By: Elizabeth Walker Illig, career advisor
The Office of Career and Professional Development is looking forward to welcoming your student back to campus. As another school year approaches, we strive to help upperclassmen make the most of their remaining time on campus. That’s why we highly recommend that students work with our office in Cottrell Hall.
However, some students at HPU believe misconceptions about our office which prevents them from taking full advantage of the assistance we provide. This year we endeavor to bust the top 4 myths we hear from upperclassmen. We’ll also provide ideas for how you can help us help your student.
- It’s too late for me to start working with the Office of Career and Professional Development.
We work with students at any stage in their career development. Whether an internship prompts them to reconsider their options or they have never created a resume, we are here to help.
We believe that the career development process is continuous. Each experience a student gains will assist them in constructing their goals. It is not uncommon for a service learning, part-time job or research experience to cause a student to reflect upon their aspirations. Career advisors are here to work with students in formulating customized action plans based on their interests, personality and goals.
Encourage your student to schedule an appointment with us at the beginning of the year to discuss their goals. A career advisor can help them understand the impact of their summer experiences on their career objectives and assist them in formulating next steps.
- The Office of Career and Professional Development will get me an internship or job; it will be easy!
Many students come to our office in search of an internship or full-time job while being unaware of the dedication and commitment it entails. We encourage students to understand every aspect of applying to a job from resume and cover letter development to networking to interviewing. While we maintain our job board and inform students about opportunities through our LinkedIn page, opportunities for employment are not limited to these resources. With the wealth of resources available, our office helps students employ the right strategies for their internship or job search.
Parents should be readily available to lend their personal and professional network to their students. Many students find internships and full-time jobs by way of networking. Our office welcomes you as a parent to share opportunities and networks that you feel may be beneficial to our students.
- I will get all the skills I need in one internship.
Often students believe that if they obtain at least one internship, they will be an enticing candidate to employers or graduate schools. While internship experience is valuable, it’s not the only thing employers and graduate schools look for in applicants. Working on campus, being involved in campus activities, and conducting research with faculty are all excellent areas in which your student can gain important skills. Additionally, obtaining more than one internship is another way your student can strengthen their skill-set.
Suggest that your student consider taking on a leadership role on campus, obtaining another internship, or conducting research. Getting more involved on campus, working a part-time job, or taking on a service project are all ways students can gain valuable skills.
Once your student gains additional experience, advise them to work with our office. We can help them learn how to showcase their skills on a resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and in interviews.
- The Office of Career and Professional Development only helps students who are looking for internships or full-time jobs.
We are not here solely to help students apply to jobs and internships. We also help with graduate school applications. Whether your student is interested in physical therapy or law school, we have a dedicated graduate school specialist who can assist them.
If your student is contemplating graduate or professional school, suggest that they meet with our office. We can help them create an application timeline, learn how to write a compelling personal statement and polish their interview skills. We also are happy to refer them to the Office of Fellowships and Awards if they are interested in fellowship, scholarship or award opportunities that can help fund their graduate education.
No matter where your student is in the career development process, the Office of Career and Professional Development is here to help. Don’t let these common myths stand in your student’s way. Encourage your student to work with us to achieve their career goals.
To contact our office, please feel free to email us at [email protected].