What are the best strategies for using your college career center to find job opportunities?

Here are some strategies to make the most of your college career center: 1.Early Engagement. 2.Resume and Cover Letter Review. 3.Career Assessments. 4.Networking Events. 5.Mock Interviews. 6.Job Postings and Internships. 7.Information Sessions and Workshops. 8.LinkedIn Assistance. 9.Alumni Connections. 10.Customized Advice. 11.Skill Development. 12.Utilize Online Resources. Explore online resources provided by the career center, such as job search platforms, industry research tools, and resume-building resources. Follow-Up: Keep in touch with your career center even after graduation. They may continue to offer support and resources to alumni.

Sharing from my personal experience (back in time I was a student at Drexel University): 1. You have access to the Career Development Center => leverage them to proofread your resume and your cover letter (optional). 2. You have access to the Alumni network => build meaningful connections and ask them for referrals in case they work at companies you want to apply for. 3. You have access to an internal job portal to find job postings inside your University => This is a great chance to build your experience, especially if it is your 1st or 2nd internship. Hope it's helpful. Cheers.

In my experience, students frequently approach career guidance with broad aspirations such as "I want to be a data analyst" or "I want to pursue a career in consulting." To enhance the effectiveness of career advising, it is recommended to employ the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals framework. Instead of expressing a general goal, consider specifying it more clearly, such as "I aim to begin my career as an analyst in a consulting firm upon graduation." This approach provides clearer insights into your motivations, enabling us to offer more targeted and beneficial guidance.

While it’s helpful to go to your career center with a point of view on what you want out of your career (what kind of job you are looking for, your strengths and weaknesses, etc. as the article states), it is also okay to go in without all the answers! Your career center will likely offer advisors who help coach you and work with you to help identify your strengths, explore career paths, and get more certainty.

Students, do participate in the workshops organized by the Career Center. These sessions provide valuable opportunities to engage with exceptional speakers and trainers, allowing you to enhance your professional skills. Additionally, it offers a platform to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your professional network. To stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities, we recommend following the Career Center's social media channels, subscribing to the newsletter, and regularly reading the provided content. These resources will significantly contribute to your career preparation.

Please take advantage of the workshops and events hosted by your career center. Check your emails and other forms of media, RSVP, and come ready to engage with the presenters/facilitators. Often, we host these events and have very little participation but when the semester is coming to an end, or a few weeks before graduation, we see an influx of the "Can you help me with my resume" or "I graduate next week, can you help me find a job" types. As stated previously, these workshops and events "are great opportunities to expand your knowledge, showcase your abilities, and build your connections." Those connections could land you your first job and or dream job. Half of the battle is SHOWING UP!

Relationship building will get you far! Make it a point to visit the Career development center at least 2x a semester and attend events. With each interaction, get to know who in that office is the best contact and connect with them. This way, they will get familiar with you and your needs as your college career progresses. It'll help your comfort level with that professional or with that office which will make the feedback and support you receive that much more valuable.

One of the commonly posed questions by students is, "Can you connect me with alumni in my desired industry?" Certainly, we can facilitate that connection, but it's crucial for you to be well-prepared before engaging with alumni. It's essential not to approach the meeting with the expectation that alumni will simply "provide you with a job"; this is not the typical outcome. Instead, come prepared, articulate your career aspirations, clearly express why you are interested in the industry, and have a good understanding of the work culture and lifestyle you are seeking. Alumni are more likely to engage and mentor you if there is alignment and a shared vision, beyond the fact that you share an alma mater.