Campus Conversations

Oxy's Career Development Center

March 15, 2013

Blogger: Sarah Sterling

There are a lot of amazing things about being a senior at Occidental College. For one, you are most likely done with your core requirements and can take any classes you want. You can also go to events like Oxy’s Pub Night where seniors gather to receive free beer. Or you might get to enjoy turning in your thesis and have a fun and fancy free last semester. But all of this is somewhat eclipsed by the reality that you are about to enter the “real world” and you need a job.

Starting your real-life job search sounds, and is, daunting. Now that I’m finally starting this process I find myself getting angry that I was forced to learn algebra and read The Grapes of Wrath in high school instead of learning more valuable skills like, oh, I don’t know, how to write a resume and/or cover letter. Luckily Oxy has its very own Career Development Center (the CDC) and they have been incredibly helpful. Not only does the CDC edit resumes and cover letters, but they will full-on help you find a job or internship. Many of my friends have worked incredible jobs during school semesters that they found through the CDC.

I thought that I knew how to write and organize my resume, but I realized I was wrong when I left the CDC for the first time with a draft full of red ink. But, thanks to the CDC, I now have a really professional and concise resume that I have been sending out to employers. I am confident that with their help I can snag a great job for after graduation.

I know some of you are waiting to hear back about college applications and, let me say, I feel you. I haven’t been this stressed about being “accepted” into anything since I was in your shoes. But I definitely feel better equipped than most job applicants out there because I have a staff full of intelligent and skilled CDC editors helping get through this crazy process! If you have been accepted to Oxy already, definitely check out the CDC to see what opportunities there might be for semester-based or summer jobs!