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ITCS offers students the opportunity to try out their potential occupation
while still in college
by Sarah Bartsch
As the job market becomes tighter and competition for reliable, high-paying occupations continues, thousands of people nationwide attend college with hopes of obtaining just one of the vanishing positions. For students in the Institute of Technology at the University, however, there is help. The Institute of Technology Career Services center (ITCS) provides help needed to get a jump start in today's fast-paced world.
Headed by director Sharon Kurtt, ITCS has helped thousands of students choose majors, secure internships and cooperative education positions in their field of study, prepare for interviews, create resumes, and find permanent employment. The center provides many different services and programs suited to fit the changing needs of the college student. Whether helping students find a list of employers or assisting them in getting a job, ITCS can clear up confusing issues.
A primary function of ITCS is aiding students in choosing a major. Recognizing that this is an important and stressful decision, ITCS has developed IT 1312, a two-credit course to help students select the right career path for them. The class, which is centered around the individual, allows students to observe and discover their interests and talents. The career course is not the only option available to students pondering their choice of major, though. Each October, the IT Career Fair, co-sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers and Eta Kappa Nu, gives students the opportunity to speak with representatives of different companies nationwide. Those attending the fair learn of less traditional employment options, including government agencies and national organizations. IT Week, sponsored by Plumb Bob, offers students a casual setting in which to discuss careers in technology with local and national employers. Held annually in May, IT Week provides an excellent opportunity for students to speak with important contacts.
In addition to these events, the Career Center itself is a valuable resource. Staffed by professionals who assist in identifying difficulties and assessing strengths, the center contains a library of job-related reference materials. The library houses data and information on a large number of companies.
The Current Opportunities Board, also located in the Career Center, lists job openings. Prospective employers send notices which are then cross-referenced by major, geographical location, and experience level. The board includes available part-time, cooperative education, and internship positions.
For students who are seeking a job, the staff of ITCS can read and critique their resumes, offering helpful suggestions to improve them. Once finished, the student can upload the finished resume onto the ITCS database. Through the Resume Referrals systems, employers specify desired qualifications in potential employees. A computer then searches the ITCS database for students who meet the designated criteria.
To help students with the interview, a simultaneously intimidating and crucial part of the job search process, ITCS provides one-on-one mock interview sessions in which students gain experience and receive advice from staff about answering questions. Counselors simulate occupational scenarios and ask questions commonly encountered in actual interviews. Staff members also address the issues of appropriate interview attire, what to discuss during the interview, and making a decision after being offered a position.
ITCS offers students the opportunity to try out their potential occupation while still in college. Internships, available during both summer and the academic year, offer short-term employment. Cooperative education, on the other hand, consists of alternating quarters of study and full-time paid employment. These positions are often limited to students who have achieved a certain grade point average and academic year standing. Throughout the year, employers from many industries conduct on-campus interviews of students seeking internships and cooperative education positions as well as full- and part-time employment.
Workshop sessions offered by ITCS throughout the school year focus on career ideas, resume writing, and interview practice. Students can also learn about employment trends, current salaries in various fields, and job availability.
Institute of Technology alumni are also welcome to use the aforementioned services. ITCS is located at 50 Lind Hall and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
