with nonprofit or charity organizations each summer. Stipends are paid after the completion of the internship and a reflection activity. Applications open every fall.

Summer on the Mall

Make an Impact Beyond Campus

The Irving and Dallas areas are home to a wide range of nonprofit organizations that welcome student volunteers. Participating in efforts like The Big Event, a day of service in the local community, shows how your contributions can make a real difference beyond campus.

Mentoring 

Mentoring is an opportunity for students to gain insight from experienced 91¸£ÀûÉçalumni to guide you as you begin to explore different professions and opportunities. Through one-on-one alumni mentoring and job shadowing, 91¸£ÀûÉçOdyssey provides support for more practical career and vocational exploration. Mentoring also serves to form character as students receive guidance from experienced alumni. 

91¸£ÀûÉçMentoring Program 

The 91¸£ÀûÉç Mentoring Program matches experienced 91¸£ÀûÉçalumni with students seeking guidance and wisdom as they navigate 91¸£ÀûÉçand prepare for the next steps in their lives. The UD Mentoring Program is facilitated by the Office of Alumni Relations and the Office of Personal Career Development. The program includes:

  • At least four in-person or virtual meetings with your assigned mentor per academic year.
  • One on-campus networking event for students and mentors each academic year.

If you are interested in participating, please email Christina Nguyen.

91¸£ÀûÉçJob Shadowing Program 

Five to seven undergraduate students will have the opportunity to participate in a half or full day of job shadowing with organizations and corporations in the community.  Through this program, we hope that students will gain more insight into different organizations and be able to explore how they may belong. 

This program has concluded. Stay tuned for the next opportunity.  Questions? Email goneill@udallas.edu


*Vocation definition adapted from a quote by Frederick Buechner: The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.

The 91¸£ÀûÉçOdyssey Program is funded by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges and Lilly Endowment Inc.