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The University of Northern Iowa

Parents' Frequently Asked Questions

 

What services are provided by Career Services to assist students in the career development process?

Career Services has a wide array of resources and services to assist all students with the career development process. These resources include: computerized career exploration systems, a career decision making course, experiential learning and internship opportunities, job fairs, on-campus interviewing, an extensive career library, and individual advising sessions to help students identify interests, explore majors and careers, and develop job search skills. The Career Services' web site gives an excellent overview of all of the services we provide.

When should students begin to use Career Services?

The earlier students begin the career development process the better. We encourage all students to meet with a professional staff member in our office sometime during their freshman year. Students who have developed their skills and gained relevant experience during their college years will be much more marketable upon graduation. Therefore, we encourage freshmen to stop in Career Services (map) to learn how we may be of assistance in the career development process.

Is it important for students to do an internship while in college?

Employers consistently tell us that they are seeking to hire graduates who have career-related experience. Our Cooperative Education/Internship program allows students to work flexible hours in business, industry, government or nonprofit organizations related to their major. The benefits of cooperative education are numerous. Students can earn academic credit (must meet appropriate requirements), evaluate their choice of major, clarify and define career goals, earn money (depending on the experience), develop job related skills and improve their prospects for employment by accruing professional experience.

How can students obtain specific information about careers such as placement rates, salaries, and job prospects?

Career Services library contains numerous directories, periodicals, and reference texts in both print and electronic form. These resources will help students learn more about specific careers, including employer expectations, working conditions, academic requirements, salaries, and job prospects in particular fields. Our Career Services Library catalog is accessible through our web site. We encourage students to stop in Career Services to utilize these materials as they explore careers and full-time employment.

Does selection of a major limit job opportunities?

It is very typical for students to change majors several times during their academic years. It is important for students to explore options within a field to avoid misdirected changes in their choice of a major. Career Services is available to assist students in determining their skills and interests and how they may fit with a particular major/minor. It is important to remember that no major will guarantee a job. Employers will be seeking graduates who demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills, problem solving skills, research skills, ability to use technology, ability to work as part of a team, and organizational skills. It is important that students utilize experiential learning and internship programs to develop these skills and compliment their classroom learning.

What kind of services/programs do you have in place for students ready to seek full-time employment?

Career Services assists seniors, graduate students and alumni in their preparation and search for full-time employment. Our services include advising on job search strategies, career-related workshops, resume referrals to employers, on-line vacancy listings, career fairs, on-campus interviewing opportunities, and our CareerLink web registration system. Each year, over 600 employers visit the UNI campus to attend our career fairs and/or participate in on-campus interviewing. We strongly encourage all students/alumni to visit with our professional staff and utilize the many services we have in place for those seeking full-time employment. 

How can parents and other family members assist students in the career development process?

Encourage your son or daughter to visit Career Services as early as freshman year to learn about the many services and programs we offer. We want to empower students with the skills, experience and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their career planning. This is best accomplished with an early start! We also encourage you to visit the other layers of our "parent web site" to learn about additional ways you may connect with Career Services.