How to Leverage Your Alma Mater’s Career Services

The following explores how to leverage your alma mater’s career services for achieving job search success.

Did you know most universities provide resources including career counseling, workshops, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities for helping graduates (as well as alumni) achieve career success?

Read: Understanding Your Resume’s Audience

Related: Tips for Growing Your Professional Network

Utilizing your alma mater’s career services might be just the boost you need. The best part? It’s usually free! Here’s a rundown on how you can leverage these resources:

Interview Preparation

Some career services offices provide interview preparation assistance. This includes mock interviews, guidance on common questions, and strategies to effectively showcase your skills.

Career Fairs

Explore career fairs through your alma mater’s career services to connect with companies actively seeking graduates. These events offer a direct avenue for networking and discovering job opportunities tailored to your education and background.

Alumni Networking

Colleges and universities can connect you to an alumni career network. Some universities have networking groups for people in specific industries. For instance, the University of Southern California offers networking for USC professionals in fields such as real estate, entertainment, education, and entrepreneurship.

Workshops and Webinars

Career services workshops are often available to new and older alumni at no cost. Many colleges and universities also offer webinars that provide guidance to alumni that cannot make it back to campus.

Job Portals

Explore career portals like Handshake, a widely used platform connecting alumni with degree-required job openings. These tools provide a centralized hub for resume posting, job listings, and more.

In Conclusion

Leveraging your alma mater’s career services is a valuable resource for tapping into job search assistance without having to spend any money. While everywhere is different, most universities provide some form of support to alumni (regardless of your graduation date).