Why Affordable Career Services Matter for Online Students
If you’re doubtful about the benefits of career services, look at the numbers. According to a NACE study, graduates who used one career service received 1.24 job offers. There’s a 0.05 increase in job offers with every additional service used. In contrast, graduates who didn’t use career services only received one job offer.
The bottom line: You must use your online college’s free and affordable career services. Getting more job offers is only one of the many benefits that career services bring.
Why do your chances of getting more job offers increase with your use of career services? It has something to do with job readiness that prospective employers look for. Prospective employers can determine your job readiness on your resume and interview. It’s the way you present yourself, including your education and work experience.
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What is job readiness in the first place? Job readiness is your preparedness for entering and succeeding in the workforce. You must have the right skills, attitudes, and behaviors for the job.
Keep in mind that every job has its specific requirements. In general, nonetheless, prospective employers look for the following aspects of job readiness:
- Technical skills based on the job and industry
- Transferable skills: communication, critical thinking, and collaboration
- Workplace etiquette
- Emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability
How do affordable career services come into the job readiness picture? Your career coach will provide intensive guidance about these aspects. After your coaching sessions, you’re more confident and it will show in your resume and interview.
Indeed, online colleges with career services should be on top of your list. Think of it as thinking ahead. On your first day of classes, you’re already planning your career. Look for free and affordable career development services ASAP.
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How Career Services Support Online Students
Each of the career services for online students has different yet complementary benefits. You must then use every career service, if possible, to enjoy all their benefits. For example, your resume may be top-notch. But if your interview skills are below par, your job offers can evaporate.
Here are the career services offered by online colleges and their specific benefits.
Career exploration services
Many bachelor’s degrees open a wide range of career opportunities. Business administration, communication, and computer science are notable examples. You can become a corporate employee or an entrepreneur with a business degree.
If you’re still unsure about your career options, you and your career coach will discuss them. Career assessment tools and career path advice are available, too.
Job support services
Job support at online colleges includes job coaching, recruiting, and search assistance. You’ll get guidance on finding and landing jobs aligned with your interests and goals.
Virtual career fairs
Online job fairs are common in online colleges where students and employers gather. Chats, video calls, and virtual booths are the norm. These are also excellent networking opportunities even if you don’t land a job.
Professional branding services
In the digital world, creating a strong online presence is a must. Your personal website, social media, and LinkedIn profiles are sources of information. Be sure to impress prospective employers with your online relevance, too. Low-cost career coaching for students with high returns on investment.
Resume and cover letter reviews
These are must-have services in career counseling at online colleges. Remember that your resume and cover letter are your first impressions on paper. You will work with a career coach in crafting a resume and cover letter that will put you in the best possible light. Plus, you’ll learn writing tips to tailor them to every job application.
Interview preparation
Think of your interview as the follow-through to your resume and cover letter. Your interview performance can make or break your job application. So, be sure to practice your interview skills with a career services staff.
Other career services available are professional development workshops and networking coaching. The more you use these services, the better your job readiness can be.
Don’t hesitate to use them, especially if these are free or low-cost services. The returns on investment are tremendous.
Top Online Colleges Offering Affordable Career Services
University of Florida Online
UF Online offers quality yet affordable college career programs in diverse disciplines. Its commitment to affordability extends to its Career & Networking services. The C3 offers an extensive range of career services, from career counseling to interview preparations. There’s also the Gator CareerLink for networking and employment opportunities.
Oregon State University Ecampus
OSU’s Ecampus Virtual Career Center offers free virtual career services for students. These include resume reviews, mock interviews, and career counseling. Students can also get experience and find jobs through the portal.
Purdue University Global
The Center for Career Advancement offers extensive services free of charge. Online students can search and apply for jobs, explore career resources, and request social media reviews.
University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC’s Office of Career Services offers career development services for students and alumni. CareerQuest is its primary source for internship and job listings, among others. There are also career planning services, career events, and job fairs.
Florida International University Online
The Virtual Career Center offers 24/7 free career services for online students. These services cover the research, hunt, and apply aspects of starting a career.
Colorado State University Global
CSU Global’s Career Services promotes career success among its students and alumni. Resources and services available include assessments, resume and cover development, and internship and job search. The Global Connect website offers networking and mentoring opportunities, too.
Capella University
The Career Development Center offers many personalized career services and resources. One-on-one career coaching is an intensive service popular among new and graduating students. Career development events and professional development webinars are available, too.
Penn State World Campus
Penn State’s Career Services Team is composed of dedicated career counselors. Online students work with them to create personalized career plans free of charge.
Arizona State University Online
Online students have free access to excellent career services, including updates on application materials. There are also internship and job-hunting services.
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU’s Career Services include career advising, résumé writing, and portfolio development.
These online colleges offer outstanding online colleges with job placement support. But keep in mind, too, that career services aren’t the be-all and end-all of college. You must also consider cost, quality of instruction, and flexibility.
What to Expect from Online Career Services
Let’s first talk about the digital platforms that online colleges use for their virtual career services. Most online colleges have their own dedicated portals for career services. These portals can be on the official website itself or part of its learning management system (e.g., Canvas). Students log into these portals to access the career services and connect with the staff.
Many online colleges also use independent platforms to deliver their career services. Notable examples include:
- Handshake, a platform for internship and job listings and networking events
- Symplicity, a career services management platform used by many universities
- LinkedIn Learning, a professional networking platform also used for resume reviews and career coaching
The common career services offered by online colleges are as follows.
- Career counseling services provide students with useful information about their career options. One-on-one and group sessions discuss career planning strategies, too.
- Resume and cover letter assistance can be in the form of coaching sessions, webinars, and recorded workshops.
- Mock interviews and other forms of interview preparation are available through video conferencing tools. Students also get access to practice questions and guides.
- Internship placements include access to listings of internships and guides.
- Professional branding services cover assessments, workshops, and LinkedIn profile support.
- Networking opportunities include virtual networking events and access to alumni networks.
- Job search assistance uses job boards and application-tracking tools.
Online colleges also offer career-related resource libraries for online students. Guides on career planning and job search are popular. Interview tips and resume templates are also common. These are available in various modes, too, such as videos, forums, and articles.
Every online college has its specific set of career services, modes of delivery, and quality. Set realistic expectations since there are no perfect career services. But if you use them on a consistent basis, you will know how to maximize them.
How to Access Affordable Career Services at Your Online College
Affordable career centers at online schools make it easy for students to access their services. However, many students don’t take advantage of these career services for many reasons. You may, for example, feel that there’s still time since you’re a freshman.
Whatever your reason, you must avail of career services ASAP. You will agree that enjoying a successful career takes time and planning. Here are steps and tips to make it possible.
- Explore the career services portal first. You have the benefit of anonymity, so you don’t have to be shy. There’s no need to contact a career coach during your first visit, either.
- If you have questions, ask them. Read the FAQs section, too, if it’s available. Career services support staff usually have training to handle questions.
- Use the free career services. Free workshops, podcasts, and webinars on writing resumes, searching for jobs, and planning your career are available.
- Take advantage of the tools offered, such as for career assessments. There’s no right or wrong answer, so be honest. Use the career assessment tools at varying points of your college career. You may or may not have changed your career preferences.
- Take part in virtual networking events, such as career and job fairs. Join the alumni network, too, for mentorship and referral opportunities.
- Apply for membership in job and internship sites. Create a Handshake and LinkedIn Learning profile for starters.
Most importantly, stay connected with your career coach during your college career. As you evolve as a person, your career preferences will change. Even if these don’t change, you will appreciate the relevant guidance as the job market changes.
Maximizing the Value of Career Services for Your Future
Even the best career services will be in vain if you don’t maximize them to your fullest advantage.
Be proactive.
Set your career goals before meeting with a career counselor. Even a single sentence is a good start. Be sure to set regular meetings, too, so you can stay on track. Once every semester is a good idea.
Build strong relationships.
Every person you encounter in career services has an important role to play. Fellow students, support staff, and career counselors are VIPs. Build strong relationships with them and watch as your career soars in the future. Your fellow students, for example, can provide job referrals.
Give back.
Building strong relationships is predicated on a give-and-take dynamic. Give back as much as you take. Express your appreciation to your career counselor. Give feedback on the quality of career services. Refer career services to other students.