The university years are a time of exploration, experimentation, and learning on many levels for students and their parents or family members! Some student challenges may seem more positive than others, but all contribute to the educational outcomes of the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ experience. We recognize the important role that family members and supporters play in our students' lives, and we encourage everyone's support as the student begins to make decisions about their life after Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ.
Throughout their years here at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, students are developing a "record of achievement" that will be evaluated by employers and graduate schools as they move beyond college:
Academic achievement: The grade point average (GPA) is one factor considered by competitive employers and graduate schools. It is one of the few tangible indications of a student's ability to learn and perform effectively, at least in the academic environment. Therefore, students need to do as well as possible in the classroom, especially in courses related to their major.
Related work experience: In today's competitive employment market, many employers seek students who have related internships, summer, or part-time jobs, or volunteer experiences. In fact, employers often look to their own such programs as primary sources for their new hires. These experiences are particularly critical for liberal arts students whose majors may not appear to be directly related to their area of career interest.
Responsible involvement outside of the classroom: Extracurricular and co-curricular activities provide the opportunity for students to gain many valuable and career-related skills, such as the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment; leadership; planning and organizational skills; priority-setting and time management. These are part of the package of skills employers seek in their new hires. Please encourage your students to take advantage of the many opportunities including study abroad and internships in DC, Albany, and overseas.
Know that the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Career Advisors' sole purpose is to support your student towards their success. Please
- Encourage your student to visit the Career Services website to get information on internships, jobs, career assessments, resume and cover letter help, and networking events.
- Encourage your student to schedule an individual career counseling appointment to take advantage of our staff who are trained to assist students with career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, and job search strategies.
- Encourage your student to explore career interests and develop their skills outside the classroom. We can assist them in obtaining full-time employment after graduation, internships, part-time or summer employment, and community service opportunities. Many of our students have benefited from self-assessment inventories, or by meeting with a Career Advisor.
- Talk to your student about the importance of informational interviewing and networking. You can encourage them to connect with Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Alumni through LinkedIn, and attend networking events hosted by Career Services.
- Listen to your student as they talk about their academic coursework and experiences in the workplace. Initiate conversations about the transferable skills they will acquire during their years at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ.
Career Planning Includes
- Developing self-awareness of interests, skills, and values
- Researching careers
- Developing contacts
- Gaining exposure and experience
- Developing marketable skills
- Learning job-seeking skills
Services & Resources
- Career Counseling: We provide individualized assistance for students who want to clarify career direction or determine occupations of interest. A computerized assessment system and other assessment tools help define career preferences.
- Mock Interviews: During simulated interviews, we critique verbal and nonverbal communication skills and offer tips for improvement.
- Resume and Cover Letter Critique: A staff member reviews the content and appearance of resumes and job search correspondence and offers suggestions.
- Workshops: We offer programs to assist with career planning, job search skills, and applying for graduate and professional education.
- Career Resource Library: We maintain a comprehensive collection of websites to help students research career options and identify potential employers.
- Graduate School Assistance: A staff member can meet with a student to provide information on the admission process and tips on how to prepare for entrance examinations.
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