Indiana University Bloomington

Campus Link Newsletter

Spring 2012

Preparation is the Key to a Successful Job Search

Remember the adage “looking for a job is a full-time job”? Well this definitely rings true in today’s ever-changing, competitive job market. The most common feedback we hear from employers is that students aren’t prepared to effectively market their skills. So what is a college student to do when they also have another important “full-time job”—their academics? Not to mention extracurricular activities and other responsibilities. Well there is help! While at IU your student can take advantage of the many services available through the Career Development Center and Arts & Sciences Career Services (CDC/ASCS) in order to successfully navigate both responsibilities and prepare for their future.

A great way for your student to prepare for their future while earning academic credit is to take a career course. For example, the CDC/ASCS offers ASCS Q299: Marketing Yourself for the Job and Internship Search, an 8 week 2 credit hour course which teaches students how to conduct an effective job or internship search. Students learn fundamental skills, including how to craft a targeted resume outlining relevant skills and qualifications; expand on past experiences in a cover letter; understand interviewing dynamics from the employer’s perspective; and network effectively.

In addition to career courses, the CDC/ASCS also offers drop-in career advising Monday–Friday between 12:30 and 4 p.m. to all undergraduate students who are currently enrolled on the Bloomington campus. Career Advisors are on-call during that time to discuss students’ career-related needs, no appointment necessary. To learn more about career-planning services, career courses, resources, and events, students and parents should visit our website, IUCareers.com.

Encourage your student to get connected with the Career Development Center in order to help them prepare for their future and navigate both “full-time jobs” successfully!

Crystal Smith, Senior Assistant Director Student Services Career Development Center