Faculty and other mentors are some of the primary influences on students’ career development, and research shows that having someone who encourages their goals and dreams is one of four experiences that most impact graduates finding purpose in work. The conversations you have with students may prompt them to act on their career development.

Become familiar with the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration’s services and resources so that you can confidently refer students. If you have interest in obtaining a deeper understanding about assisting students with their career development, participate in the center’s Career Advocates training. Below are just some of the services we offer.

Development of Career Competencies

The center encourages students to gain the career competencies expected by future employers and learn to effectively articulate their experiences in resumes and cover letters. Stress the importance of gaining experience outside the classroom through research, study abroad, service learning, volunteerism, internships, and co-ops to prepare for graduate school and full-time jobs.

Academic and Career Exploration

Staff are available to provide individual career counseling sessions for students of all majors and classifications. Students see career counselors for assessment feedback, including the Strong Interest Inventory, decision-making strategies, major and career resources, exploring and evaluating options, and goal setting. Other assessments that are self directed are also available.

One of the most popular resources we offer is What Can I Do With This Major? Encourage your students to visit this site to learn more about the major/career connection and to view links to career-related websites.

Transition Advising

Transition advisors provide short-term academic advising for students who are in between colleges because they are not eligible for their major of choice. This includes current UT students, incoming transfer students, and readmitted students. Students who are undecided or are re-deciding on a major but have an assigned academic advisor in one of the colleges should schedule an academic and career exploration appointment, not a transition advising appointment.

Career Coaching for Job Search and Graduate School Admission 

All students are assigned to a career coach according to their majors. During appointments, students can receive assistance with internships and experiential opportunities, the job search, resume reviews, interview preparation, industry specific advising, the graduate school application process, networking, or career fair preparation.

Career Courses

The Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration offers courses to assist students in choosing majors and careers.

Exploring Majors and Careers: COUN ED 205 (one credit, S/N grading, fall and spring)

This course is designed to help first- and second-year students choose a major or career. Students utilize assessments to understand how interests, skills, personality, and values relate to UT majors and careers. They hear from college advisors, conduct research, and learn decision-making and goal setting strategies. The course meets for seven weeks and is offered during fall and spring semesters.

Career Strategies for the Arts and Sciences: COUN ED 404 (three credits, A-F grading; fall and spring)

This course is targeted primarily to juniors and first semester seniors interested in answering the “What are you going to do with that major?” question and identifying the necessary actions steps and tools to make it a reality. The goal of this course is to equip CAS student with the knowledge and tools to identify what they WANT to do with their major and to take the appropriate action steps leading towards lifelong career success. Some of the topics include identifying and evaluating possible career paths, communicating the value of your major and skill set to employers through resumes/cover letter, interviews, networking and salary negation, planning and applying for graduate school, and transitioning into the world of work.

Career Fairs and Events

Encourage students to attend career events. The center hosts dozens of job fairs, networking events, career panels, and other workshops designed to help students explore career interests, meet alumni and employers, and gain access to opportunities. Sometimes a nudge from a trusted instructor or extra credit will prompt students to attend.

Resume Assistance

All students will likely need a resume at some point. The center offers a variety of tools to assist in the development and improvement of resumes and other job search documents. Peer Career Advisors can provide guidance and critique resumes during drop-in hours or staff can assist during appointments. The center’s resume guide is a great starting point.

Interviewing Skills

Students can practice interviewing and get constructive feedback from Peer Career Advisors and coaches. Students can also practice interviewing through computer software called Big Interview.

Handshake

Handshake is an online career portal linking students to job databases, on-campus interviews, internship opportunities, and more. By activating their profile, students can upload resumes and cover letters, submit applications, sign up for on-campus interviews, view dates for employer information sessions, and track job search activities. Over 100,000 opportunities in a variety of industries were posted on Handshake last year.

Disability, Veterans, and Inclusion Initiatives

The Career Coach for Inclusion Initiatives specializes in providing identify-based career information and support for students.