Discover The Hidden Gem - Your University Career Center

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, its negative effects are creating less-than-ideal situations for just about everyone. The push for social distancing has led to the cancellation of events, the closing of businesses and schools, and the looming threat of a recession. Perhaps no group of people have been impacted by this more than the almost 20 million students currently enrolled in U.S. colleges. From everyday classes to commencement ceremonies, every aspect of college life has been affected in some way. Most importantly, it has hindered university recruiting with students seeking summer internships and upcoming college graduates landing a job. 

This is the time of the year that I’m usually approached by undergraduate students seeking advice on summer internship opportunities and/or new college graduates looking for entry-level positions. Finding an internship or the first job after college can be a daunting and emotionally draining experience. Since coping with the pandemic, college students have suddenly been impacted with some companies canceling internships for the summer and soon-to-be college graduates have been wondering if the coronavirus has slowed down the hiring process for entry-level positions.

As I reflect on my college days at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles, I graduated in 1991 during a time when the US was in deep recession, the Gulf War was taking a heavy toll on the economy and unemployment was close to 8%. Despite these circumstances, there was one person that was very instrumental with helping me make a smooth transition from college to the workplace. Her name was Bernice Russell and she was the then-Director of the Career Placement Center at LMU.

My first interaction with Bernice was during my sophomore year. I would see her walk around campus with other students or at various events. She would often invite me to stop by her office and learn more about the Career Placement Center programs that they offered. At first, I did not pay too much attention to her open invitation since I had no clue what I wanted to do after graduation. Honestly, I was mostly concerned about my classes and, of course, upcoming social events. Then one day, I dropped in the Placement Center Office to say “hello” and exchanged a few pleasantries. As we got to know each other better during our one-on-one sessions, she would encourage me to attend networking events and develop new skills by getting involved in student organizations. Over time, she helped me to write my first résumé, prepare for my first interview and find my first internship.  

Entering the job market can be painstaking for any college student. With the assistance of your university career center, you can take charge and boost your confidence of the job search process even during times of crisis. Career center professionals can act like your very own personal career coach. They are very dedicated to offer so much to students ranging from providing individual career counseling to hosting career workshops. They could help students break down things that feel overwhelming that ultimately would help them with whatever path they may choose upon graduating.

Here are three tips to make the most of your university career center services that can help college students go from graduates to full-time professionals.  

1 - START EARLY:

Starting college, students may think it is far too early to be worrying about their careers if they are not in their senior year. However, the career center is there to help students at all stages of their studies. Like my experience with Bernice, a career center professional can advise students on what to do after they finish their studies and which route to follow to get them where they want to be. Students do not have to be at the end of their studies or the tail-end of their senior year to be looking for a job. In fact, the earlier students get started, the more likely they will be on the right path. 

Deciding on a career path is like making any other decision - it’s personal. Career centers usually have self-assessment tools and career assessment methodologies that will test or evaluate students in terms of their personalities, interests, values, and other factors that will come into play when it comes to deciding on an occupation or job. What is important to you? What skills do you have or do you need to develop? What do you enjoy doing? You need to identify careers that are a good fit for you.

Many college students make the mistake of only going in the career center once and expecting instant magic. As much as career counselors want to help them be successful, they cannot do it alone. College students must take ownership of their future by getting involved and participating in career planning process.

2 - INTERNSHIPS:

Most often than not, companies tend to hire the talent that they have interned with them especially for their entry-level jobs. Internships are also seen these days as major stepping stones towards a career. In fact, students will have greater chances of being hired in a company if they did an internship with them before. Some companies have specific staffing metrics in place where 50% - 75% of their graduating interns are converted to full-time hires.

It's no secret, internships provide work experience that help college students put their education into practice. They are also excellent for building their résumés and/or LinkedIn profile while doing a test drive, so to speak. Students are basically going to get a feel of an actual working environment and company culture at the same time that they are gaining "hands-on" experience. This is also a great way for them to assess whether that is the career path that they really want to continue on.

During the COVID-19 crisis, internships may be challenging to come by. In this case, college students should consider doing some volunteering in their free time. This will build on their skills and will be a wonderful addition to their résumé, which may catch the eye of potential employers.

3 - NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK:

Social networks existed in the real world long before the internet, Facebook and LinkedIn, so make contacts in person whenever possible. Students never know who could offer them interesting and fulfilling careers in the future. Make an impression and be the person employers remember in the future when they are looking for someone to fill a vacancy. Knowing the right people still makes a big difference when it comes to finding work.

Career centers can put college students in touch with relevant organizations and they may also know of upcoming career fairs and networking events where students can meet professionals in the field they would like to work in. Some great network contacts might include people they meet at these events who could provide helpful career information and advice.

Students often hesitate to network because they feel awkward asking for help, but it should be an integral part of any job search. Though college students might feel nervous when approaching a potential contact, but keep in mind, networking is a skill that develops with practice, so don’t give up.

These career fairs and networking events could also be between students and alumni, who could provide valuable tips and insights on career-building. Alumni, especially, genuinely want to provide advice, support and possible connections to those making the hiring decisions at their respective companies. Who knows? You may learn about a wonderful job opportunity from an alumnus during one of these mixers!

One more thing….

Career centers usually sponsor workshops to help college students learn how to present themselves well in a job interview, from what to wear, to what questions to expect. They sometimes provide mock interviewing sessions where they can practice their skills. Mock interviews can go a very long way to making them feel prepared for real interviews, and will at least help them feel a bit less nervous.

Like Bernice Russell, career center professionals want the same thing that college students do - to help them find a career path that will lead to a successful, happy future – but it is worth checking out what little extras that they may also offer. For instance, they may have some very handy perks for students such as design a personal brand on business cards, get access to Handshake or take professional photos for their LinkedIn profiles. Students will not know until they ask what the career center can do to help them - if you don't ask, you will never know!

Despite the current COVID-19 disruption, there are many career centers like LMU's Career and Professional Development Center (CPD) that have transitioned all of their career services to virtual solutions. According to Elizabeth Connolly, Assistant Director of LMU's CPD, they are providing virtual 1:1 career coaching, virtual drop-in "office hours" with career coaches, as well as a range of virtual programming, from recruiter panels to conversations with alumni working in various industries.

Career centers are considered hidden gems that often get overlooked. So the next time you are browsing your university's website, or you are walking on campus and you passed by the Career Center Office, don’t ignore it, especially if you are looking for a job. Just drop by and say "hello". You won’t know what you’re missing if you do.

Stay healthy and be safe!

Do you have any tips for college students during COVID-19 pandemic? Are there any tips that I left out? I’d love to know what suggestions that you may have!

?Edward Avila is the Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Alation, a startup that is the pioneer and leader of the Machine Learning Data Catalog market. To learn more about our global job opportunities like nowhere else, please click here www.alation.com/careers.