|
Our Services
The Career Development Center staff has worked diligently to provide an assortment of services and programming based upon feedback from users. The department staff takes pride in advocating for students as we work towards transforming the campus culture to reflect a comprehensive approach to career development by integrating career concepts into the curriculum and extra-curricular activities. We continue to encourage our users to let us know what services are helpful and advise us of any additional services which would be of interest.
Students may take advantage of services either face-to-face or online to accommodate busy schedules. Even though our office hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, we offer extensive online career systems to assist you 24/7. Quick Stop Walk-In and Quick Stop scheduled 20 minute appointment services are also available each semester during specified times. These services are intended for gathering basic career information and assistance about an assortment of career topics. Examples include resume and cover letter critiques, instructions about how to use our online career systems, helping to identify resources, advising on interview tips, etc. Furthermore, resume and cover letter critiques (View details) are available by sending your resume by email, faxing, or mailing it to the Career Development Center. See our current Quick Stop hours.
To learn more about a service, click on the a link below.
Career Counseling
Career counseling services are available either face-to-face or through distance secured methods. Licensed Professional Counselors and supervised counseling interns assist individuals and groups with the decision making process and facilitate the development of career action plans as it relates to life and career directions. Career counselors tailor services according to the needs of the individual in order to clarify life/career aspirations. Some common concerns confronting individuals can include identification of interests, values, and skills; improving decision-making skills as related to choosing a major and/or career; identifying resources such as career planning and occupational information systems; educating about job search strategies; resolving personal conflicts on the job by improving interpersonal skills; assisting with the integration of work and other life roles; providing support and decreasing job stress, job loss, and career transitions. Learn more about Career Counseling.
Back to top
Career Assessments
The department’s Licensed Professional Counselors and supervised counseling interns administer and interpret career assessments such as the Career Thoughts Inventory, Strong Interest Inventory, Self-Directed Search, Myers Briggs Type Indicator, Career Transition Inventory, and a variety of card sorts when appropriate. The assessments will assist students and alumni in identifying interests, values, skills, abilities, and personality types. Identifying these attributes can help target the most compatible careers of interests (fees vary). Also available is an online program called FOCUS which includes a self-directed approach to assessments at no extra charge. Although FOCUS is a self-directed program, the department strongly encourages students and alumni to consult with a career counselor to assist with the interpretation to clarify results. Learn more about Career Assessments.
Back to top
Job Search Preparation Services
The Career Development Center staff is readily available to assist with teaching you how to comprehensively develop and implement your job search strategy in order to be competitive in the job market. Additionally, the Center also offers office based and online resources as well as tools to identify occupational information, labor market and salary trends, and industry information. The key is to plan early and establish a timeline to be prepared and to remain on task while tapping into the services and resources offered by the Career Development Center.
Back to top
Job Search Components:
Establishing job search goals associated with interests, values, and skills:
Determine primary strengths and formulate them into marketable statements to be used when communicating with prospective employers. If goals have not been established, the ability to market yourself and be competitive will decrease considerably.
Back to top
Resume Development
Gather and organize information into the most appropriate format exhibiting unique skills and offerings to prospective employers. The “one size fits all” format is unacceptable and should be tailored to the job and employer of your choice. Additionally WinWay, a resume software system, is available on the CDC kiosk located in the Career Development Center which provides suggested formats, phrases, and graphics to assist you in creating a professional resume. The CDC also offers resume critiquing, learn more.
Back to top
Business Correspondence Development
Business correspondence can consist of cover letters, thank you letters, and other career exploration correspondence letters. All forms of correspondence should be in a professional format and contain information using appropriate grammar and spelling. The content of your letter should be carefully thought through for a variety of reasons such as providing information about sources of referrals, providing concrete examples and showcasing your writing skills.
Back to top
Networking Methods
Networking is one of the most important aspects of the job search. Staff will partner with students and alumni in identifying effective networking approaches best suited to the unique needs of the individual. Educating students and alumni about general facets of networking, the rationale as to why networking is important, how to make contacts and who should be part of one’s network leads to enhanced job opportunities.
Back to top
Informational Interviewing
Informational Interviewing can serve as a dual purpose. The technique can be used to gather important information, so decisions can be made about choosing or refining your career path, identifying what is required to succeed within a chosen career, or to learn how to gain access for entry into a chosen field. An added benefit of informational interviewing is meeting new people and keeping in contact with those individuals who have common interests which expands your network.
Back to top
Interviewing Tips
Remember the statement first impressions are lasting impressions? This critical point also coincides with the interview. Therefore to remain current in interviewing trends, preparation and practice are essential to a successful interview. Discover tips about interviewing preparation, interviewing techniques, responding to commonly asked questions, evaluation criteria commonly used by employers, differentiating between legal and illegal pre-employment questions, understanding behavior and appropriate conduct during an interview, and knowing when to disclose sensitive information. Not only can the staff assist in interviewing preparation, but an online system called Perfect Interview will allow you to practice in privacy. Launch Perfect Interview.
Back to top
Mock Interviews
Mock interviews are available by appointment with the option of being videotaped. The mock interview simulates a real interview with a thorough critique upon completing the interview. Therefore, you should have completed the interview preparation activities and come prepared as though you were interacting with a recruiter. Proper dress, arrival, and professionalism are required. Please review the Mock Interview Checklist (Word) to ensure you have completed the requirements in order to be eligible for the interview.
Back to top
Business Etiquette
A common complaint from many recruiters across the country is that applicants need additional guidance to enhance skills in business etiquette. A simple way of becoming more competitive is to polish these “soft” skills. The Career Development Center staff can educate and train you in soft skills and proper business etiquette, enabling you to have future opportunities to demonstrate a more polished and professional presentation.
Back to top
Internship and Job Postings
All experiential opportunities consisting of internships, volunteer, part-time, full-time, and seasonal job postings are accessible in our online system called UIS-Success. UIS-Success is a very comprehensive system available 24/7 which requires a password to access. More information about what the system offers, how to register, and how to access the system is available at UIS-Success.
Back to top
Other Job Search Resources:
The Career Development Center has an array of tools and resources to assist you in the internship and job search process. Resources available in the office include the CDC Library, handouts and worksheets, and kiosks available for constituent use. Additionally, online systems such as UIS-Success, CareerSearch, Vault Online Career Library, Perfect Interview, and Focus are available once you receive a password from the Career Development Center. Additional details about the online systems are available by visiting the Online Resources page.
Back to top
On-Campus Recruitment
The Career Development Center throughout the year provides opportunities for recruiters, students, and alumni to connect through information sessions and on-campus interviews. Information about industries, company profiles, internships, part-time jobs and full-time jobs is shared. In order to participate in on-campus interviews and information sessions, students and alumni must first register and sign-up for these opportunities through UIS-Success.
It is highly recommended students and alumni upload resumes into UIS-Success, so they will be prepared when opportunities occur on short notice. Make sure you have checked the box that gives permission for employers to view your resume.
Back to top
Job Offer Evaluation and Salary Negotiation
Until you have accepted a position, your responsibilities have not ended when it comes to the completion of your job search. Although a job offer has come through, you want to be sure you have all of the information prior to accepting a position. Some critical points to consider include the relationship of the company and position in comparison to your abilities and goals; equitable salary comparisons should be researched; company’s ability to pay according to market demand and level of responsibilities; benefit package including amount of employee and employer contributions, and consideration of cost of living based upon geographic location.
Back to top
Credential File Services
These files are a necessity for Teacher Candidates and very helpful for Professional Candidates. The file contains a copy of your professional resume, three letters of recommendation and official transcripts sent directly to the Center. These files can be submitted to prospective employers at your request. UIS transcripts must be submitted to the CDC and updated by the student as needed. Upon written request, files are sent to prospective employers for application purpose. An additional fee is assessed for this service. Learn more about our Credential File Services.
Back to top
Graduate School Preparation
Understanding how to make informed decisions about whether or not to attend graduate school is imperative. The Career Development Staff can assist you in exploring the option to attend graduate school. Primary factors for wanting to attend graduate school are to determine your rationale and to ascertain important information about programs and universities which coincide with your interests and established criteria. Other areas worth investigating include feedback from enrolled students and faculty experience and research interests. An additional item to explore includes requirements of the application process such as graduate admission tests, personal essays, minimum grade point average, and application deadlines. Financial considerations and resources such as financial aid, scholarships and fellowships should be considered. Estimating the daily living expenses, tuition, fees, and other costs to sustain a realistic lifestyle while in graduate school may provide a different outlook once additional information is obtained.
Back to top
Online Test Preparation Courses
Featuring: GRE, GMAT, LSAT, SAT, ACT
The Career Development Center is proud to partner with Cambridge Educational Services to offer a series of online test preparation courses. These interactive courses provide test taking skills and strategies using a six-step approach to test taking. Registration for courses can occur at any time and are available for a four month time period. This proven approach has helped more than a million students reach and retain their potential by achieving exceptionally high test scores.
Download brochure for GRE, GMAT and LSAT (PDF)
Download brochure for SAT and ACT (PDF)
Back to top
CLEP Tests
The Career Development Center is an approved open test center offering the College-Level Exam Program (CLEP). By taking one of the CLEP exams, individuals of any age have the opportunity to demonstrate college level achievement comparable to undergraduate college courses. Benefits of taking a CLEP exam include saving time and money, satisfying a pre-requisite course, progressing to advance courses of study more efficiently, and providing an additional opportunity to graduate on time if additional requirements arise unexpectedly. Learn more about CLEP tests.
Back to top
Career Development Center Resource Library
The CDC Resource Library is comprised of up-to-date books, videos, handouts, worksheets, company literature, internship sources, computer kiosks, and career information files available during regular office hours. The Vault Online Career Library is also available 24/7. View a listing of all library resources (Excel).
Back to top
Synchronous Career Workshops
The Career Development Center offers synchronous workshops (available online and on-campus at the same time) engaging online students with campus based students. An assortment of topics are addressed and offered frequently throughout the fall and spring semesters. View upcoming workshops.
Back to top
Special Events
Each year the Career Development Center offers special events to engage students in career development activities. The following is a sampling of events offered in previous years:
Springfield Collegiate Career Fair
This annual event held in February provides opportunities for students and alumni to network and gain knowledge in areas of company profiles, industry information, and potential internship and job opportunities. Typically, over 100 employers from various professional agencies including profit, nonprofit, and government entities attend. Additionally, approximately 400 students also attend this action packed day and gather a wealth of information and connect with numerous recruiters in a short period of time.
Other listings of career fairs offered within the state are also posted.
Part-Time Job Fair
A part-time job fair is offered during the fall semester during welcome week activities. This job fair provides students with easy access to part-time on-campus and off-campus employment opportunities early in the academic year.
UIS Career Pursuit Reality Show
Career Pursuit is a reality show for UIS students, offering a real taste of the job search experience while helping them develop the skills needed to independently manage their careers. The event consisted of 4 separate challenges and promoted networking opportunities for students, staff, faculty, alumni, employers and community members.
You're Hired: Dress for Success
This co-sponsored event between UIS departments provided tips on how to make a BEST first impression. UIS Students participated by selecting and modeling the Do's and Don'ts of professional attire while a presentation was being conducted. Information presented included how subtle details can affect how you appear to future employers and tips on how to develop an affordable professional wardrobe.
Etiquette Dinner: The ABC's of Forks, Knives and Toasting
This classy event is a partnership between the Career Development Center and the UIS Alumni Association to provide an opportunity for attendees to enhance their professionalism skills. An interactive presentation regarding business and social etiquette that included a four-course meal detailing how to brush up on your dining etiquette, learn how to “work a reception,” how and when to exchange business cards, and other tips enhancing your personal life and career.
Extreme Entrepreneur Challenge
The event began with the Extreme Entrepreneur tour bus arriving on the UIS campus with young, successful entrepreneurs who have appeared on the “Today Show” and other venues. The invigorating event consisted of an introduction, inspirational keynote, career action workshop, speed networking challenge, exhibits, and panel discussion to promote the entrepreneurial mindset which included interactive activities.
Back to top
|
