By: Sammi Hummer, Staff writer

When it is time for Lebanon Valley College students to plan their futures, the Center for Career Development is the place to go.

The Center for Career Development is located in the Student Learning Commons, in the lower level of the Allan W. Mund College Center.  The goal is to get students involved in their developing career paths and graduate school plans.  They do this by educating the students while expanding their skills and knowledge that will be needed for any future job and/or school they will have or attend.

Many resources are available for any student who needs tips and tricks for developing a career. There are staff members waiting to be utilized in the Center for Career Development. Assistant Director of Career Development Brynn Mason is available to assist in any way she can.

Mason believes that the Center for Career Development helps students make meaning of their experiences.

“We want students to understand that we are here to support them through the process of making career decisions, from deciding on a major to obtaining experiential opportunities to all of the steps involved in applying to a job post-graduation,” Mason said. ”Deciding what you want to do with your life is a big decision, and we want students to feel comfortable asking us for help in making those decisions.”

Finding a job or internship of interest, creating a résumé and making a cover letter are three of the first steps to take when trying to obtain a job. The job or internship search has been made easy with the implementation of Handshake.

As for résumés and cover letters, handouts are available in the Center for Career Development, or online.  Along with these handouts, there are also different blogs and PowerPoints on each subject.

Jackie Chicalese, a junior English major, has worked with Career Development on perfecting her résumé.  She believes that meeting with Career Development staff helped her learn how to make her résumé strong and appealing to employers.

“Visiting Career Development was helpful because I was able to meet with staff individuals who were not only knowledgeable, but concerned with ensuring I was prepared for the next leap in my college career, which is an internship,” Chicalese said. “The sooner you work and connect with Career Development, the more likely you are to be secured with a job shortly, if not immediately, after you graduate.”

The Center for Career Development is also at students’ disposal for graduate school help.  They have resources for entry tests, applications and personal statements, scholarships and fellowships.

Career Development is there to be utilized, and it is easily accessed with an email or phone call to set up an appointment.  The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.