How college students and recent grads should use their career service offices | From Dorms to Desks Podcast | ep10

This episode highlights the importance of career services, particularly for college and university students and recent graduates, and provides advice for both students and career service professionals.

Key Themes:

• The Underutilization of Career Services: A recurring theme is the surprisingly low number of students who actively engage with their college career service offices. Despite offering valuable resources, only 20% of students utilize these services.
• The Evolving Landscape of Career Services: Career service offices need to adapt to the changing needs of a diverse student body and the demands of the modern job market. This includes understanding the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students, first-generation students, minorities, international students, veterans, athletes, and individuals with disabilities.
• The Importance of Proactivity and Networking: Students are encouraged to be proactive in their job search, going beyond simply submitting online applications. Networking, informational interviews, and building relationships are crucial for success.

Key Takeaways for Students:

• Sophomore Year is Crucial: Students should declare their major, draft a resume, and start gaining work experience through part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering.
• Utilize Career Services: Career service offices offer a wealth of resources, including resume critiques, mock interviews, career fairs, and connections with employers.
• Embrace Non-Traditional Options: Be open to remote internships, project-based opportunities, and hybrid work models, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Network, Network, Network: Build relationships with faculty, alumni, professionals in your field, and fellow students. Networking is essential for uncovering hidden job opportunities.

Key Takeaways for Career Service Professionals:

• Know Your Audience: Understand the diverse needs of your student population and tailor services accordingly.
• Partner with Other Departments: Collaborate with faculty, student organizations, and alumni to maximize program reach and impact.
• Embrace Technology: Utilize online platforms, social media, and job boards to reach a wider audience of students and connect them with employers.
• Track and Report Outcomes: Collect data on student outcomes, such as job placements and internship experiences, to demonstrate the value of career services and attract funding.

Quotes:

• “This is an amazing, dynamic field where each day you’ll have clients leaving your office happier than when they arrived and where your colleagues are always looking forward. Hope abounds. Potential is realized.”
• “The wisdom of the career service office directors and other professionals within these offices is staggering.”
• “Networking, informational interviewing your way to a job or internship is more effective than just applying to online sites. This is still the most effective way to search and more important now as you may need to nurture relationships and build rapport…”

Overall, the episode emphasizes a collaborative approach, urging students to actively engage with career services and encouraging career service professionals to adapt and innovate to meet the ever-evolving needs of their students.