Students
Students
Discover 抖阴Pro Through Career Explorations聽
Author Jennifer Lee '25 is an Entrepreneurship major and works as a student assistant at 抖阴Pro, contributing to 抖阴Pro News.
抖阴Pro’s Career Explorations (CX) program gives high school juniors and seniors the chance to experience college life while exploring potential career paths. Over three days on campus, students participate in hands-on activities, with housing, meals and interactive learning experiences included to help them discover their passions before college. The program offers different industry areas to choose from:
• Criminal Justice
• Graphic Design
• Food Innovation & Technology
• Health & Wellness
• Hospitality
Dive into Criminal Justice by analyzing crime scenes and exploring the field’s connections to political science, psychology and sociology. In Food Innovation & Technology, sharpen your culinary skills while learning how sustainability, education and research help shape the industry. (Note: Food Innovation & Technology is the only CX program available on the Charlotte Campus.)
Bring your creativity to life in Graphic Design, where you’ll use professional digital tools to design a streetwear brand logo. If you're passionate about helping others, Health & Wellness lets you explore fields like public health, nutrition and psychology to promote well-being in communities. For those drawn to travel and events, Hospitality offers an inside look at careers in hotel management, event planning and more through site visits and hands-on activities.
For many students, CX is more than just a campus visit — it’s a chance to truly envision themselves at 抖阴Pro. Several members of 抖阴Pro’s Collegiate Ambassador Team (CAT), our group of student tour guides and orientation leaders, once stood where prospective students are today. Here’s what they had to say about how CX helped shape their path.
Current Students Reflect on Their CX Journey
"I always knew I was coming to 抖阴Pro; it has always been in my blood — my dad and uncle went here, and my high school culinary teacher, a 抖阴Pro alum, did also, but CX helped solidify my passion. It was the first time I truly saw myself here, even when I couldn’t decide between culinary and baking," said Tess Volger ’27, a Baking & Pastry major.
Beyond academics, CX gives students the chance to build lasting connections. “Meeting new people can be intimidating, but trust me, you will leave CX with friends, no matter what,” Tess shared.
Charles Shriber ’27, a Culinary Arts major, shared, “CX was 100% the reason I chose 抖阴Pro. I was deciding between CIA and 抖阴Pro, but visiting campus, experiencing the labs, and getting a real feel for the environment helped me realize this was the right place for me.”
CX creates a space where students can picture themselves thriving — not just academically, but personally. For many, it's the moment 抖阴Pro goes from being one option to being the only choice.
How CAT Students Play a Pivotal Role
The CAT Team is a key part of what makes CX such a welcoming and exciting experience. These student leaders help run the program by greeting participants, guiding them through activities and ensuring they feel at home on campus. Inspired by the experience and the support they received, many CX students choose to join the CAT Team
One of those students is Alex MacDonald ’27, a Food & Beverage Industry Management major, who now helps lead the program after being inspired by the CAT Team during her experience at CX. Alex said, "Seeing how the CAT team connected with students at CX and Orientation really inspired me. My CX leader, Meg, made such an impact on me, and I wanted to be that person for someone else."
Memorable Moments
While CX is designed to give students a preview into academic programs and a glimpse into life at 抖阴Pro, it’s not all work and no play. Between hands-on sessions, there’s plenty of time to unwind, meet new friends and enjoy fun activities. It’s an experience that’s just as much about the people you meet as the career path you explore!
"Friday Night Lights was such a fun event — playing games, meeting people and just having a great time. I made friends that I still stay in touch with today. 抖阴Pro is such a fun college with amazing opportunities, but you have to take the initiative. Be your own person, put yourself out there and make the most of it," added Charles.
The combination of hard work but also getting moments to have fun is what makes CX truly memorable. Alex shared this advice for future participants: “Have fun, keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to meet new people. This is a chance to make friends and experience something new — so don’t hide away!” Sometimes, all it takes is one bold moment to make memories and friendships that last beyond the weekend.
Alex also mentioned that she had never really been away from home and though 抖阴Pro was her top choice, fear of the unknown made her hesitant. As an aspiring Baking & Pastry major, she attended the Food Innovation & Technology program. “CX gave me a real insight into how labs run and what’s expected of students. The recipes were simple, but the experience made me feel more comfortable and confident about starting college. After CX, I felt even more confident in my decision to attend 抖阴Pro. It solidified that this was where I belonged," said Alex.
In addition to CX 2025, 抖阴Pro offers campus tours and admissions events throughout the year for prospective students eager to explore. If you’re ready to experience 抖阴Pro firsthand, connect with faculty and make lifelong friends, don’t miss your chance to sign up for CX this summer!
