Prior to working for the Center for Career Development, I had only had a vague idea of the resources it offered on its website. I knew I could make an appointment to talk with a career coach, and there were some sample resumes that I could look at online… but little did I know that was only the beginning. From a collection of more than 70 career development videos to a mini-LinkedIn for UConn alumni, I believe that many students do not fully take advantage of all the resources the career center offers. Although there are many more useful features, today I will be exploring two.
This library of 72 videos is truly comprehensive. The basics including resumes, cover letters, interviewing, and networking are certainly covered in-depth, however I am sure that even the most seasoned career professionals could learn something new if they consulted this archive. From one-way interviews, to social media branding, to handshakes, to requesting recommendations, all audiences will be able to benefit from Career on Demand. The best part? You don’t have to restrict yourself to learning at specific times. They’re up on the website now and they’ll be up the next time you check, so feel free to listen and learn at your own pace.
This extremely valuable resource takes the “work” out of networking. Really. I recently used this to get connected with a UConn alumna who works in the industry that I wanted to pursue. All I had to do was take a 10-minute quiz about my interests and career aspirations, and I was matched with her because my career goals and her professional experience were compatible. It also matched me with several other alumni that I have plans to contact in the near future. Don’t know what to talk about or how to reach out? Husky Mentor Network indicates what topics your mentor is open to discussing, such as industry insights, resumes, interviewing, general career advice, and more. It also streamlines messaging with sample prompts you can use to start the conversation. Remember, these are UConn alumni who wanted to serve as resources. So, it’s certainly worthwhile giving a try.
