For students who are looking to find that perfect internship or job, The Office of Career Services can help them showcase their experience and talents.
Career Services provides various resources that helps students with career preparation. According to the Career Services website, services include helping and guiding students and alumni in the development of the skills necessary to obtain employment and work satisfaction, to succeed in a diverse and rapidly changing workforce, and to manage their life-long career strategies.
Handshake and Standout are two new resources offered beginning this semester. They are services to help better prepare students for future employers. Handshake is an online platform where students can get recognized by employers looking for the right candidate. Standout is a video recruitment network that allows students to practice job interviews and be connected with employers across the country.
According to the career services website, there are 8 steps to success, which are:
- Step 1 – Meet with your Career Services and Leadership Development Coordinator to initiate your career action plan.
- Step 2 – Assess your interests, values, skills, and abilities.
- Step 3- Begin to build your resume and portfolio.
- Step 4 – Explore and research majors, careers, and employers.
- Step 5 – Develop your self-marketing and job search skills.
- Step 6 – Gain experience in a career-related field.
- Step 7 – Implement your full-time job or graduate school search.
- Step 8 – Keep informed of career management trends.
The Mustang Newspaper staff met with Janine Sohler, Career Services Coordinator, to learn more about what she can do for students.
Q: What are some ways students can benefit from using your services?
A: I help students get placed in internships, locally and nationally. I help students find a job placement. I can help with that if they are looking for a part time work in the community in the community. I have connections with community employers or if they already graduated and they are looking for placement within the nation, I could help provide resources for that as well. We also offer different events throughout the year. For example, we just had our job shadow day, where students spent a whole day with a professional to see what an industry is like. On November 14, we have an upcoming career preparation event with the New Mexico Work Force Office. This event will talk about which industru=ies are growing, which are the best to go into. The Work Force office will provide job search sites and resources for students. There will be an alumni panel discussion, where alumni will talk about the process from being a student to getting into their career. It’s a good chance for those students to make that connection that can lead into employment in the future. On December 4, we’ll have our career fair with the Academic Symposium in the Intramural Gym. I also do assessments and career explanation. This is for students who are not sure what they want to pursue in their education. I am trying to expand career services.
Q: What is your favorite part of being part of this department?
A: When I get a student placed in a job or internship, it really makes my day. It makes me really happy knowing that I was able to help them and that they are on the path to success. That is my favorite part.
For more information, contact Janine Sohler at careerservices@wnmu.edu or call 575-538-6277. The Career Services and Leadership Development Office is located in the Center for Student Success in the Juan Chacon Building Room 203.
