4 Year Plan - First Year
As a first-year student at Saint Joseph’s University, you may be wondering what the Career Development Center can offer you. In the next four years, you will be learning a great deal both in and out of the classroom. Upon graduation, you will have several options in your life after Saint Joseph’s. Perhaps you will embark on a full-time career, or continue on to graduate school, or spend some time as a full-time volunteer. Here are some tools that can assist you as you think toward the future:
Individual Career Consultations: Our staff of experienced counselors is happy to meet with you to discuss individual career-related needs. Students may call our office at 610.660.3100 to schedule an appointment. For quick questions or for assistance with resumes and cover letters, please visit our Drop-In Centers, located on the third floor of Campion and in Mandeville 206-A. Please check the home page for our most updated hours.
Self-assessment: We offer two online assessments to help you evaluate your personality and interests in terms of majors, internship settings and careers.
Major selection: Whether you have entered Saint Joseph’s University without having declared a major or you are considering a change in major, the CDC is available to assist with the decision-making process. Explore majors.
Mock Interviews: If you have never had a formal interview before, or if you would like to brush up on your interview skills, a mock interview is an excellent opportunity to prepare for the real thing. Mock interviews are available through two formats: each semester, we hold Mock Interview Days, when professional recruiters visit campus to conduct mock interviews with students. Additionally, you may call our office at 610.660.3100 to schedule a mock interview with a career counselor at any time.
Career fairs: The CDC hosts three on-campus career fairs each academic year. Employers come to campus looking to hire for internships, part-time and full-time positions, so there is something for everyone! Career fairs are a great way for you to meet with employers from a variety of industries to ask questions, gather information and to drop off a resume. Visit Career Fairs on our website for upcoming dates and further information.
Job listings: SJUcareers is a comprehensive online site that allows you access to hundreds of Full-time Jobs, Internships and Part-time Jobs - including job opportunities on campus. The on-campus job opportunities posted on SJUcareers include both work-study and non-work-study positions. Through SJUcareers, users can post resumes and cover letters and apply to positions electronically. To access your account (or to create a new SJUcareers account as an alumnus), please refer to the SJUcareers log-in window on our website: www.sju.edu/careers.
Internships: The CDC encourages all students of all majors and class years to complete at least two internships before graduation. An internship is a great way to explore various career options, to “test drive” a career to learn more about it, to gain real-world experience, and to build up a resume. Many internships provide a salary or the option to earn academic credit (with the approval of one’s academic department).
Career Workshops and Events: Throughout the academic year, the CDC facilitates a number of presentations on such topics as resume writing, interviewing, as well as a variety of career fields. Check out Career Events on our website for a complete listing.
Hawk Career Network: One of the best ways to explore various career options is to speak with someone who is currently in that profession. Through a partnership with the Alumni Office, thousands of SJU alumni have volunteered to mentor current students. Students are encouraged to visit Alumni Networking on our website for further details.