After a survey showed more than half the students polled had never used their services, USF St. Petersburg’s Career Center is adding new events, increasing availability and becoming more visible on campus.
The online survey was conducted last spring, and revealed that of the 303 students who responded, 58 percent had never been to the Career Center. Only 76 percent said they knew the university had a Career Center and only 52 percent knew where it was located.
“We want students to see us,” said Career Center Director Barbra Higel, explaining that while many students may not be ready to use the center just yet, it is important that they are made aware its services and know where to find them.
Higel said many students wait until their junior or senior to use the Career Center’s services, noting the importance of gaining practical experience before graduation. The Career Center wants to connect with students sooner to begin developing a plan to do more than just earn a degree.
Along with extending office hours, the Career Center has added two new programs in which students can receive out-of-office career assistance.
Students looking for quick answers can visit the Career Cove information table in the University Student Center every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Along with help from career assistants, the Career Cove provides students with information from a different local employer each week and updated job postings from Recruit-a-Bull—the online database for off-campus internship and employment opportunities
Every Thursday evening students can participate in talks with Career Center staff and local employers. Discussions often include résumé writing, recruiting practices and procedures, career fair preparation and internships. Companies such as Northwestern Mutual and Universal Health Care will discuss what they look for in employees and provide tips on becoming more marketable to employers, Higel said. Students can also work with programs such as INROADS and The Washington Center to get internships. Career Talk Thursdays are held 5 to 6 p.m. in the Science and Technology building, room 114.
Students who are looking for more personalized information can do so through Career Now, the Career Center’s walk-in service for job search assistance. Career counselors and assistants are available to speak with students in the Career Center office, Terrace 200, on varying hours throughout the week.
Tips on finding jobs, writing resumes and preparing for career fairs can be found on the Career Center’s blog, theblazerusfsp.wordpress.com.
Career counselor hours:
Monday: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to noon
