Exploring Careers and Building Confidence: Freshman & Sophomore Professional Development Day

Nov 19, 2025 | CWSP, School News

Freshmen and sophomores at Cristo Rey St. Martin spent the day diving into career exploration and skill-building during this week’s Professional Development Day.

Sophomores connected one-on-one with 20 professionals from organizations including Abbott, AbbVie, the Collision Engineering Career Alliance, the Lake County Department of Transportation, Libertyville Bank and Trust, Overture Promotions, Pfizer, Union Tank Car Company (UTLX), and the Waukegan Park District, along with several retired professionals and consultants. Through informational interviews, students gained real-world insights and advice about different industries and career paths.

Meanwhile, freshmen heard from an inspiring panel of CRSM alumni who shared their experiences in college and the workplace, and offered valuable lessons on perseverance, purpose, and professional growth.

AbbVie volunteer and mentor Tania Bedrosian shared what motivates her to stay involved: “As a Latina, I think about how much it would have meant to have a mentor and guide when I was growing up. Being part of this program gives me the chance to offer that support to students with similar backgrounds and to give back in a meaningful way.”

A heartfelt thank-you to all our volunteers and alumni for making the day a success. Your time, expertise, and encouragement empower our students to dream bigger and step confidently toward their futures!