Career Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Career Services do? 
Can Career Services help me choose a major?
Can I take a test to help me decide what I should major in or what I’d be good at? 
What kind of workshops does Career Services offer? 
Can I schedule a Mock Interview?
How can I find out about job fairs?
Do I have to be a senior to attend the job fairs?
Why don't companies recruit on-campus during the summer?
Can someone review my resume?
What is an informational interview?
Who can use Career Services? 
Where and how can I research an employer? 
How do I find an internship? 
How can I find someone to job shadow or conduct an informational interview? 
Am I guaranteed a job through Career Services? 

What does Career Services do? Career Services offers numerous programs and services including individual counseling and placement advising; career development workshops and classroom presentations on resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, job search strategies, and decision-making that will prepare you for finding, interviewing for, and getting jobs.

Can Career Services help me choose a major? Yes!  Individual appointments are available for you to meet with a career counselor to discuss your personal career path one-on-one. Whether you are researching career options, or pursuing graduate education, you can find guidance in the Career Services office. 

Can I take a test to help me decide what I should major in or what I’d be good at? Not really.  Career Services offers interest inventories and assessment tools that can be used with a counselor to help you in the process to select a major or career that will best meet your interests, values, and skills. Focus is a computer-based assessment available in the Career Information Center at Career Services.  The Career Information Center has print materials on career topics as well as computers to access career-related information on the Internet. 

What kind of workshops does Career Services offer? Workshops are scheduled throughout the year on a variety of topics from resume writing, making decisions, goal setting, and interviewing techniques. Career Counselors are also available to present information to student clubs and organizations, residence halls, and Greek houses. Contact Career Services early if you wish to book a speaker for your event.   

Can I schedule a Mock Interview? Yes!  Call Career Services at 419.530.4341 and ask to schedule a mock interview with an administrator.  If you have a mock interview scheduled, be prepared with a resume and professional dress.  We'll spend 20-30 minutes on questions and 20 minutes giving you feedback on your interviewing skills.

How can I find out about job fairs? View events, including job fairs on Career Services homepage.  Check for posted announcements on the bulletin boards in the hallway outside of Career Services (1532 Student Union).  Read your email - Career Services sends email to all students regarding events.

Do I have to be a senior to attend the job fairs?   No.  Our job fairs are open to all students and are great opportunities to begin meeting employers, making contacts, and finding out about internship and job opportunities.   

Why don't companies recruit on-campus during the summer? Companies focus their recruiting efforts to coincide with the times most potential graduates are seeking jobs.  Most employers like to set up their recruiting efforts on college campuses between October-early December, and February-April.

Can someone review my resume? Yes!  Come to Career Services in SU 1533 during our walk-in hours and someone is available to critique your resume.   No appointment is necessary; it is first-come first-serve.  If you want to make an appointment to have your resume reviewed other than our walk-in hours, call 419.530.4341.

What is an informational interview? An informational interview is one way to get information regarding different occupations.  Whether participating in a face-to-face discussion or phoning a professional in the field in which you are interested, informational interviews give you a “heads-up” on the pros and cons of the profession, the qualifications needed, and may even provide a networking opportunity for you.  It can be a ten-minute to one-half hour question and answer session. You can get a sense of the type of questions to ask using our informational interviewing handout.

Who can use Career Services?  Career Services works with all students and alumni in all colleges, for all majors, including graduate students.

Where and how can I research an employer? One of the best places to find basic information about a company is to look at their website. You’ll often find their mission statement, goals, what services they provide, where they are located, and so on. You could also contact a company directly and ask if there is company literature and reports they can send you.  Also, there may be resources available in our Career Information Center or your local library. 

How do I find an internship? Finding an internship is much like looking for a job. You need to have a well-written resume. Furthermore, an interview is usually required. The more approaches you use to find an internship, the more likely it is you will find one. Start with the professors and staff within your particular college (College of Business and College of Engineering already have internship programs in place). Ask other students where they have gone. Career Services posts internships through Handshake. The Washington Center Internship Program has opportunities for many majors—UT has a program coordinator right here on our campus! Finally, don’t forget to network.  A large percentage of students find internships and jobs through networking. 

How can I find someone to job shadow or conduct an informational interview? Job shadowing and informational interviewing are excellent ways to explore various occupations. Ask yourself whom you know and then, whom do they know? For instance, if you’re interested in pharmaceutical sales, you could ask your doctor what pharmacy reps come to their office. Whom does your family and friends know? Talk to your instructors—they may have some ideas as well. Again, it has a lot to do with networking. You could also contact the Alumni Office or Career Services for other names and other ideas.

Am I guaranteed a job through Career Services? No, Career Services does not guarantee job offers, nor do we place individuals into positions.  However, your job search strategies are greatly enhanced by taking advantage of the many services we offer including resume critiques, assistance with cover letters, interview practice, and registering in Handshake.  

 

Last Updated: 6/27/22