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Printer-Friendly ModeCareer Planning and Placement offers valuable overlooked services
submitted by Mike Major
March 17, 2008 —
There is an old saying within the field of university career services that any university's career office is the "best kept secret" on campus. The fact that there is some truth to this troubles me as I approach my daily responsibilities as one of two assistant directors for the Office of Career Planning and Placement. Allow me to share with you a scenario that I see all too often, one that may apply to several students reading this article:
Two weeks before the end of any given semester a senior comes to the realization that they are about to graduate and the time has come to begin searching for a full-time job after graduation. This student wisely visits the Career Planning and Placement office and schedules an appointment for career advice. The conversation usually goes something like this:
Advisor: "Congratulations, you must be excited about graduating."
Student: "Actually, I am really nervous because I have no idea what to do with my life."
Advisor: "What is your major?"
Student: "Well my major is (insert here) but I haven't really done anything besides go to class."
Advisor: "Do you have any fieldwork experience? Maybe you participated in an internship or a co-op while you were here?"
Student: "No, not really. I worked as a bartender but was so busy with work and school that I didn't have time. I have no related experience."
Advisor: "Well, that may be OK. It sounds like you were pretty busy during this time. Were you a member of any on-campus organizations, athletic programs, professional organizations within your field, or participate as a volunteer for any activities?"
Student: "No, not really."
Advisor: "We can make the best resume possible with what you have. The key is going to be writing bullets that demonstrate transferable skills from bartending to what it is that you would like to do with the rest of your life."
Truthfully, this is a situation that we can help you with. In fact, over the time I have spent in this office I have received several thank you notes from students that I helped in this situation. This is also not meant to offend the occupation of bartender. Instead of believing I am anti-bartender, realize that I am pro-relevant experience. Many students are able to combine part-time work with internship or co-op experiences. If this conversation feels real to you as you approach commencement, please come in and talk to us. We can help you.
However, it is preferable to not put yourself in this situation. A vital element of the resume that distinguishes top level candidates is the "Relevant Experience" section. The alumni survey conducted in fall revealed that business majors who completed a co-op or internship during their education made an average of $8,000 more than their counterparts. We hold weekly workshops to assist students with this process.
Career Planning is a vital resource that you can use from freshman year through graduation. Our office is even available to SVSU alumni for life at no charge, something that is not common at other institutions. We offer services including choosing a major, resume and cover letter assistance, interviewing skills, networking, on-campus interviews, a cooperative education and internship program, employment fairs, and the Cardinal Job Network, an online job database. In conclusion, the above conversation is real. It happens more than I would care to see it.
Take five minutes and visit svsu.edu/careers. Let's not keep our Career Planning and Placement office a secret any more.