by Brandi E. Baumeister
Staff Writer
The Career Development Center (CDC) at the University of La Verne has established a four-year model for students to follow while in college to assist in post-graduate jobs.
In addition the CDC is hosting a series of seminars, luncheons and recruiting opportunities for students to plan their futures.
In October, the Career Development Center provided a Senior Survival Seminar to help graduating seniors cope with the challenges and changes of life after college.
Also, the second annual Internship Luncheon was held on Wednesday in the President’s Dining Room.
This luncheon included a welcome from Terrie Lopez, director of career development and placement, a panel discussion from individuals who have had experience in the internship fields, lunch, a raffle drawing and a networking session.
“There are benefits to an internship,” said Lopez. “The beauty of an internship helps students decide if they’re on the track or if this is not what I want to do.”
Junior Karie O’Neill, a work study student for the Career Development Center, said, “I think that the programs the center provides are beneficial for students. They help students prepare for graduation and the working world.”
In its four year model, the first year of college is the “foundation for career exploration and self-awareness.”
Programs to assist students in this first step include career counseling, the University 100 class, taking a career and life planning course and attendance at Career Day in the spring.
Direction is the main purpose in stage two. This includes research into career interests, self-assessment and formulating tentative career goals.
Reading up on academic major sheets, attending informational interviews, using the career resource library, looking into part-time and summer employment and participating in Career Day can be helpful in stage two.
The third year of an individual’s college career includes expansion of one’s self-knowledge and career direction.
This is also the most opportune time for students to take an internship and get the experience of working in their chosen fields.
The final stage of career planning is the implementation of one’s major, which includes self-understanding and knowing the direction to pursue after graduation.
The Senior Survival Seminar provides students with practice in such skills as resume writing, interviewing guidelines, mock interviews, job search strategies, on-campus recruiting and using the career resource library and job listings.
Linda Preston, secretary for the CDC said, “The best part about working here is getting to know the students better and their interests.”
According to the CDC pamphlet, “These programs have a specific path with you in mind. As you progress through the selected stages, you will be broadening your career awareness and focusing on your
future.
Students who are interested in more information about the Career Development Center and its programs can call the Center at ext. 4054.
