No matter where you are in your academic and career journey, Career Services offers a variety of supports to help guide your career development. As you move through the years, Careers can help you clarify your direction, gain relevant experience and prepare you for your next steps in university and beyond.

First-Year Students

Your first year of university is about navigating your new surroundings, but a common misconception is that it’s too early to start career planning. Career Services can help you:

  • Explore your options: Whether you’re unsure if your current program is a good fit, or are considering changing programs but want to learn more about a new career direction, Career Services can help you plan your academic journey in a Degree/Program Change session.
  • Build your resume early: If you want to create a standout resume and cover letter, but aren’t sure where to start, stop by for a Resume and Cover Letter Review session that can set you up for success.
  • Get involved on campus: Want to get a job on campus, or are you looking to gain experience through extracurriculars or volunteer work? Discover the mySuccess Job Board along with ways to increase your employability through a Job Search and Networking Session.

Second-Year Students

In your second year of university, your main focus is on figuring out career direction. Career Services can help you:

  • Discover career paths: If you’re unsure about where your degree can take you, a Career Exploration session can help you identify key skills you’ve built in your studies and how they align to certain career paths, as well as look at what alumni from similar backgrounds are doing.
  • Find internships and co-ops: Looking to land a co-op job, internship or entry-level student position? A Job Search and Networking session will give insight into the steps involved in seeking relevant work opportunities and succeeding in your job hunt.
  • Ace your interviews: Interviewing is not an easy skill to master for most people! But practicing and feeling confident in your answers goes a long way. To get ahead with interview preparation, take part in a Mock Interview session where you will get key interview tips and suggestions.

Third-Year Students

Third year is a great time to gain relevant experience and look ahead to the future. Career Services can help you:

  • Clarify your career goals: Looking to narrow down your career options, or find out what steps to take to achieve your goals? In a Career Exploration session, Career Services can assess your aspirations and interests and offer guidance on which paths would be the best fit.
  • Explore further education: Thinking about grad school or professional programs down the line? Attend a Further Education session to explore your options and understand the application process and deadlines involved (tip: these deadlines are often earlier than people expect!).
  • Practice interviewing and networking: Hoping to sharpen your interview skills and professional etiquette for your job search? In a Mock Interview session, Career Services can walk you through effective responses to common interview questions and offer advice on how to best present yourself to employers.

Fourth-Year Students

Your fourth year of university is about planning life after graduation. Career Services can help you:

  • Plan for grad school: Unsure of what the right move would be for your career after graduating? Whether you’re deciding on graduate programs to apply for, or looking into specialized training or certifications, Career Services can guide you through the process in a Further Education session.
  • Perfect your applications: Looking to get professional feedback on your CV or personal statement/letter of intent before submitting your applications to grad school? Stop by for an Application Document Review session to get personalized advice.
  • Launch your career: If you’re searching for full-time jobs after graduation, attend a Job Search and Networking session to learn about positions in your field and networking tips. Students often wait for the end of their last term to think about this and end up overwhelmed, so the earlier you can get started on this, the better.

Graduate Students

Grad school is about turning your advanced skills and research into career opportunities. Career Services can help you:

  • Refine your resume: Need help making your resume stand out? Whether you’re refining your current resume, brushing up on the differences between a resume and a CV or learning what employers expect in a strong application, Career Services can guide you through it in a Resume and Cover Letter Review session.
  • Step into the workforce: Want to position yourself for roles beyond entry-level? Whether you’re learning how to leverage networking or presenting your skills and experience in the most effective way, Career Services can help you stand out in a Job Search and Networking Strategies session.
  • Master your interview skills: Attend a Mock Interview session to feel confident for upcoming interviews, as you’ll learn how to answer complex questions, express the value of your projects and demonstrate leadership and problem-solving skills that employers seek in experienced candidates.

Did you know that Career Services can support you even after you graduate? Alumni have access to Career Exploration and Resume and Cover Letter Review sessions, as well as tips and digital handouts on the Alumni Resources Hub on mySuccess/CUHire (accessed via Carleton360).

Come visit Career Services at Tory 401 during drop-in hours (Monday to Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.), or book a virtual or in-person appointment via mySuccess.