Student Success & Career Readiness

Topics for Today Why College? A Model for Success Benefits of Using the Center’s Resources The Importance of Engagement

Why College? Job vs. Career? To get a JOB! Knowledge, skills, and training Growth, maturity, experience Graduate with a plan for future careers Long-term earning potential Job vs. Career?

Keys to Student Success Academic Performance Engagement & Involvement Utilize Resources and Be Proactive Experience – Internships, Student Teaching, Volunteering

Why the Career Center…NOW? Not for Seniors Only Not for Job Search Only Conveniently located with: Dining Hall & Einstein Bagels Learning Assistance & Resource Center Pre-Major Academic Advising Office for Students with Disabilities Women’s Center Service-Learning & Volunteer Programs

Our Mission Provide services, programs, and resources which facilitate the lifelong career development process and assist students and alumni with implementing and securing satisfying careers.

Career Development Process

Career Readiness Critical Thinking / Problem Solving Oral / Written Communication Skills Teamwork / Collaboration Information Technology Application Leadership Professionalism / Work Ethic Career Management http://www.naceweb.org/knowledge/career-readiness-competencies.aspx

What Employers Want The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2016 shows the attributes employers seek most from college graduates (including all majors and industries).

Career Center Activities: Usage Rates For WCU Students How We Help 2484 Resume & Document Reviews 3415 Job Listings (RCN) Job & Internship Search Assistance 1699 Individual career counseling 777 Internship Listings (RCN) 183 Combined Career Fair Employers 230 Career Programs Career Interest & Personality Assessment 64 Practice Interview Sessions 5924 Attendees in Programs Career Center Activities: Usage Rates For WCU Students * Summer 2015 through Spring 2016

Employers Want WCU Students & Alumni 2015-2016: 3,415 internships, full-time and part-time jobs posted 5,712 resumes uploaded in Ram Career Network 45employers with 114 internships and full-time jobs participated in On-Campus Recruiting 183employers attended our on-campus Career Fairs

What Employers & Students Are Saying 170 unique employers participated in various on-campus recruiting options (2015-2016) “Students were well prepared and extremely interested in our company and finding the right fit for themselves and their career.” "For someone who had no direction when first arriving to West Chester, it was very helpful and reassuring to learn I was not at all an exception; with the Center I was able to bounce off ideas and begin first steps towards a major and career. The people there are kind, understanding and knowledgeable and I'll definitely use their assistance in the future.” 33,807 log-ins by students and alumni in Ram Career Network (2015-2016)

Future Plans Survey Includes: Seeking PT Employment Military Service Continuing Education, not yet enrolled Starting or Raising a Family Volunteer or Service Organization The Future Plans Survey was conducted by the Office of Institutional Research in spring 2015. A total of 342 graduating seniors responded (16.5%). Complete report available at www.wcupa.edu/oir

Resources Used in Employer Information Search Student Strategies Resources Used in Employer Information Search *As reported in the 2013 NACE Student Survey

Keys to Student Success Academic Performance Engagement & Involvement Utilize Resources and Be Proactive Experience – Internships, Student Teaching, etc. Utilize the Career Center and start your job or internship search early

QUESTIONS? www.wcupa.edu/cdc