Do you know what you want to do for the rest of your life? Have you chosen a career path for the future? As you probably have not, you should stop by Career Services.
Knowing what one wants to do for the rest of their life is a huge decision, which takes a lot of thought. Fortunately the Career Services office can help you on your journey of discovery. This office is 100% dedicated to helping students find exactly what career is right for them.
“We are a free service,” Kathy Larson says, Employer Relation Specialist and Career Counselor “All you need to do is contact us, whenever you need us.”
The Career Center is hoping to be able to help more students than it currently does. “Not enough students take advantage of this service,” said Larson.
At the center, one will learn to network, interview, and improve their ability to search for the perfect job as well as write a resume and cover letter.
“Students have to be aware of how they present themselves,’ says Lori Powers, the Career Resource Librarian “we’ll help you do that.”
Career Services is the home of the Career Resource Library, which provides access to over 1,000 books, binders and files for researching professions. It includes information on career paths, graduate school and even some employers.
Career services also uses a computer program called Pinpoint, a guidance system that helps students uncover which job opportunities suit their personality.
Career Services helps students open and maintain accounts with MonsterTrak, a website in which student post resumes and cover letters that are sent to employers. The site then informs the user of open jobs and internships.
Internships and Co-ops are also available at the Career Services office. There the advisors will help you find an internship in your preferred line of work. Such work can either be paid or unpaid, or even receive college credit. “We receive internship listings from employers on a daily basis,” says Larson.
Also available are Co-ops, which are paid positions directly related to your field of study and usually last for about 6 months. Students need to have 30-45 credits in order to be hired.
One might just want to come face to face with a different culture and experience a new learning environment. UMass Boston offers the National Exchange Program where students can choose from over 150 counties to study in. Housing is usually offered on most international campuses, although some students do live with other families off campus. To be eligible there is a minimum GPA of 2.5 that is required and good academic standing. Students should also speak the country’s native language proficiently.
The Career Services department also offers many workshops that educate students, preparing them for a future career. The workshops are Building Professional Resumes, Interviewing Tips and Preparing for the Career Fair. To sign up visit the Career office.
If you’re a Computer Science major or just interested in computer technology UMass Boston is offering a summer Computer Technology Internship program. The application deadline is March 9. Also be sure to catch the Career Expo, a huge event open to all students and alumni. It’s being held on Wednesday, March 28 from 1pm to 4pm in the Campus Center Ballroom, 3rd floor. Over 75 employers will be participating in hopes to hire future employees.
“It can never be too early,” Larson says about preparing for a career “but it can be too late.”