Career development is a process. And each student travels through that process uniquely, coming to a career decision in their own time. Just like their academic journey, their career journey is a cumulative one with each new experience building upon the previous one.
Three Steps of Career Development
From the moment students arrive at Puget Sound they begin to discover their skills and interests, to find their passions, and contemplate post-graduation opportunities.
Your student will explore options, reflect on what they’ve learned about work environments and career fields, and take advantage of resources that will help them along the way.
Career and Employment Services (CES) serves as students’ comprehensive career engagement center during their time in college. We help students engage in self-reflection, explore career options, and develop the job search skills necessary to successfully compete for internships and jobs. We're here to support students at every stage of their career development, and you can help by encouraging your student to:
• Reflect on their experiences; look for themes (likes, dislikes, etc.)
• Evaluate their interests and personality
• Identify skills and values
Students assess by reflecting on past experiences (part-time jobs, volunteer work, internships) and considering how those experiences align with their values, skills, and interests. CES offers a wide range of resources to support students as they define their interests including individual appointments, drop-in advising, and professionally interpreted or self-directed career assessment tests.
• Gather occupational information in a wide range of fields
• Research possibilities through direct experience
• Consider options and make decisions
Students explore options by using web resources, talking with people working in fields of interest, and testing out options by engaging in part-time work or internships in an area of interest. CES career research resources include: a network of Puget Sound alumni, web resources and guides, a career resource library, social media, along with individual and drop-in advising appointments to help students process what they’re learning.
• Develop resumes and online profiles (e.g. LinkedIn) that tell the story of their skills and experience
• Identify job prospects/opportunities, research employers, and target application materials to meet their needs
• Make an effective face-to-face impression with employers and connections
Students act by building a portfolio of professional application materials in print and online, seeking out and applying for positions of interest to them. In addition to various web resources, the CES team provides resume reviews and LinkedIn tutorials, along with advising appointments to help students navigate job boards, develop a job search action plan, and prepare for interviews.