For many, managing your own career can be difficult. For those who are going back to school, one underappreciated factor in finding the right college is the quality of a university’s Career Services office.

A Career Services team at a university can be valuable in a variety of ways, whether you’re considering a career change or you’re seeking help with earning promotions, negotiating salaries, developing job keeping skills and more. For example, the Career Services office at Columbia Southern University helps students and alumni identify career goals and break them down into small, actionable steps.

In this article, we outline some of the benefits of using Career Services at a school like CSU.

1. Career Coaching

One of the most beneficial aspects of using Career Services is the opportunity to speak with a career development coach. At CSU, coaches are available for one-on-one appointments.

2. Career Explorations by Degree Program

Not sure what you can do with your degree program? Career Services coaches are an excellent resource for additional help in this area.

At CSU, the Career Services team uses a platform called Focus2Career to help answer questions like:

• What job would be a good fit for me if I enroll in a specific degree program?
• What degree program would be best for me if I want a specific job?
• I’m not sure where to begin. Can you help me get started?

3. Labor Market Research

Labor market research helps you learn which jobs are on the rise and which ones are in decline. This can help you narrow down your choices and make a wise, educated decision about a specific industry or career path.

4. Job Search Strategies

With today’s evolving world, more and more job opportunities are becoming available online. Working with Career Services coaches can improve your chances of getting a job by understanding where job postings are and best practices for applying.

5. Military and Veteran Resources

Job searching for active-duty military and veterans can be significantly different from the job search in civilian life. Career Services coaches – and university staff specifically hired to assist military students – can help you make the transition to civilian employment.

6. Professional Correspondence Review

Written communications with hiring managers can make or break a candidate. Career Services teams are often available to review cover letters, resumes and other professional correspondence before they’re sent to potential employers, and they can even help you with your LinkedIn profile.

7. Interview Preparation

From the proper ways to dress to tips for answering “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and other dreaded interview questions, career counselors can help you prepare for your interview like a pro.

8. Networking Advice

You’ve heard the old saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Many times, new job opportunities arise through your network. Career Services staff can assist with best practices for building your professional network.

9. Internships

Career Services coaches may also be able to assist with internships and other forms of experiential education. For example, CSU’s Parker Dewey micro-internship program connects students and alumni with opportunities for 5-40 hour internships – lasting from one week to a month – in their desired career field.

Conclusion

CSU Career Services assists students starting or advancing careers in fields such as business administration, criminal justice, emergency management, emergency medical services, fire science, health care administration, homeland security, human resources, occupational safety and health, psychology and public administration. And if you’ve already landed the job and you’re pursuing a degree, CSU Career Services can help you find the right balance.

For more information about CSU’s online learning options at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, visit our website.

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes, and CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.