New educational programs and networking events to give UMassD students an advantage
The UMass Dartmouth Career Center has big plans for UMassD students.
Located in the Campus Center, the Career Center offers a wide range of career planning services like helping to create resumes and cover letters, interview preparation, and internship and job search assistance to help students prepare for life after college. But the Center has taken its offerings to the next level.
"The Career Center has evolved to meet the needs of both employers and students to create a pipeline for professional success," said Un Yeong Park, who was recently appointed Director of the Career Center. "We want to focus not just on career preparation, but career education, so our students gain the necessary skills to thrive in whatever profession or field they choose."
New initiatives for career education include launching the Corsair Career Series (CCS) workshops related to storytelling skills and career readiness to strengthen skills in resume/cover letter writing, interviewing, and networking. The Series coincides with the new Corsair Career Certificate (CCC) to those who participate in CCS workshops and attend the Center's events. The Center also provides peer support through the Career Peers program, where students can work together on their career preparation materials while guided by Career Center staff.
Employers are noticing these changes.
"Our team visited UMass Dartmouth in the fall of 2021. This experience exceeded my expectations. The support given by the Career Center was exceptional, and they facilitated a full day of events that allowed us to meet with faculty, tour the campus, and engage directly with students," said Lynda Jarrett, Head of Digital Solutions & Technology at Amazon Robotics. "I left that visit inspired and excited about the collaboration opportunities we have and the partnership we're building with UMass Dartmouth!"
The Career Center has also placed a new emphasis on creating connections for students.
With a newly formed Employer Advisory Board (EAB), EAB members will collaborate in employer in residence programs, site visits, and job shadowing programs for students. The Strategic Partner Employers (SPEs) brings together 50 employers representing local and regional job markets to increase engagement between the companies and UMassD students. A priority for the Career Center is diversifying opportunities for students. A recent move to expand the existing Nursing Career Fair to the Nursing and Health Career Fair assisted nursing students and students interested in the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, health administration, and health IT industries. The Center also has begun offering new networking events with alumni and professionals in the federal government, clean and sustainability, arts, and various engineering fields.
"Many students know that a college degree is a powerful tool, but they often don't know the many avenues they can take, in a variety of industries, to find a rewarding career," said Park.
Results from students showcase the power of new Career Center programs.
"I was worried about my future as I did not have any experience with searching for internships. I became more confident after working with Amelia at the Career Center. She showed me that it takes persistence and confidence in my abilities to land an internship," said Richy Kroch, a senior in the Accounting program. "I am very grateful for coming to the Career Center for help."
Students, alumni, or employers interested in these dynamic offerings should contact the Career Center by calling 508-999-8658 or by emailing career@umassd.edu.