Talking about future goals and career interests is a key component of almost every interview. But the questions“Tell me a little bit about why you want this position” and “Where do you see yourself five years from now?” regularly spark a sense of dread. 

Admitting that you’re only there because you need money or because your school requires you to have an internship is honest but uninspiring. It is never wise to lie in an interview, but blatantly stating that you don’t care about what this organization does or stands for isn’t a great alternative. 

Fortunately, there is another option for answering this question that communicates interest without lying. And that’s by explaining what you hope to gain in this role that would, ultimately, connect to your career interests. It doesn’t have to be an exact match to your long-term goals to teach you the skills you’ll need for that future. 

Use these three tips to portray those career interests in a positive light: 

Getting ready for graduation is an exciting time, but it can also add extra pressure to perform at the next level, especially when it comes to interviewing for your future career. Many job interviews and opportunities are also now conducted virtually. This means you have another job search skill to pick up or sharpen. 

Here are a few ways you can apply everyday experiences as a student to your online interviews skills to become a better interviewee before graduation:  

Career fairs have long been recognized as essential platforms for students to explore job opportunities, but their significance doesn’t fade after graduation. Alumni, too, benefit immensely from these events tailored to their unique needs and experiences. 

It’s important to fully realize the potential of Alumni Career Fairs – events meticulously designed to connect graduates with employers, provide networking opportunities, and open doors to a plethora of job prospects. Let’s dive into how these fairs play a pivotal role in shaping the professional trajectories of alumni.

Learning doesn’t end with a diploma; it’s a lifelong journey that evolves with each experience and new piece of knowledge acquired. For alumni, continuing education opens doors to new opportunities, skill development, and personal growth.

There are a myriad of continuing education opportunities available to alumni. Here are a few ways to highlight the significance of lifelong learning in fostering career growth and professional excellence:

Social media is a hot spot to post and find job listings, but it’s not always clear what is legitimate. Unfortunately, scammers have mastered targeting and taking advantage of desperate job seekers and people fall victim to jobs that are too good to be true every day.

Fortunately, some of those jobs DO exist. You don’t have to report every recruiter who dangles the too-perfect remote job, salary, or experience in front of you on social media. You just need to know which opportunities to respond to and when to hard pass.

Here are a few tips to help you spot red flags when looking for jobs on social media and through social networking:

When students come to the Career Center asking for help with an internship resume, you know you’re doing something right. Your reach should expand beyond just identifying the right major or starting the job search process. All those steps in between, including landing a great internship, should take up a significant part of your wheelhouse as well. 

When graduation is right around the corner, everyone wants to accept a job offer as fast as they can. It’s an enormous weight off their shoulders for students to know they have a job and source of income to depend on right after college. 

This post was updated in September of 2022

Despite the pause the world felt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people are still entering the workforce for the first time. One of the most important tasks of the job search is crafting a strong resume. Not only is a resume a way for the job seeker to display their most valuable skills, but more importantly, a strong resume determines whether employers will even offer an interview in the first place. 

Since March of 2020, the resources most young job seekers are offered have quickly disappeared. College writing centers are temporarily closed, recruiters are no longer meeting in person with clients, and young job seekers are left feeling helpless and struggling. 

Thankfully, new options are arriving with the shift to a virtual environment. Universities now offer virtual resume-writing workshops, and job search companies are doing the same. Finding the right one for you can make all the difference in the success of your resume and ultimately, your job search.