It's never too early -- or too late -- to take advantage of your college career center.
Whether you're a new student, soon-to-be-graduate or alumnus, your school's career center can be invaluable in your job search.
You don't need to be a fulltime student or alum of a two- or four-year college to have access to a career center. Many colleges and universities allow part-time students or those taking non-credit courses to use their career services. And trade and vocational schools often offer career services too.
From one-on-one counseling to networking tools, the career center can be a job seeker's best friend. And the best part? It's usually free.
Take a Trip
Your college career center is a valuable resource. Don't let it go untapped -- especially since it usually offers most of its services for free!
Plus, the earlier you develop a relationship with the staff at your career center, the better. If counselors know you well and see you often, they are more likely to steer you toward resources or refer you to employers.
Whether you're a current student or an alumnus, you can likely visit your school's career center not only in person but also online. So don't delay -- visit your career center today.
What You'll Find
Individual counseling, resume and cover letter critiques, on-campus career fairs, interview preparation, self-assessment tools and so much more ...
You'll find them at your career center. Best of all, they'll likely be free or low-cost.
Find out exactly what your career center offers. Then try to use as many of its resources as you can it. Attend workshops, take assessment tests and be ready to accept constructive criticism and advice from the center's career counselors.
After all, you can never be too prepared for your job search.
More Than Just Job Advice
Career centers have a valuable "human resource": Career counselors.
Career counselors are professionals trained to help you find not just any job -- but the job that's right for you.
Not only can counselors share advice on job hunting and point you toward job search resources, they can also help you learn more about yourself. Counselors can suggest skills assessment and personality tests that can help you determine your career path.
Share your goals, dreams and aspirations with the career counselors. They can use this information to help you identify your values. Then they can help you translate those values into a fulfilling career.
It's Up to You
Your college career center is not an employment agency. And that's a key distinction.
You need to understand your career center's role to understand what it can and can't do for you.
The career center won't find a job for you. But it will give you tools and resources to help you find one. It's your responsibility to put those tools to use.
