Vocation lives in the heart of a Wartburg College education, and it frames everything we do. Helping individuals discover who they are called to be and what they are called to do is essential to our mission. Students explore this through essential education courses, learning opportunities in their major, and various experiences on and off campus. Staff and faculty are invited to participate in ongoing discernment through professional development and mentoring opportunities. All are invited to name, claim, and frame their vocations and callings in this community.
DISCOVER YOUR VOCATION
CLAIMING YOUR CALLING IN LIFE
Vocation comes from the Latin word “vocare” which means “to call.” At Wartburg, we often refer to vocation as “calling,” using the two terms interchangeably in our day-to-day interactions. The way in which we describe vocation at Wartburg is much like Frederick Buechner—American writer and theologian—states, “…the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” It is a call inside oneself—a strong inner impulse—to a particular course of action and usually aligns with one’s profession, purpose, and/or faith.
So what does this all mean? It means there is something out there—a task, a position, a need—that will require one’s unique set of skills, interests, passions, values, and personality to fulfill it. A vocation or calling is distinctive to the individual and consists of their own personal gifts, as well as the needs of the world. At a very basic level, one can begin discerning their calling by reflecting on what they are passionate about and what their community/world needs (see figure 1). When one considers these very basic elements and starts finding connections between the two, then they begin to discover that which they are called to do.
Though consideration of one’s passions, the needs of the world, and the connections between the two seems simple, it is actually very complex. There are several other factors worth examining as well (see figure 2) and take a great deal of time and reflection. In fact, for many, discovering and claiming one’s calling may take a lifetime. However, we want to encourage Wartburg students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to keep leading, serving, and learning. Knowledge and understanding come from these important practices and according to Martin Luther, there is one element above all else that truly helps individuals find their calling; education. The German Priest and Professor of Theology, once described education as indispensable in equipping young men and women to ‘take their own place in the stream of human events.’”
Keep educating oneself. Keep experiencing and reflecting, and eventually the call will come. One will be able to witness their own unique gifts and their important contributions to the world. Remember, everyone has a vocation or a calling and many often have multiple.
Exploring Me Retreats
Exploring Me Retreats are vocational retreats that provide students with an opportunity to take a night away from campus and explore some of the big questions on their minds. Not only do these retreats provide students with an opportunity to explore some of their big questions, but they also provide a chance to meet new people and spend some much-needed time away from busy campus life. Exploring Me Retreats are sponsored by the Student Success Center and Spiritual Life & Campus Ministry, and are free for students to attend and participate in.
Orange Connection
The Orange Connection program is career mentoring program for current students. Each spring, 15 students travel to Des Moines and 15 students travel to Chicago to connect and/or “shadow” with Wartburg alumni who have specific knowledge and experience about an occupation or career that the student is interested in. Students are allowed to ask questions, learn about certain occupations, and network with alums in their respective areas while experiencing the everyday life of a full-time professional. In addition to their “shadow” experience, students learn how to navigate city transportation, develop professional documents (resumes and applications), and experience some of the attractions unique to the respective cities. This opportunity also allows current students and alumni to share their own unique Wartburg stories with one another.
Vocation Presenters
Each fall and winter term, Human Resources & Payroll and the Student Success Center partner together to bring a speaker to campus that focuses not only on professional development topics, but also vocation. These speakers typically offer two programs per visit—one for students and one for faculty and staff. Presenters are different every year, but many of them have provided a thoughtful, engaging message related to individuals’ callings.
First-Year Peer Mentoring Program
The First-Year Peer Mentoring Program is a program including all first-year students at Wartburg College. The program focuses on mentoring students wherever they are in their college experience. Every section of IS 101 (first-year seminar) will be assigned a mentor who will attend class and interact as directed by the course instructor. Mentors are not only in the classroom but also available to meet one-on-one outside of the classroom to help students with various needs. The First-Year Peer Mentoring Program was created to help students pursue and meet their academic, personal, and professional goals.
Faculty Mentoring Program
Full-time faculty members that wish to be reappointed, promoted, or have their contract renewed must prepare a Professional Portfolio that documents their performance and professional goals. Therefore, full-time faculty members have the option of having a mentor that will provide support, guidance, and feedback preparing their portfolio. This particular program is specifically designed for faculty and participation is optional. In addition to helping full-time faculty develop their professional documentation, a mentor in this program can also offer general support and guidance in his or her professional development and vocation as a teacher, scholar, and faculty citizen.
Staff Mentoring Program
The Staff Mentoring Program is a one-on-one mentoring program designed to partner experienced staff members with new staff members in an effort to help introduce newcomers to Wartburg College and assist with their transition into their new role and the campus culture. These relationships provide opportunities for ongoing dialogue about the institution, as well as a safe space to discuss one’s personal and professional goals. Vocational exploration is heavily emphasized throughout this year-long program. The Staff Mentoring Program is administered by Human Resources & Payroll and the Student Success Center.
Download one of the following activities to learn more about yourself, your values and strengths, and how to discern the path that’s right for you.
Office Phone : 319-352-8260 | Fax: 319-352-8605 | Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Vocational Discernment: Who Can Help Me?
Vocational exploration is a challenging and highly reflective undertaking. For many, it takes a lifetime of examination and experience to discern one’s calling. This revelation can be exciting and enlightening, but also worrisome, lonely, and possibly discouraging. Therefore, individuals should be accompanied on this journey. At Wartburg, we recommend individuals find someone else to support them on their journey of significance. Whether it’s a best friend or a faculty member, having someone there to walk with can be greatly beneficial during one’s college experience.
Those looking for someone here at Wartburg to help mentor them in their vocational discernment can turn to any of the following individuals for support and encouragement throughout their time here at Wartburg. These are just a few among many others who are willing and able to help individuals in their discernment.
Maggie Garberg Falenschek
Chaplain, Dean of Spiritual Life, Herbert and Cora Moehlmann Chaplaincy Chair
Caryn Riswold
Professor of Religion/McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission
Derek Solheim '93
Associate Dean of Students
Kristin Teig Torres
Director of Student Leadership, Service, and Engagement
Amy Tucker '10
Assistant Director for Career & Alumni Engagement