Career Services Overview

Image by: Sydney Meyer

It’s a big, harsh world out there. Outside of this campus exists an entire undiscovered landscape of opportunity. Unfortunately, partaking in that opportunity does not come about by chance — it requires “adulting,” like creating a résumé, networking and interview preparation. Oftentimes, making the change from college to the real world seems jarring and impossible. Luckily, Ottawa University provides a phenomenal resource that will help ease the transition, providing possibilities that will open doors and lead to fulfilled opportunities: Career Services. 

“Our big focus has been … networking,” says Christine Currier, head of Ottawa University’s Career Services. “We are finding a lot of companies are interested in Ottawa. My goal is to get more companies on campus for students to see them and have opportunities to sit down and talk with people.”

Career Services provides students with a multitude of opportunities, all designed to assist students on their search for a career path. These career counseling services incorporates the Myers-Briggs test, which is designed to help students find which jobs best match their personalities. Career services also offers students the chance to learn more about their desired career field through shadowing.

Oftentimes, students don’t know which direction to go in. Whether dismayed with their major selection, confused about job prospects or completely aimless in their future path, thinking about life after graduation can be daunting.

Students can broaden their networking capabilities through the assistance of Bob Innes, president of Alumni Board. Innes is willing to meet with students to discuss their résumés, desired occupations and networking abilities. Through a list of contacts, Innes works to connect students with employers.

“(He will) talk about really anything you want because he’s been in the field,” Currier says. “He will help you break into areas, he will help students who maybe want to work somewhere else. … He’s really wanting to help do legwork for the students but also help you learn how to network.”

The career center also puts on a variety of events throughout the year.

Coming up on April 12 is Résumania, an event designed to connect students with real-life employers and job/internship opportunities. Within this event, professionals will welcome students to one-on-one sessions, providing either informational interviews or legitimate interviews, hoping to provide students with opportunities for jobs or summer internships.

“This is a one-on-one kind of situation. They’re not all interviews — some of them are interviews, some of them are informational interviews,” Currier says. “Some of these employers are going to be here with actual jobs to hire. Others are just here to provide information about the jobs that they might have. Others are just here to provide information about a career field.”

This opportunity will provide individuals with information about their potential career field, experience with interviewing with real-life employers and an opportunity to spread their name within the community. Over 20 companies and professionals will be available for students to speak with. If engaging in real interviews, students should come dressed in interview-attire, prepared to answer questions with résumé in tow.

Even if there aren’t professionals within your field, there will be at least two individuals willing to meet to talk through résumés and critique them. Many of the professionals are within the human services field, though there are several for business and marketing as well.

In preparation for this event, Career Services is hosting a résumé workshop on April 6 where every student who has signed up for Résumania is invited to bring their résumé to learn how to improve, adjust or enhance them. This will ensure they present themselves effectively before their interview on April 12.

It’s never too early to begin a search for career opportunities. Following that line of thought, it’s also never too late to ask for help. Career Services is available to students even after they graduate, so if you’re close to completing your college education, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Career Services is willing to help you get started building your network, portfolio and professional experience, enabling you to put your best foot forward as you step out into the world.

If you’re interested in signing up for Résumania, there will be a table set up in the Atrium from April 2-5.