The Launch Immersive Experiences Fair spotlights undergraduate opportunities
October 2020 – The wide variety of opportunities available to Drew University students was on display at the virtual Launch Immersive Experience Fair.
Members of the Drew community tuned into the fair via a YouTube live stream to hear 10 students from varying majors discuss everything from study abroad trips to volunteer work to research projects, and the impact these experiences have had on them.
Meghan McHugh, Director of Student Activities—who played the role of virtual emcee, which is available as a recording here—discussed the fair with us:
For prospective students who may not be familiar with Launch, what is it?
Launch is Drew’s commitment to ensure that every Drew student graduates connected, cultivated, and capable for today’s workplace. Launch provides students with opportunities designed specifically for them in an effort to build their personal network, find community, gain transferable skills, and have experiences at Drew that are relevant to their successful life after graduation.
How do you choose the student speakers at these events?
Undergraduate, graduate, and theological students with positive, recent immersive experiences participating in TRECs, Civic Engagement, student leadership, research, internships, and on-campus employment were recommended by faculty and staff to participate. The participating students were provided with support as they created presentations and videos for the event. We were lucky to have a diverse group of —students that were so passionate, informative, and engaging! They made me want to transport back to college to try out some of the immersive experiences they shared!
What felt different about planning this as an online event this year?
The most challenging aspect is the lack of human connection we are used to with in-person events. The biggest benefit of having this event happen online is that we have a far greater reach beyond holding a live event. All presentations were recorded and posted on the Launch website for anyone to watch in their own time. This virtual format allows us to share this important information to more people than an in-person event would. And also, virtually, we were grateful to have viewers asking questions through the chat feature.
What’s next on the virtual events schedule?
Every week this semester each Launch Community is hosting a panel that highlights students, alumni, and employers who are active and connected within their specific community. Viewers will gain perspective about panelists’ successes and challenges, how our panelists’ experiences got them where they are today, and how viewers can advance their own path. The Launch Communities Fair on October 23rd will provide an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about the different career and identity/affinity communities and their events/resources, meet current mentors and club leaders connected to each community, and find out how to get involved.
