Campus Life

Career Services caters to job-hunting seniors, alumni and others

Soon-to-be-graduates need not fret if they are without a job, but they do need to pay a visit to Career Services on campus.

“We try to provide the tools necessary for their next step, whatever that next step might be, whether that is getting a job or attending graduate school,” Lauren Loeffler, director of Career Services, said. Reviewing résumés, graduation school applications or essays, polishing interview skills, researching different degrees, jobs and careers or long-term planning for career are a few ways Career Services can help.

“In whatever area where they may lack confidence, we help them improve,” she said, referring to the regularly held and very popular “mock” interview sessions. Some students have never been on a job interview. Loeffler said these sessions walk them through the process and even provide a videotape of the interviews so that participants can review their own performances.

After registering at Career Services, new clients complete a ?transferable skills worksheet? which helps them list skills they possesses that could be assets in many different situations. They also sign up on JasonQuest, an online database system with student and employer profiles.

While Loeffler said the office sees mostly seniors for career planning issues, she encourages all students to take advantage of the support the center offers. Alumni are invited as well. Recently, the office has seen an increase in the number of UWF alumni interested in returning for advanced degrees in their fields, she said.

Two areas of discussion are revisited frequently by the staff at Career Services. The first is explaining the difference in a job and a career. “Some students come in and they say, ‘oh, I have a job lined up.’ But a job is not a career.” In simple terms, a job does include a career, but a career can include many jobs. A job is short term while a career is long term.

The other discussion involves how to network, and Loeffler doesn?t mean communicating on Facebook or Twitter. Those eager to enter the work force should consider the importance of making the right impression, being professional both online and in person, and meeting professionals already working in a chosen field who might benefit your long-range career goals.

“Technology has changed everything,” Loeffler said. “We teach them how to network appropriately.” Cooperative education, Career Services oversees, help students gain valuable on-the-job experience while still in school. Loeffler said the percentage of these students hired after graduation is high. Drop-in hours at Career Services are available Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are designed for quick career planning issues such as a résumé or cover letter review. Students and alumni who feel they need more extensive guidance are encouraged to set up an appointment. Upcoming events include the Career Closet Jan. 15, Career Fair March 23 and a Mock Interview Day April 8.

For more information, contact Career Services at Ext. 2254 or e-mail careers@uwf.edu  or visit uwf.edu/career.

Written by Susie Forrester, University Marketing Communications