Future Planning

Latech Murphy, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, Lnm107@psu.edu

Career Services at Penn State is a great place for students to seek help in deciding which career path fits their passions, strengths and skills.

Normally when students hear about career services, they think of activities related only to the job search process. Many are unaware of all of the resources available.

“There are more free resources available to students than they realize,” Christine Allen, Brandywine’s Coordinator of Career Services, said. “I would love to sit down with students and help them.”

Career services’ new initiative is to encourage students from year one, as a freshmen, to start early and to make good use of the services and gain relevant experience in the form of volunteering, part-time employment and internships.

Deciding which career path to take consists of many aspects: increasing self-awareness, exploring career options, and gaining the knowledge, skills and experience that will help a person to determine career choices. The process is different for each individual and the Career Services’ staff assists in developing career goals and planning steps to reach those goals.

“I am so happy our school offers these services to all students because it’s an awesome way to help us with our career goals,” Kevin Hopkins, a Brandywine junior, said.

Students can get help with creating a resume and cover letter, preparing for an interview and researching employers. Students are encouraged to upload their resume to the job board on the Career Services’ network and sign up to the Nittany Lion Career Network.

Allen and her team work closely with the advising center to offer career counseling. Career counseling offers an opportunity to discuss one’s life and career goals. Counseling may include assessment, which helps one to identify and organize interests, strengths, weaknesses, abilities and values as they relate to career fields.

Students interested can stop by 104 Main to schedule an appointment with Career Services Coordinator Christine Allen.

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