Start Your Career Exploration This Fall

The Career Services division of the Center for Career and Academic Planning has a host of resources, activities, and events planned for the fall semester.

Designed to help first-year students to seniors, Career Services can help students in early career exploration and assist them in their efforts to secure experiential learning opportunities, internships, and employment.

Plan for the Fall Career Fair

As the new academic year begins, Career Services is excited to announce the upcoming annual Fall Career Fair, the only one of its kind this year, to be held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center Fieldhouse.

Whether looking for a position or not, Heather DiFino, director of career services, says this event is a great opportunity to connect with potential employers, explore career paths, take a professional headshot via the PopCam, and gain invaluable professional experience. 

First-year students are also encouraged to attend the Fall Career Fair to talk with employers and see what they look for in applicants for internships and jobs. In addition, DiFino says it allows them to start building connections on LinkedIn, get comfortable networking, and take a professional headshot early in their collegiate career.

To ensure students make the most of this event, Career Services recommends the following preparations:

• Bring Business Casual Clothing: First impressions are crucial. Dressing in professional attire presents students as serious and ready candidates.
• RésuméReview: A polished résumé is essential. Students can visit Career Services for a thorough review to ensure their résumé is up-to-date and effectively showcases their skills and experiences. In-person and virtual appointments can be scheduled via Handshake and Career Services will be offering many résumé review sessions on campus leading up to the event.   
• Research:  Check out the employers attending the Career Fair and what postings they have open. The list of employers is accessible directly through the event in Handshake. This can help students develop a plan for the event, who they want to see, what openings they have, and it is impressive to employers when students do their “homework.”  

Students are encouraged to register for the Fall Career Fair via Handshake.

Online Resource Helps Students Explore Careers

One of the biggest challenges students face is choosing a major that aligns with their career goals. While some students enter college with a clear idea of their career path, many are still exploring their options. This is where the career exploration tool, “What Can I Do With This Major?” can be incredibly valuable.

“What Can I Do With This Major?” is an online resource designed to help students understand the connection between academic majors and career opportunities. The tool provides comprehensive information on a wide range of majors, detailing potential career paths, types of employers, and strategies to enhance employability. It offers insights into a variety of majors, from management and psychology to specialized fields like sustainability and cybersecurity, allowing students the chance to explore a wide range of interests and discover new possibilities. For each major, the tool lists potential career paths, potential employers, and strategies to enhance employability giving students a clearer picture of what they can do after graduation. This can be particularly helpful for students who might be passionate about a subject but unsure of the practical applications.

Visit Handshake’s Career Center > Resources and make use of the variety of tools available to students.

“Exploration can spark meaningful conversations about students’ interests, strengths, and potential career goals. Together, students can navigate the exciting journey of college and beyond, ensuring they are well-prepared for a fulfilling career,” said DiFino.