Office of Career Services Guide for Faculty

Office of Career Services Guide for Faculty

Guide For Faculty THE OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES works in collaboration with faculty to promote career development in students as the institution challenges them to acquire and develop the skills, knowledge, and values necessary for success in a dynamic global environment. Preparation for the world of work can happen in many forms, including both in and out of the classroom. The following are several ways faculty can integrate Career Services into their courses. For further assistance relating services to course topics or focus, contact us at: OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES Penland 107 (803) 641-3440 STAFF Corey Feraldi - Director of Career Services - coreyf@usca.edu Connie Davis - Coordinator of Experiential Education and Employer Relations - connied@usca.edu Mary Cristian- Administrative Assistant - marycr@usca.edu

PRESENTATIONS Outreach presentations are available to classes on a variety of career-related topics. These presentations can relate to specific course content, general career development, or preparation for real world experiences after graduation. Instead of canceling class, consider scheduling a career presentation on a date you are unable to attend. The following topics are examples of career planning areas we can cover: Major and Career Decision-making Résumé & Cover Letter Interview Strategies Job Search Strategies Networking & Business Etiquette Preference or Interest Inventories Graduate School Information CLASS ASSIGNMENTS USCA faculty have used a variety assignments to incorporate career development into their courses, including: MOCK INTERVIEWS These practice interviews can be set up as an individual appointment or through our online "Big Interview" program. "Big Interview" makes practicing easier and more convenient with the ability to access the system from the comforts of home. As an interactive online website, students can use any computer with a webcam and microphone and get prerecorded questioners that ask specific questions. They can then record their answers to review later, or email to faculty or a Career Services staff member. Students receive immediate feedback and strategies for interview success. JOB SHADOW/INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW These career exploration tools give students the opportunity to observe a particular career by shadowing or interviewing a professional currently in a career related to their interests or area of study. CAREER PAPERS/ASSIGNMENTS Have students write a paper or gather information on a specific career or job search topic. Students can learn proper ways to gather information on careers including using the Career Services website. INDIVIDUAL RÉSUMÉ AND COVER LETTER Have students begin to develop their résumés by having a draft critiqued by a Career Services staff member. CAREER ASSESSMENTS Self Assessments like the MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) and the Strong Interest Inventory help students relate interests and preferences toward careers.

CAREER PANELS Career Panels is a program designed to give USCA students a unique opportunity to learn about a wide variety of career options and to network with a diverse group of individuals. Professionals from the community come to campus to talk about their careers, how they attained those careers, and offer advice to students who might be interested in those careers. Getting students and community professionals together is accomplished by holding panels in academic classes. Participating faculty dedicate a class period during predetermined dates to cover a specific topic related to their academic discipline or specific course topic. REFERRAL FOR SERVICES The following are the general services we provide to USCA students: INDIVIDUAL CAREER COUNSELING/ADVISEMENT At any point in a student s college career, an individual appointment with a professional from the Career Services Office is available. These appointments can relate to a variety of issues including: Needing help deciding on an academic major Learning what careers relate to particular majors Gaining relevant experience through an internship or co-op position Needing assistance with any part of the job search (résumé, cover letter, job targeting, interview, networking, etc.) WHAT CAN I DO WITH THIS MAJOR? WEBSITE Students can explore majors of interest and view outlines of common career areas, employers, and strategies designed to maximize career opportunities. Though not a comprehensive list, each major link provides a great representation of typical careers in that area, as well as additional information and websites. CAREER ASSESSMENT TOOLS The Office of Career Services offers assessments (MBTI, Strong Interest Inventory, Kuder Journey, StrengthsQuest) to help identify interests and personality traits for self exploration. EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION Experiential education is a process through which a learner constructs knowledge, skill, and value from direct experience. This can take place in a couple of ways including: 1. Job Shadow/Informational Interview This career exploration tool gives students the opportunity to observe a particular career by either shadowing, or sitting down to talk with a professional in their desired career area. 2. Cooperative Education and Non-Credit Internships These are professional work experiences that provide students with the ability to gain knowledge and skill in a particular career area. These positions allow students to be placed in a professional setting where they are monitored by knowledgeable individuals working in the field.

PACER CAREER CONNECTION he Pacer Career Connection system allows students and alumni to search jobs and post résumés, while allowing employers to post jobs and search résumés. All students and alumni looking for full-time, part-time, internship, co-op, seasonal and student employment positions are eligible to use Pacer Career Connection. RÉSUMÉ AND COVER LETTER Students learn how to match their personal information to the positions they are applying for and highlight how they best fit the organization s needs. JOB SEARCH AND INTERVIEW Students learn how to put together an individual job search plan. All areas of a search are covered from where to look to strategies for a successful interview. CAREER PROGRAMS The Office of Career Services coordinates the following programs throughout the year to assist students and alumni with career planning and job searching. CAREER PANELS PROGRAM Career Panels is a unique program that gives students an opportunity to meet and interact with a diverse group of professionals representing a wide variety of occupations. Armed with practical advice about their field of work and tips on getting ahead in the real world, these career representatives come to give our students an authentic look at the daily activities and responsibilities involved with various professions. CAREER FAIR Career Fair is an event that brings employers to USCA to network with and recruit our students. Information tables and displays are set up to guide students to human resources representatives who are ready to answer questions and provide company literature and applications for employment. EDUCATION INTERVIEW DAY This program serves to bring together USCA students interested in teaching and districts recruiting new teachers. PREPARATION FOR GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS Students learn how to find specific schools with particular programs, what to put in personal statements, and how to prepare for specific graduate admissions exams.