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Getting the Most out of Your College's Career Center

Chances are you came to college with the hopes of getting a great job after graduation. But don’t wait until your last semester to check out your school’s career center. You might be surprised at all of the resources available to you. Many schools offer:

  • Career and major counseling: Maybe you know exactly what you want to do, and maybe you still haven’t declared a major. Either way, someone at the career center can help you start developing a plan that will help you set and reach your future goals.
  • Resume reviews and interview preparation: Bring in your resume or cover letter to get pointers on how to sell yourself as a stronger candidate. You can also practice your interviewing skills by setting up an appointment for a mock interview.
  • Job and internship databases: Local employers and large national organizations alike often have relationships with colleges or universities. Your school’s job and internship database might have job openings listed that you won’t find anywhere else.
  • Job placement: Beyond applying through traditional job listings, you could also get your foot in the door through a program or partnership your school has to place students in local jobs.
  • Networking opportunities and mentorship programs: Whether it’s a large-scale meet-and-greet event or a one-on-one appointment with someone in your field, talk to your career center about what it offers to help you expand your professional network.
  • Career fairs: These large-scale events bring job-seeking students and prospective employers together on campus for a few hours. If you’re planning on visiting your school’s career fair, talk to the career center staff for tips on how to prepare.
  • On-campus interviews: Some employers will set aside a day or two on your campus to meet with as many potential employees as possible. The career center often schedules these meetings, so ask about opportunities in your field.
  • Workshops: Your career center can offer advice on negotiating salary, graduate school or help you make sense of benefits. These are common questions that someone in career services can probably help you answer.
  • The career center at your college or university is there to help prepare you for a successful future. Stop by each semester and find out how you can keep on moving toward your career goals.

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