Turn Your Education into a Career with Passion and Purpose
You're a Spider, so you dream big. You don't want to land just any job after UR, but a purposeful career you're passionate about.
At A&S NEXT, a career program specifically for A&S students, we aim to give you the tools to understand your personal strengths and how you can translate your Richmond education into a career that you love. You'll meet alums with unexpected and interesting career paths and you'll gain hands-on experience exploring and solving real-world problems alongside alums and faculty who work to solve these problems in their own careers every day.
Seek Solutions to Contemporary Issues
Arts, Creativity, & Culture
The arts are integral to the social, civic, and economic well-being and vitality of the nation. Art allows communities to learn and to think critically, communicate from afar, generating positivity, appreciation and hope during COVID-19. Nonetheless, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a devastating impact on the U.S.' arts sector, which has been slower to recover than other industries. This case will explore the critical role arts, creativity, and culture play in the life and livelihood of individuals and communities.
Climate Change
Although Earth's climate has always changed over time, the accelerated pace of these changes in recent years presents serious concerns for the health of the planet and all its inhabitants. This case study will examine the impacts of climate change on the local community and explore interventions to address the challenges and concerns.
Health & Well-Being
The global pandemic brought to light myriad health issues related to the COVID-19 virus and many other challenges related to human health & well-being. Indeed, it also forced personal and collective discussions on the meaning and significance of public health systems, health care, and scientism among other health related matters. In this case, participants will reflect upon a salient health challenge in the local community and identify strategies for improving outcomes.
Immigration & Resettlement
The state of Virginia is home to a large population of migrants who come from a variety of countries, backgrounds, and situations. Students working on this case study will learn more about the experiences of migrants, including challenges and barriers faced, and provide recommendations for ways to better support migrants' succesful adjustment to life in the United States.
The Future of Democracy
Experts at the Pew Research Center, among other think tanks, note that democracy is in crisis as it has been experiencing a recession for the past ten years. The COVID-19 global pandemic that struck in early 2020 has exacerbated already fragile governance structures and societies the world over are experiencing a strong backlash to democratic systems of government that have largely been the hallmark of developed nations for generations. This case will explore issues and concerns that pertain to the roles, rights, and responsibilites of citizens in our current democracy.
Weekend Overview
Saturday, January 29
9AM - 8PM
Richmond Marriott
A&S NEXT begins with an opportunity for participants to learn about their personal strengths and how they can be applied in individual and group settings. Students will then dig into their case studies, guided by the advice of faculty and alumni who are experts in that field. Each group will develop a presentation highlighting their findings and proposed solutions. The day will conclude with an opportunity for students to chat with faculty and alumni and gain insights that can help them with their major and career exploration.
Sunday, January 30
8AM - 12PM
Richmond Marriott
On Sunday morning, each student group will deliver their presentation to an audience and have an opportunity to learn about the topics other student groups examined. At the conclusion of the program, students will reflect on their A&S NEXT experience and identify next steps for further exploration.
MEET THE A&S NEXT STUDENT AMBASSADORS
A&S NEXT Ambassadors are students who previously participated in A&S NEXT. The Ambassadors contribute to the planning and promotion process for the program, as well as serve as peer mentors to student participants in the program.
Brendan Crockett, ’23
Biology
Madyson Fitzgerald, ’23
Journalism and Leadership Studies
Haley Gladden, ’22
Health Studies and Biology
Keshav Jha, ’22
Mathematical Economics
Katherine Nguyen, ’24
Health Studies
Vanessa Obro, ’24
Economics and Global Studies
