Written & Published by Sacred Heart University
Career assessment and custom tools are not just for undergraduates
Many think that college campus career centers are for undergraduates looking for résumé-writing help and mock interviews. That’s true, but those offerings and many more are also open to you as a graduate student.
We asked Annie Suffredini, executive director of career & professional development, and Senior Director Amy Novak to explain the ways the Center for Career & Professional Development helps graduate students at Sacred Heart University explore careers, network, practice job-seeking skills and more.
“Every single resource that’s available to undergraduates is also available to graduate students,” Novak said. “We even tailor some things to their needs.”
Flexible Hours
At SHU, career professionals know time is at a premium for graduate students, who are often juggling classes, full-time work duties and a family. In addition to their regular Monday through Friday hours, the Center for Career & Professional Development holds Saturday appointments and evening and virtual events to make sure they are available to busy graduate students.
Career coaches are assigned to each school and college meaning you’ll speak with someone well-versed in your program’s curriculum and outcomes.
Career Exploration
Undergraduates are not the only ones wondering how to apply their academic degree to the work world. The center is happy to help graduate students discern their career paths. SHU students can take advantage of the SHUConnect portal—a one-stop shop to learn about job fairs, visiting panelists and networking events. Such events provide a wealth of information on job prospects at specific companies and organizations and put you in touch with the people you’ll want to know.
The career center can help you tap into your college’s alumni network. Members of SHU’s alumni network of over 50,000 strong are eager to support current students. The center often hosts discipline-specific events to help link grad students to alumni and professionals in their field.
Document Review
Personalized services—like one-on-one interview coaching and résumé writing—help each student showcase their skills. The Center’s dedicated professionals identify your strengths and interests and work with you on a customized plan to boost your skills and confidence, Suffredini said. “The earlier you come in to see us, the more you can really learn about what your interests are and how that translates into your goals,” she said.
Skill Building
The center encourages students to earn digital badge credentials tailored to industry needs like leadership and remote work to be showcased on a résumé, LinkedIn, job applications and more. When added to both an undergraduate and graduate degree, proof of such universally sought skills can help get a candidate noticed.
Custom Job Banks
Take a look at any employment search portal and you might be overwhelmed by the number of jobs—and the number of applicants. How will you find the right position and stand out from the pack? At SHU, students and alumni use the exclusive online job search tool, Handshake, which houses over 3.5 million jobs and internships around the globe.
Employers like ESPN, Deloitte, Boys & Girls Village, Hartford HealthCare, Morgan Stanley, Fairfield County school systems, Microsoft and Sikorsky are looking specifically to work with SHU students and alumni who have a strong reputation as top performers. The career center can help you target the perfect place that’s looking for your skills and interests.
Tips for Job Offer Negotiation
You got the job? Great! SHU’s career professionals can help you navigate the sometimes confusing next-step conversations about salary, vacation time, hybrid work situations and more. This is especially helpful for students in SHU’s dual degree programs and those who have gone directly from college to grad school. While some things might not be negotiable, campus career experts can help you get a fair offer that best meets your individual needs and discuss questions you should ask before you sign on the dotted line.
A Lifetime of Support
At SHU, career center support extends from the day you arrive as a first-year student through all phases of your work and education journey. Working with a host of tools and faculty and staff from offices across campus, SHU’s career counselors provide guidance for students in undergraduate and graduate programs and alumni looking for continued networking and trusted advice. They also welcome alumni volunteers and mentors to support the next generation of Pioneers!
For more information & to read the full article visit https://www.sacredheart.edu/news-room/news-listing/will-my-college-career-center-help-grad-students/