Career Services Advisors Assist Students with Interview Skills, Networking

Navigating the path between academia and a successful career is full of challenges. The College of Computing’s Career Services team is at the heart of this transition and is a vital resource for students seeking jobs, internships, and networking opportunities. 

To help students connect with this resource, Career Services is hosting an Open House on January 24 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the team’s College of Computing Building (CCB) offices. The event is open to all computing students. 

Open houses are just one way the College’s Career Services advisors go beyond conventional offerings to embrace innovative approaches, preparing students for the challenges of the professional world.

Building well-rounded students with technical-interview help

Career Services advisors are experienced in helping students showcase their knowledge and skills in the most effective ways possible. They are available to assist with things like resume writing and mock interviews, providing feedback to make students stronger job candidates. 

An area where students often need the most help is with technical interviews. A technical interview is a part of the interview process in which an employer assesses a candidate’s technical ability for the role and depth of knowledge in their field.

Image

“Employers have mentioned that technical interviews are where students need to improve,” School of Computing Instruction (SCI) Chair Olufisayo Omojokun said. “The idea is to complete the picture of a well-rounded student, and Career Services is here to assist.”

Career Services advisors are launching a technical interview tool called “Exponent” to help students better prepare. This will provide opportunities for students to practice and sharpen their technical interview skills. 

Advisors are also exploring the idea of recording interviews to allow students to see themselves in mock interviews.

Making connections

Another important aspect of a student’s professional journey is networking. Advisors say that it’s never too early to start interacting with people in your field. Even first-year students are encouraged to participate in upcoming networking events and career fairs.

“Day one - build your network!” College of Computing Career Services Advisor Anika McCarty said.

Career Services hosts events for computing students throughout the semester. They also collaborate on events with the College’s Corporate Affiliates Program (CAP Program).

Image

"We offer several networking events that feature alumni, recruiters from CAP companies, faculty, staff, and others. You never know who you might meet there,” College of Computing Career Services Advisor Morgan Gore said. 

Meet your career services advisors

Along with its Open House on January 24 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in CCB 156A and 156B – which will feature plenty of free donuts – Career Services invites students to make advising appointments through CareerBuzz. The team also welcomes student walk-ins on Wednesdays for questions and help. 

More information about the College’s Career Services can be found here.