Richardson
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Several years ago, the Office of Career Services was looking for ways to better serve a growing student population. Office director Christine Richardson said the small staff saw a fraction of the 7,500 students at IU South Bend.
The Job Lab was developed to get students more resume and job search help. The five-computer lab is staffed 15 hours per week. Students drop in to check job posting bulletin boards and to develop or rework a resume and cover letter.
Two other opportunities give students additional insight into career choices. “Coffee and Careers” is a “choosing your major,” drop-in session held twice a year before the semester registration. Students get a chance to have a free cup of coffee and speak to career counselors, academic advisers and professors about majors and career choices.
The second—a mini-workshop—brings hiring managers to campus in the spring, before the annual March job fair. Area human resources personnel come from banking, health care, education, government and business. “They give a step-by-step account of the hiring process. They demystify getting a job. Last year, we had a packed house for the event,” Richardson said.
These three services are succeeding in helping more students.
“We are serving students more effectively. The Job Lab helps about 45 to 50 students per month. That translates to 45 or 50 one-hour appointments,” she said. “Coffee and Careers typically sees 100 students per session.”
Limited staff and resources have spurred the Office of Career Services to become more creative in meeting the needs of the multi-generational, commuter student population.
The IU South Bend career services events have been featured in an E-mail newsletter from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Richardson said she and her staff have received inquiries and E-mails from career offices across the country about the programs.
http://www.iusb.edu/~sbcareer/contactus.shtml
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