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Jen Tockman stands with other members of the NEACEFE leadership team.
Tockman, far right, with other members of the NEACEFE leadership team.

Harrington Center Director Jen Tockman Elected As NEACEFE President

by Jaclyn Goddette ’16, College Communications Mar. 1, 2017

Jen Tockman, director of Colby-Sawyer’s Harrington Center for Experiential Learning, has been elected to serve a one-year term as the 2017 President of the New England Association of Cooperative Education and Field Experience (NEACEFE).

Tockman takes the reins at NEACEFE after three years of active membership. The regional association is dedicated to promoting the development and expansion of experiential education programs and internships within New England high schools and colleges. As president, Tockman is charged with overseeing its committees, board meetings and annual conference.

Among other benefits, the association connects members to regional, national and international programs through its network. Through Tockman’s membership, the college also receives access to workshops addressing current education issues and a pool of resources through its membership directory, expanding the potential internship opportunities available for Colby-Sawyer students.

All students at Colby-Sawyer are required to complete at least one internship, but many students go on to gain significant hands-on experience by completing two or more. The Harrington Center helps connect students to internship sites and monitors their progress. In a five-year average, 37 percent of Colby-Sawyer graduates are offered a position by their internship sites.

Already an expert in academic advising, career development opportunities and internships, Tockman is also completing training to become a career development facilitator. While her role as president of the NEACEFE focuses on internships, the National Career Development Association (NCDA) training complements the other major area of her work at the Harrington Center.

The NCDA Career Development Facilitator Training provides individuals with relevant skills and knowledge to assist others in planning careers and obtaining meaningful work. The training will enhance Tockman’s incorporation of career development information into her work with students.

“If there is any topic that the Harrington Center needs to address, we now have access to this vast set of resources that we didn’t before,” said Tockman.

The Harrington Center plays an important role in preparing the college’s graduates for professional success by assisting with resume writing and interview skills. Within six months of Commencement, 92 percent of Colby-Sawyer’s Class of 2015 was employed or attending graduate school.