Career Services at the University of Utah - Worth the Time?

By Solveig Rundquist on March 20, 2013

Career Services. While essentially all Utes have heard of the place, there are relatively few who have actually been there (and you can’t blame them). It’s located in the Student Services Building. It’s a concrete block on a corner of campus where you only go when something really serious is up.

So what is Career Services, and what can they do for you? Is it worth leaving the comfort of the Union? Is it worth the pilgrimage across campus and towards that looming gray structure? Up those narrow steps and through those glass doors? It was time to find out.


Before you head to Career Services, you should know that each department has an adviser. For Asian studies you would talk to Kathy Leslie, for math, Joe Sindad, for dance, Valery Pozo, for communication, Colton Griffiths. Also, while you may be able to just walk-in, you’re advised to schedule an appointment online beforehand. If you don’t it’s possible you’ll be turned away.  You have to sign up for “Career Link” in order to do so, but it’s quick and easy and you can use your CIS login details if you’d like.

I already had a Career Link account and I have done some browsing online. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from my appointment. I brought along a resume, like a good girl, and I expected a few pointers, but that was about it. But I was surprised. Behind the vague title and distant exterior, the people at Career Services know what they’re doing!

I arrived right on time, and was greeted immediately by adviser. He was amiable, likable and made jokes as we walked into his office. And to my utter amazement, yet another adviser joined us! Two for the price of one! Madness! We proceeded to chat and small talk as they looked over my resume, which received glowing praise even as it was smothered by pens with corrections and suggestions. They corrected things I knew I was struggling with, and made brilliant suggestions about things I had never considered. Best of all, they didn’t stop there.

Griffiths asked if I had a Career Link account, and I responded proudly, “Yes, in fact, I do.” He asked if I had looked at the resources available online and I answered yes, but of course. He asked if I was familiar with CareerShift or Job Agents …and I could only gaze at him blankly.

As it turns out, Career Services at the University of Utah is a gold mine. Not only can you search for jobs and internships online with very specific criteria, but you can set up a job agent and opt to receive an email any time a relevant job is posted. You don’t have to miss a single opportunity! They also offer workshops on everything from resume writing to video interviewing. You can learn everything from how to use LinkedIn, to how to find an international position. Best of all, it’s no secret. At the end of my appointment I was awarded a thick, lovely booklet full of all the resume and job-hunting tips that I could ever need. The booklet was totally free; you can walk-in and request one.

In short, a chat with Career Services is something you might like to consider. It requires serious preparation and planning in advance, but it’s worth it. Whether you need a job, an internship, resume tips, a mock interview, learn to network or to edit your online presence. They can do it all and will give you free goodies after your visit.

 

 

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