Don't delay visit to Career Services

Monday, August 22, 2005

Students should be thinking about possible career options the moment they step foot on campus, according to the career advisors who have offices in each college at Oklahoma State University.

“Effective career planning involves not only choosing a major but also the activities, part-time jobs, volunteer projects and internships that a student completes over the course of their time in college. All of this is important to their resume and job potential, that's why it is good to get started now,” said Lindsay Vallaster, Spears School of Business coordinator for internships. “We take a very individual approach to each student because each one of them brings a unique set of talents and experiences to his or her internship or job search. We want to make sure we capitalize on previous experience and individual strengths."

The first questions Vallaster and other career advisors want to know is, “What initially attracted you to a career in a specific field and where are you in the process of getting there?”

“The answer to these questions not only gives me insight into your motivation and aspirations, but also allows me to give advice specifically tailored for where you are now in the personal development or job search process. That helps me lead you one step further toward achieving your career goals," she said.

Whether you're just starting to seriously look at career options or you're well advanced in the process, Vallaster and her colleagues can help.

“We can point you toward the many internship and leadership opportunities that are available at OSU and eventually help you build a resume that will get a potential employer's attention," she said.

Business majors can contact Vallaster at 405-744-4465. Others can contact their college's career services office or the main Career Services office at 405-744-5253 or go the website.