Starting your career journey can be both exciting and challenging. As you navigate through the vast landscape of opportunities, one resource often overlooked is the invaluable support provided by the career services office at your college or university. Whether you are a student preparing to enter the workforce or an alum seeking a career change, there are so many benefits to working with a career services department.
Having worked in career services, I can say with confidence that these offices serve as great resources for current and former athletes looking for resume help, internship assistance and job placement services. While it’s entirely possible for you to find success on your own, the professionals at career services offices can provide you with valuable insight and connect you with people to help you reach your goals. Below are a few benefits of teaming up with your schools’ career center.
10 Benefits to Working With A Schools’ Career Services Department
Tailored Guidance and Counseling: Career services provide personalized guidance to help you explore and define your career goals. Through one-on-one counseling sessions, professionals can assist you in identifying your strengths, interests, and values, laying the foundation for a fulfilling and purposeful career. This can be very helpful, especially when you don’t know what to do professionally, or if you’re looking for a career change.
Strategic Resume and Cover Letter Crafting: Crafting an impactful resume and cover letter is an art. Career services offer expert assistance in tailoring these documents to showcase your skills and experiences effectively. A well-crafted resume can be the key to capturing the attention of potential employers. This is super important because career counselors can help you craft a resume and cover letter that is noticed by hiring managers and the software that companies use to vet these documents.
Job Search Optimization: Navigating the job market can be overwhelming. Career services offer insights into effective job search strategies, helping you navigate online platforms, industry-specific job boards, and networking opportunities to discover hidden gems in your chosen field. I found this to be true when job hunting. Going online to search and apply for jobs can be a fruitless effort, especially with so many jobs that are considered ‘ghost job posts’. This essentially means a company might already have a candidate in mind, but have to post the position for legal reasons.
Interview Skills Enhancement: Success in job interviews is often a result of preparation and practice. Career services conduct mock interviews, providing constructive feedback to enhance your interview skills. This preparation boosts your confidence and ensures you present your best self to prospective employers. Besides teaching me how to look the part, career counselors were great in providing me with phrases to use, talking points to stay away from, and etiquette to follow after an interview, like what to write in a thank you note and how soon to send it.
Comprehensive Career Assessments: Understanding your aptitudes and preferences is crucial in making informed career decisions. Career assessments offered by these services help you gain clarity about your career path, aligning your choices with your strengths and interests. I haven’t taken many career assessments, but the ones that I’ve taken were pretty spot on. They also helped me identify types of job settings I’d thrive in, which allowed me narrow down my search to the types of jobs and roles that could be best for me.
Networking Opportunities and Events: Building a professional network is a cornerstone of career success. Career services organize networking events, workshops, and seminars that connect you with industry professionals, creating opportunities for mentorship, advice, and potential collaborations. At one university I worked for, they put together amazing job fairs once a year and networking events for upperclassmen. Having the ability to connect directly with hiring managers and hear from seasoned workers can help propel your job search forward.
Exclusive Access to Internship and Job Postings: Gain a competitive edge in your job search with access to exclusive internship and job postings. Career services often have partnerships with employers and organizations, providing you with opportunities first before they’re open to the general public. While working in career services, I would find that certain companies would open job and internship opportunities early, giving our students ‘first dibs’ on select roles. Being able to access this opportunities first can give you a huge competitive advantage.
Guidance for Graduate Education: If further education is on your horizon, career services offer guidance on graduate programs, admission requirements, and the potential career paths that follow advanced degrees. Make informed decisions about your academic and professional future with expert advice. For students or recent grads like me who don’t know what they want to do professionally, career counselors are great individuals who can help guide you on the next steps that are best for you. They can also help you find scholarships, grants or fellowships that can help you obtain graduate a degree for free.
Skill Development Workshops: Beyond academic qualifications, employers value a diverse skill set. Career services offer workshops and resources to develop crucial skills such as communication, time management, and leadership, enhancing your overall employability. As a current student or alum of a college or university, you’ll likely have access to many of these services for free. This is a great way to save hundreds of dollars on professional skill development elsewhere.
Current Industry Insights: Stay ahead in your chosen field by staying informed about current industry trends. Career services provide valuable insights into job market trends, helping you align your skills and interests with the demands of evolving industries. For example, since career counselors can be close with hiring managers, they’ll likely know which skills, certifications, or talents companies are looking for when hiring- matching you directly with work opportunities.
Investing time and effort in utilizing career services is a proactive step towards unlocking your professional potential. From personalized counseling to exclusive job opportunities, the benefits are extensive. Take advantage of these resources, and empower yourself to navigate the complex world of careers with confidence and purpose. As an athlete being recruited, I highly suggest making career services one of your primary considerations, especially if that department can help you get a job after graduation. Your success story starts with the support and guidance offered by career services—your trusted companion on the journey to a fulfilling and rewarding professional life.