Career-prep resources set up to help students before graduation
In today’s world, it’s not enough to simply obtain a college degree and expect the job market to be waiting with open arms upon graduation. It’s as important as ever to obtain relevant, realworld experience during your course of study, prepare for the job search process itself, and, of course, network, network, network.
Fortunately, most higher education institutions are equipped to help students navigate this transition.
Guidance services
Many schools have career services departments that can not only help those who are unsure about what they want to major in, but also help those who are set on a certain field apply for jobs that fit their interests and qualifications. This can include looking and applying for internships, apprenticeships, teaching soft skills, shaping interview skills, and more.
Lone Star College is one local example that is actively involved in helping students choose a major and later land a corresponding job posting after completing a certificate or degree.
According to Gerald F. Napoles, Ph.D., Lone Star College vice chancellor, Student Success, this includes researching college majors and associated careers, researching employers, and preparing for interviews.
Ongoing events
The college also hosts on-campus career fairs, putting students directly in touch with companies looking to hire. Lone Star College also hosts a Career Readiness event series, which includes topics such as interviewing techniques and starting or growing your own business, Napoles said.
“Other Lone Star College programs teach students common skills, including time management, customer service, communication and how to dress appropriately for work,” Napoles said. “Being able to display these ‘soft skills’ is crucial when our students graduate and are ready to enter the workforce.”
Online aid
Houston Community College also offers career and job placement services to its students. In addition to hosting career and hiring fairs, it offers its HCC Career Hub, which allows employers to post internship and job opportunities for students to peruse.
The college also provides employers with resume books, allowing them to source applicants directly, as well as host virtual information sessions and recruiting events.
Additionally, the University of Houston offers
a full-fledged career services department. UH students benefit from access to an approved resume template to use as a jumping-off point when beginning to apply for jobs or internships.
Cougar Pathway aid
The career services’ Cougar Pathway is also a valuable resource to look for and apply for available internships, part-time jobs and full-time jobs.
This job-search database is a hub for students, alumni, employers and faculty/staff to schedule appointments, access a resume database, and utilize the university’s on-campus recruiting system.
Through the university career services department, students can meet with career counselors to help narrow down their search, build pertinent job-seeking skills, and learn about recruitment events, career fairs, and more.
Another unique feature is its “Pop In for DropIns” services, which allow students to stop by for a 10- to 15-minute session, either virtually or in person, to meet with a career development specialist to ask any career-related questions they may have.