College Students Are Missing Out on Career Planning
by Marcia Robinson Thursday, August 23, 2012
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College students who don't take full advantage of their college career centers are missing out big time on the career planning advantage. In addition to finalizing course schedules, buying books and outfitting college dorms, college students should make working with the campus career center a priority this year. I always encourage college students to go back to their campuses, especially in the fall, with a career checklist. Why the fall semester? Well, and this is always a surprise to college students, most large companies that recruit college students for internships and entry-level careers the following summer, do so in the fall. Many companies complete interviews in the fall and make offers in the spring. College students, especially juniors and seniors, should make sure to actively engage with the career center in the following ways:
1. Visit the college career center web page before school starts. The career center has already scheduled many events for the year. Look for career events such as job fairs, career fairs and internship fairs, employer Information sessions, career weeks and on-campus interviews.
2. College students should put important career event dates on their calendars early. Some companies restrict the number of participants for on-campus interviews and so when the interview schedules are full, interested students could miss the chance to meet recruiters from target companies.
3. Register online with the college career center if possible. Registration gives college students access to the latest information about employer campus visits and layout the process for participating in on-campus interviews. College career centers use career center management online tools to communicate with students. If you are not registered you won't get the latest information on relevant career or networking events on campus.
4. Research companies coming to the career center and pay attention to job application deadlines or GPA requirements. Students with GPA's close to the company required minimum who can explain why their GPA's are lower should always visit the career center and speak with one of the professional staff. Many times, students might get on the interview schedule for a target company this way. Career center staff are student advocates who know what companies are seeking.
5. Students should get their resumes, cover letters and thank-you letters ready. College career centers have tons of resume samples or can assist with a resume critique.
6. Find out about which career tools your career center uses and schedule an appointment to take career assessments. Whether or not a college student has decided on a career path, career assessments like these are valuable tools for personal exploration.
College students should know they have real advocates working hard on their behalf in the college career centers. These career professionals diligently work to help students, alumni and staff with the career development process. College career centers facilitate meaningful meetings between students and employers and students who don't take advantage of their campus career centers are missing out.
1. Visit the college career center web page before school starts. The career center has already scheduled many events for the year. Look for career events such as job fairs, career fairs and internship fairs, employer Information sessions, career weeks and on-campus interviews.
2. College students should put important career event dates on their calendars early. Some companies restrict the number of participants for on-campus interviews and so when the interview schedules are full, interested students could miss the chance to meet recruiters from target companies.
3. Register online with the college career center if possible. Registration gives college students access to the latest information about employer campus visits and layout the process for participating in on-campus interviews. College career centers use career center management online tools to communicate with students. If you are not registered you won't get the latest information on relevant career or networking events on campus.
4. Research companies coming to the career center and pay attention to job application deadlines or GPA requirements. Students with GPA's close to the company required minimum who can explain why their GPA's are lower should always visit the career center and speak with one of the professional staff. Many times, students might get on the interview schedule for a target company this way. Career center staff are student advocates who know what companies are seeking.
5. Students should get their resumes, cover letters and thank-you letters ready. College career centers have tons of resume samples or can assist with a resume critique.
6. Find out about which career tools your career center uses and schedule an appointment to take career assessments. Whether or not a college student has decided on a career path, career assessments like these are valuable tools for personal exploration.
College students should know they have real advocates working hard on their behalf in the college career centers. These career professionals diligently work to help students, alumni and staff with the career development process. College career centers facilitate meaningful meetings between students and employers and students who don't take advantage of their campus career centers are missing out.
