Career Development Center

Career Development Center: The Career Development Center, located on the second floor of Anderson Cottage, assists students in understanding the career planning process, diving deep into career and major exploration beyond a one-time instance. Our staff will engage in brainstorming and identifying opportunities to develop as a student and community member. These include campus clubs and organizations, research and faculty partnerships, and internship placements, culminating in employment opportunities and graduate school admissions.

Each student is offered individualized support in defining and attaining career objectives. From individual counseling sessions and walk-in availability to group workshops and employer presentations, the Career Development Center is dedicated to helping students plan for the future as well as providing the knowledge and tools necessary to put those plans into action.

Services include exploration of careers, graduate schools/programs, career goals, and information concerning career fields, employment opportunities, interviewing, resumes, internships, networking, and job search strategies. In addition, students can pick up free informative handouts and publications from leading associations and companies; review current employment opportunities; access computerized career guidance programs; research salary and employer information; and meet with advisors for one-on-one assistance in any of these areas.

Give yourself an advantage over those who think they can wait until their senior year to “get serious about figuring out a career.” Steps taken during all four years of college will go a long way in helping you clarify your career goals and build a competitive resume or application for graduate school. Use the following timeline as a guide to map out a four-year plan.

1st year: Explore: • Meet with the Career Development Center to explore career possibilities and majors, and to learn about resources offered • Begin to develop relationships with faculty, advisors, and key administrators • Complete career assessments to assist in identifying your strengths, weaknesses, skills, values and interests • Join a student club or organization • Talk to upper-class students majoring in what you plan to major in • Find summer employment related to your career interests • Take an elective in a major you are considering

2nd year: Prepare: • Research and apply for internships, summer jobs, and volunteer positions related to your career field • Explore companies and shadow professionals in your field of interest • Begin working on a resume with the Career Development Center • Meet with faculty members and advisor to brainstorm career paths • Consider whether additional education will be needed for your chosen career path • Research specific careers and required qualifications • Solidify your major and begin signing up for electives that will assist you in your career path and personal development • Begin building a professional wardrobe

3rd year: Action: • Complete an internship • Practice interview skills by scheduling a mock interview with the Career Development Center • Join student chapters affiliated with the professional associations in your field • Begin building a portfolio for your career path