National Park College’s (NPC) Makerspace recently partnered with Career Services to design and construct a new bulletin board in the Student Commons aimed at providing students with easy, visible access to employment, internship, volunteer and career‑related opportunities.
Known as “The Perch,” the installation was conceptualized and built by the Makerspace team to symbolize student growth and the transition beyond college. Makerspace Coordinator Mark McCorkle said the concept reflects the journey students take as they prepare to leave NPC.
“The idea was to create something that represents the students as they grow beyond the college,” McCorkle said. “That’s why we started with ‘The Perch.’ It represents NPC as the nest, with students as the birds who are nurtured here before spreading their wings and flying toward success.”
Using digital design software and laser-cutting technology, the Makerspace team crafted custom lettering, cork panels and visual elements that integrate seamlessly with existing displays in the Student Commons, according to Makerspace Assistant Richard King.
Jessie Ellis, director of student success, said the project began with a need for a physical space where students could easily find information about jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities and career events. After unsuccessful attempts at hanging a traditional bulletin board, Ellis turned to Makerspace for help.
“I went to them with a purpose, not a finished idea,” Ellis said, crediting the Makerspace team with developing the creative concept and final design. She encouraged other campus departments to do the same.
“This project shows that you don’t have to arrive with a perfectly polished idea,” Ellis said. “If you have a need but can’t visualize the solution, Makerspace can take it from there.”
Career Services Administrative Assistant Katelyn Beckwith said early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with even greater impact expected as the board is populated with postings.
“Once we start filling it with postings, students will be able to walk up and immediately see what’s available,” Beckwith said. “Instead of being directed to an email or website, they’ll have a visual, interactive resource right in front of them.”
Ellis emphasized that The Perch is an additional communication touchpoint, not a replacement for existing digital platforms, and is intended to make information more visible and accessible to students.
In addition to serving students, the board provides a dedicated space for local employers and community organizations to share opportunities directly with the campus.
Located in the Student Commons next to Career Services, The Perch showcases the Makerspace’s creative capacity and reinforces its role as a campus and community resource capable of transforming emerging ideas into impactful, tangible solutions.
If you would like to share a job posting or position with our campus, please email Career.Services@np.edu. For more information about Makerspace, visit np.edu/Makerspace.