CAREER DEVELOPMENT

From the day you step on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan University until the day you graduate, the Career Development office is here to assist you. This office can provide you with the guidance and support you need to assess career interests, explore occupations, transition through a career change, proceed through the job search process and prepare for the professional workplace. Stop by today to design a career plan for your future!

The career programs listed below are part of our Professional Development Series. These program are intended to educate students on the different strategies that go into looking for a career after they graduate. These programs are presented by the Director for Career Development and look to continue the discussion on the different ways students will have to prepare to find a job after college. Not only do they provide valuable information in preparing for a career, they are also required for business majors.

• Cover Letters and Resumes
• Dress for Success
• Interviewing Strategies
• Job Search Strategies
• Life After College

The final piece to the Professional Development Series is the Etiquette Dinner Which is held in the Spring Semester of each academic year. Have you ever sat down at a formal dinner and wondered, “What are all these forks for?” Or have you ever been unsure of the appropriate ways to raise a certain topic? The Etiquette Dinner is a fun, non-threatening way to learn business etiquette skills while enjoying a three course meal!

CAREER COUNSELING

The Career Services Center is well equipped to help students answer the key questions involved in the career decision-making process.  The first step is assessment.  A number of “tools” are available to students including John Holland’s Self-Directed Search and numerous online assessments.  These assessment tools, in combination with individual career counseling appointments, help students evaluate their interests, skills and values.

Another critical step in the career decision-making process is research.  The Career Services Center can help students research and explore careers by arranging a job shadow, lining up an informational interview, providing information through print and internet resources and informing students about career fairs and networking contacts.

Additionally, the Career Services Center helps students with the action steps necessary to achieve their career goals.  Employment information is available for professional, part-time and summer job opportunities.  Classroom presentations may be scheduled on resume and cover letter writing, the job search process, interviewing and professional workplace conduct.  Information is also provided on career fairs and interview days.

Students intending to enter graduate school can also be assisted by the Career Services Center.  Test information is available on the GRE, MCAT, LSAT and GMAT.  Assistance is also provided in planning for graduate school and guiding students through the application process.

Students who may be struggling with their career choice, talking of changing their major or feeling overwhelmed by the job search process or acceptance to graduate school may be referred to the Career Services Center for assistance.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES

Iowa Wesleyan University is committed to providing students opportunities to learn about professional life after graduation. One way in which this commitment is lived out is through the Professional Development Series which is offered each semester. The series is intended to assist students in setting themselves apart from other recent graduates in professional settings. The series includes workshops covering writing cover letters and resumes, dressing for success, interviewing strategies, job searching strategies and an etiquette dinner.

GRADUATION SURVEY

Each spring, at commencement, soon-to-be graduates are surveyed. The survey aims to provide information on the graduating class. Employment rates, employment within field of study, post-graduate education, expected salaries, interest in volunteerism, and alumni information are all components to the grad survey.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Students will develop skills and utilize resources to be career ready.
• Students will be able to determine personal interests, strengths, values, and skills that will inform intentional career decision-making .
• Students will be able to create a plan of personal goals for professional growth.