By Joe Garvey
Â鶹´«Ã½ was recently recognized as a 2018-2019 Career Development College of Distinction. Â鶹´«Ã½ was one of 48 universities to win the newly created award, and the only one from Virginia.
"We are excited to be recognized as a Career Development College of Distinction, and proud to be the first institution in Virginia to be awarded this recognition," said Beverly Forbes, interim director of Career Development Services,
Among the criteria that help merit a Career Development College of Distinction citation:
Integrated career exploration and preparation: The career services or development office is introduced during new- and transfer-student orientation and then re-introduced during the first semester. The office partners with academic departments to include their resources in the classroom and help guide students toward the services they should be seeking throughout their academic careers. Career and major exploration are integrated across all fields of study.
Accessible programs and training: The career office's services can be accessed 24/7 and by appointment for one-on-one counseling. These resources include self-assessments, resumé and cover-letter writing, interviewing and networking. The office also hosts events and workshops to help students gain feedback and job search skills.
Career-centered staff: The institution offers career and personal inventories to help students better understand themselves as well as their major and career interests. Whether career services are centralized or decentralized, the institution makes trained career counselors and/or coaches available to review student's assessments. The school also has at least one dedicated staff member for employer relations and corporate partnerships. Furthermore, the university helps connect students and alumni through mentorship and internship programs. Alumni can use some or all services for free.
"Our newly developed Career Development recognition is an exceptional way to show students and families that your institution is equipping students with the skills necessary to succeed in their lifelong career journey," said Erin Pettus, vice president of outreach at Colleges of Distinction.
