How Career Services Can Help You Find Your Way
Without thinking, Jaiden, a junior accounting major, pulled out his smartphone and plugged the address into his GPS app. Instantly, step-by-step directions appeared and Jaiden headed off to the unfamiliar address in downtown Boise for his internship interview. Easy, right? Don’t know where the office building is? No problem, the GPS will guide me. It’s hard to get lost these days.
If only it was so easy navigating career choices and job interviews. Even when you are confident of your path, every undergrad student has a little panic moment when faced with the prospect of actually knowing where to apply and how to go about it. Daunting! And if you’re not sure what you want to do for a career? Even more daunting!
Career Services can help! Think of it as a GPS for all things career-related. But first, let’s debunk a myth: career services aren’t just for seniors. In fact, the earlier you engage with them, the better! From your very first year on campus, these services are able to help you with exploring potential career paths, refining your professional skills and connecting you with opportunities. Whether it’s through personality assessments, workshops, one-on-one sessions with a career advisor or networking events, advisors are there to empower you every step of the way. Don’t wait until your last semester to pay the career center a visit. Here are just some of the things they offer:
Career Planning and Exploration
Considering a major but not sure what you can do with it? Curious about your personality type or innate strengths? Wondering what careers are projected to be in high demand once you graduate? Need some personal guidance? Career Services is your one-stop shop for all of this!
Resume and Cover Letter
One of the most difficult things for many people (of any age!) is creating a resume and writing a cover letter. How can you portray yourself as skilled and confident without humblebragging, or worse, outright bragging? Whether you believe you are “good with words” or not, a well-written resume and cover letter will help you stand out from the crowd. Career Services can guide you each step of the way. Whether it’s avoiding common pitfalls or making sure your materials are formatted properly, they will help you present yourself in the best possible light.
Interview Techniques
Imagine you’ve submitted your resume and cover letter when the phone rings. You’ve been called for an interview at what you think could be your dream job. Instead of being anxious about it, get in touch with Career Services. They will help you know what to expect when you walk through that office door. They can even help with tips to slay a virtual interview!
Internships and Career Classes
Your Career Services department can connect you with relevant internships that will help launch you into your chosen career. They have access to the opportunity that is right for you. Whether you’re seeking a summer internship, a part-time job to help fund your studies or a full-time position after graduation, they are your go-to destination for discovering options aligned with your interests and aspirations. They also have career classes if you’re feeling unsure about your major or future career. At NNU, you can even earn credit for a career exploration class.
Networking, Professionalism and Job Search
When you are finally ready to begin searching for the job that will launch your career, Career Services really shines. Whether it is leveraging social media, tapping into alumni connections or meeting with potential employers, an advisor will guide you. Check this out to see just some of the resources available to NNU students.
Please treat your Career Services office like the GPS apps you use on your phone. It is just as easy and just as accessible. They can keep you from getting lost, but if you do, they can point the way back! Ready to get started? Contact NNU’s Career Services office at career@nnu.edu.