College is a pivotal time for self-discovery and setting the foundation for your future career. To help you effectively plan and prepare, a variety of career planning tools are available to college students. These resources are designed to guide you through exploring career paths, developing essential skills, and connecting with opportunities.
Online and Virtual Career Development Resources
In today’s digital age, accessing career guidance is easier than ever. Many universities and career services offer comprehensive online and virtual resources. These platforms provide a wealth of information, from career assessments and exploration tools to resume builders and interview practice modules. Leveraging these digital tools allows you to explore career options and develop professionally at your own pace and convenience.
Viking Score: A Career Readiness Program
The Viking Score is an innovative career-readiness program designed to bridge the gap between academic pursuits and professional aspirations. This program encourages students to recognize the connections between their academic choices, personal interests, and valuable workplace skills. By participating in various activities and experiences throughout their college journey, students accumulate points on their Viking Score, demonstrating their growing career readiness. This structured approach helps students articulate the value of their liberal arts education in the context of career success and provides a framework for tracking their professional development.
Handshake: Your Gateway to Jobs and Internships
Handshake stands out as a powerful online platform connecting college students and alumni with a vast network of employers. This tool acts as a centralized hub for discovering jobs and internships tailored to your specific interests, major, and preferences. With over 65,000 recruiters actively seeking talent on Handshake, students gain access to exclusive postings and opportunities. Whether you are searching for your first internship or a full-time position after graduation, Handshake provides the resources and connections to launch your career.
Internships: Practical Experience for Career Success
Internships are invaluable for college students seeking to gain practical experience and apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. An internship provides a structured learning environment where students can develop skills, acquire new knowledge, and discover their professional strengths and interests. These experiences can be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid, and may offer academic credit. Regardless of the specific format, internships serve as a crucial stepping stone in career development, enhancing resumes and providing a competitive edge in the job market.
Career and Graduate Fairs: Networking and Opportunity
Career and graduate fairs provide a dynamic platform for students to connect directly with employers and explore diverse career paths. These events, often hosted virtually, bring together a wide range of organizations offering internships, apprenticeships, and part-time or full-time positions across various sectors. Participating in career fairs allows you to network with industry professionals, learn about different companies and roles, and even participate in on-the-spot interviews, significantly accelerating your job or internship search.
Career Coaches: Personalized Career Guidance
For personalized support and expert advice, career coaches are readily available to guide college students through every stage of career planning. These professionals offer one-on-one consultations to assist with resume and cover letter writing, interview skills development, networking strategies, job and internship search techniques, and graduate school exploration. Whether you are undecided about your major, exploring different career fields, or seeking to refine your job application materials, career coaches provide tailored guidance and resources to navigate the complexities of career development.
Career Ambassadors: Peer-to-Peer Support
Career ambassadors, who are highly trained students themselves, offer accessible peer-to-peer support within the career development landscape. These ambassadors extend the reach of career services by providing assistance with resume and cover letter basics, LinkedIn profile development, and initial job/internship search strategies. Available during convenient walk-in hours and through presentations in various student settings, career ambassadors make career resources more approachable and readily available to the student body.
In conclusion, college students have access to a wide array of career planning tools designed to support their journey from academic exploration to professional success. By leveraging online resources, participating in programs like the Viking Score, utilizing platforms such as Handshake, engaging in internships, attending career fairs, and seeking guidance from career coaches and ambassadors, students can proactively shape their career paths and achieve their professional goals.
