Looking for a job for after graduation? Searching for a part-time job or internship while you are still in school? Still exploring majors and careers that interest you? The answer to all of these questions and more are easily answered and assisted with UNC Career Services.
University Career Services is one of the most important resources easily available to you during your time at UNC (and after that, too!). UCS offers an incredible breadth of resources, including:
- Internship, part-time and full-time job assistance
- Resume critiques
- Interest assessments to help you choose a major or career
- Practice interviewing
- Job skills workshops
- Career fairs, panels, and networking nights
- Campus interviews
- Individual sessions with career counselors
So how can you get started taking advantage of UCS?
Get a Careerolina account here, which will enable you to schedule appointments, take interest assessments, hear about upcoming events and more.
What happens at an individual appointment?
Individual appointments are for you to meet with a professional career counselor one-on-one to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about choosing a major or finding a job. Scheduled appointments are for specific inquiries, such as exploring internship/job options, practicing for an interview, comparing job offers, critiquing a resume or career planning. More general concerns and quick questions can be addressed at walk-in appointments, which are available Monday through Friday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
What is another useful tool for starting my internship/job search?
Another great resource available to you here at the university is the Alumni Advisor network. This is a database (accessed via the UCS website) of Carolina alumni who are available and interested in helping you with the career process. Another way to connect with UNC alumni is by joining the UNC Alumni Association. Through the Alumni Association, you can connect with Tar Heels across the country and even across the globe! There are also many social events in various cities to bring UNC graduates and current students together, so be sure to check the website for upcoming events.
What should I be doing now in preparation for the career process?
First Year:
- Schedule meetings with your advisor and your academic apartment to begin familiarizing yourself with these helpful resources.
- Create a Careerolina account.
- Get to know your professors.
- Meet with a UCS career counselor and attend UCS events.
- Engage in activities that will enhance your resume.
Sophomore Year:
- Start to narrow in on your intended field of study.
- Get involved in student organizations.
- Write a resume.
- Meet with a UCS internship counselor about opportunities that interest you.
Junior Year:
- Pursue leadership positions on campus.
- Attend UCS career panels, networking nights, and career fairs.
- Begin exploring graduate schools if that is what you are considering.
- Update your resume (and continually do this to keep track of your activities and accomplishments).
- Practice interviewing skills with a UCS career counselor.
- Continue networking with professors.
Senior Year:
- Participate in a mock interview with a UCS counselor.
- Attend UCS events to network with employers.
- Start researching job opportunities during the Fall (many employers start looking early for recruits).
- Apply to as many positions as interest you.
UCS is with you literally every step of the way in your career planning process. The job search will be much less intimidating and overwhelming and much more fruitful if you utilize the resources on campus. Visit UCS on the second floor of Hanes Hall, and begin planning the future you seek!
*The information in this article was obtained from The Career Guide, presented by UNC Chapel Hill’s University Career Services and available at their office on the second floor of Hanes Hall.
Sources:
Your Career (Photo): http://careerplanningblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/32.jpg
Careerolina (Photo): http://www.hercampus.com/sites/default/files/9-6%20UNC%20career%20services.jpg
UNC Alumni Association (Photo): http://alumni.unc.edu
