Career Development Center (CDC) Linda Walker Career Counselor New Student Orientation

Who Does The Career Development Center Assist: n Freshmen and Sophomores n Juniors, Seniors and Graduate n New Graduates n Alumni n Returning Adults n UNDECIDE & DECIDE individuals

When should freshmen students begin using the Career Development Center? n Becoming acquainted with our resources and services early on benefits the students immensely. n They are better prepared to take make career planning decisions, find internships, jobs, or post-graduate options that fit with their interests, skills, and values.

Career Counseling n Available to students and alumni by appointment with a career counselor. n Identifying majors and career options that match your interests, values, skills, and personality. n Researching careers and exploring careers related to academic majors.

Career Planning Course n This 2-credit, pass/fail course provides information on: n Develop a career portfolio n Careers/majors that fit your interests, values, and skills n Making effective career decisions and setting goals for your future

Career Assessment The Strong Interest Inventory - This inventory is offered to help map out people’s individual interests and relate them to academic majors and career options. The Strong Interest Inventory- A research validated instrument designed to assist students and adults with career planning decisions.

Career Assessment n The Strong Interest Inventory- assessment takes about 25 minutes to complete. n Strong will help you to discover your true interests so that you can better identify, understand, and expand your career options.

Express Lane Walk-In Assistance n CDC career counselors provide minutes of assistance on: n resumes/cover letters, brief job search and interview related questions, and beginning career planning steps.

Workshops n Choosing a major/career n Identifying and Marketing Skills n Resume/Employment Letter n Interviewing, Networking n Using Social Media n Preparing for career and job fairs n Specific requests from student organizations

Employment Job Search Sites n On Campus Jobs, Work-Study Jobs –Panther Jobs n Off Campus: Part-time, Full-time, Volunteer and Internships.

Job Search Counseling &Preparation n Identifying advertised and unadvertised positions. n Developing strong resumes and cover letters. n Preparing for interviews and salary negotiations.

Career Days, Job Fairs & Employer Events n They offer the opportunity to gather first-hand information about careers and jobs in business, non-profit, health care, education, military, engineering and computers. n law enforcement as well as submit your resume(s) for summer jobs, internships, and part-time and full-time positions.

How Parents Can Help n First Year College Students

First Year Students n Many students enter college undecided about their major. n Many students who enter college as undecided students worry that they are undecided. n Many students who enter college declaring a major are really undecided.

Career Planning n 25-50% of students entering college are unsure of their major. n About 75% of college students will change their major at least once and others two or three times. n Nearly 50% of graduates change their career plans after college.

Reasons why your college student may be undecided or change majors n I have no idea what I want to do.” n “I’m interested in everything and I can’t narrow it down.” n “I have some idea of what I’m interested in, but I’m not sure.” n “I want to do X but everyone expects me to do Y.”

Reasons why your college student may be undecided or change majors n May lack information about self, possible majors, or possible careers. n May need to spend some time in college learning more about self and college majors. n There may be a conflict between their interests and ability.

Reasons why your college student may be undecided or change majors n There may be a conflict between their goals and others’ opinions (family, friends, ect). n May be afraid to commit and feel that there is “no rush”. n Afraid of choosing a major that doesn’t have many career options – or not paying high salaries to cover paying loans

How Can Parents Help n Listen n Ask helpful, insightful, questions n Be constructive and affirming of your son or daughter. n Don't judge or jump to conclusions. n Be ready for unexpected responses and ask for more details. n Share your experiences when appropriate.

How Can Parents Help n Encourage your son or daughter to meet with a career counselor and to utilize the career center's resources. n Engage in career exploration and self- assessments. n Help find more information or provide the contact information for people you know working in the field in which your child's interest lies