What resources are available everyday?

Students are encouraged to visit the Career Center as early as freshman year to look at our library collection of books for every major and as well as programs not available from Truman.  Our library also includes information about graduate schools and how to prepare for the application process, including test preparation, personal statements and finding the best graduate program for their interests.  Aside from our collection we also offer résumé and cover letter critiques everyday without an appointment.  It is important for students to visit the Career Center often to have these critiqued so each student will be best prepared for the specific position for which they are applying.

What can I do to help my students prepare a résumé?

Encourage students to review our résumé information on our website and in the Career Center.  This includes helpful information for starting a résumé, what a résumé should include as well as various templates for format ideas.  Reading through other examples is one of the best ways to start thinking about one’s own resume.  After students have a draft encourage them to come in to have their resumes critiqued; students may walk in anytime 8-5 for a critique and to check out print materials from our library.

How can the Career Center help my students find an internship or job?

We use various print and online sources to find internships and jobs.  For part-time or full-time jobs as well as internships, students may use Experience to search by keyword or location to find many opportunities.  This website also provides a mentor database as well as sign ups for interviews with companies visiting Career Expo.  Students may also use Internships.com to find internship opportunities around the country and internationally.  The Career Center website also includes an internship database including basic information on internships Truman students from all majors have completed.  For job searches we also have several Books of Lists with major companies in metropolitan areas around the country.  Students are also encouraged to use ReferenceUSA, available on the Career Center computers to research companies in which they may be interested.

How can I help my students prepare for interviews?

The Career Center offers several types of mock interviews.  Perfect Interview is a computerized program, which gives students a basic introduction to interviewing with some generic questions one would encounter during a typical interview.  We also provide student-led mock interviews which are recorded, allowing the student to see how he or she performs.  With this interview, the student will get in-depth feedback from their mock interviewer.  SCORE interviews are similar to student-led interviews; however these are conducted by retired employers who visit campus several times throughout the year.  You may also encourage your student to look at our Interview Handbook available in print at the Career Center or online.

How can I help my students with networking?

Encourage your students to attend Career Expo, an event offered every semester.  Many employers return from year to year and the best way to start networking is to actively engage in conversation with several employers.  You may also help students find other contacts in your specific field.

What is the PDI?

The mission of the Career Center's Professional Development Institute (PDI) is to provide students with professional and personal development opportunities that will help make their transition from college to post-graduate life smoother.  There are two ways students can participate in the PDI:

1.       Any student wishing to sign up for individual PDI programs may do so by registering at http://pdi.truman.edu.  All PDI programs are open to all students.

2.       As a PDI member, students complete specific requirements as outlined on http://pdi.truman.edu, after which they receive recognition on their cocurricular transcript.

What programs are available for students?

Some of the Career Center’s programs include the Career Center Tour where students actively learn how to find resources in the Career Center.  Major and Career Decision Making and Self Assessment Testing to help undecided students find a career that is a good fit for them.  We also provide Résumé and Cover Letter workshops and other programs that can be requested for your class in the Program & Events section of the website.  The PDI is another place students may look to find already scheduled career-related programs for which they can register individually. Aside from posters around campus, postings on the Truman Master Calendar, our website homepage and our popcorn cart road trips to advertise for upcoming events, we also provide a career –related newsletter called Career Finder.  Issues can be sent to you and your students via email by signing up for a subscription on the Career Center website. 

What other events does the Career Center host?

The Career Center host campus wide events throughout the year including Career Expo.  Additionally, every Halloween we put on a Haunted House—past themes have been Haunted Hogwarts and Gotham City.  Every spring we host the Spring Training Event where students may participate in games and win prizes.  Our other major events include Grad School Week, Expo 411, and Lend a Hand for a Living.

What else can I do to help my students?

Program ideas are always welcome; the Career Center would like to collaborate with you to bring speakers to campus, create other programs, and help you assist your students on their journey to internships,  employment and graduate school.