The Centre for Calling and Career Development (CCCD) is strengthening how Trinity Western University students build career readiness, vocational discernment, practical experience, and industry networks throughout their academic journey.
Guided by its 2030 Strategic Priorities, the CCCD is further developing its role as a University-wide hub that helps students connect who they are, what they are learning, and how they can make a meaningful contribution in the world after graduation. Its purpose is to cultivate and coordinate a campus-wide ecosystem that integrates vocational discernment and career-connected learning across the student journey, equipping students to design and build meaningful, impactful, and sustainable lives after graduation.
Calling & career from day one
Students often think about career preparation near graduation, but the CCCD's approach is designed to start those conversations much earlier. Through classes, co-curricular experiences, coaching, employer engagement, and campus partnerships, students will encounter support throughout their time at the University. The goal is for calling and career development to become a more integrated part of the student experience, with meaningful learning and development milestones embedded across academic and co-curricular life.
“Few things are more meaningful to me than helping students connect what they are learning in the classroom to the lives they hope to build beyond graduation,” says Melanie Olfert, director of the CCCD. “I believe education should do more than prepare someone for a first job; it should help students understand who they are, what they value, and how they can contribute meaningfully to the world around them.”
“The heart of our approach is shaped by a robust theology of calling,” explains Olfert. “We believe that by helping students discern what God is calling them to, they are empowered to live into their vocation in all areas of life.”
Through this ecosystem model, the CCCD supports faculty, staff, alumni, and employers in helping students connect their education, experiences, and sense of calling to future opportunities.
The CCCD's framework centres on exploration, career readiness, and professional connections, helping students build confidence, gain experience, and develop meaningful networks before graduation.
Coaching, connections & experience
Students will see growing opportunities to connect with career coaches, employers, alumni, and experiential learning as the CCCD continues to expand support across the University. Alongside digital resources, workshops, mentorship, networking opportunities, and one-on-one coaching, these supports are designed to help students translate their experiences into workplace skills and prepare confidently for what's next.
Beyond graduation
The CCCD is also expanding support for recent graduates as they transition from university to career. Early-career alumni will continue to benefit from resources, networks, and guidance as they establish themselves professionally.
By strengthening partnerships across the University and expanding opportunities for students to engage with calling and career development, the CCCD is helping ensure every TWU student is equipped to pursue meaningful work, lifelong growth, and purposeful service after graduation.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students for life. Uniting faith and reason through Christian teaching and scholarship, TWU is a research institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and sciences as well as in several professional schools. TWU has its main campus in Langley, B.C. and campus sites in Richmond, B.C. and Ottawa, Ont.
Learn more at twu.ca or follow @TrinityWestern on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. For media inquiries, please contact media@twu.ca.