As another academic year rolls in, seniors and juniors alike are turning their thoughts to the future -- and this vision of the future is guided in part by the Johns Hopkins Career Center.
Since well over three-fourths of the University's undergraduates go to some graduate school a few years within graduation, it should be no surprise that Johns Hopkins has a pre-professional focus. The Career Center is one facet of this job-oriented mentality.
The Center offers a large variety of services that include interview preparation, resume-building help, internship finding, information about professional etiquette and attire and even on-campus recruiting. There are also career counselors for undergrads unsure of their career direction.
A large portion of graduates in technical fields, such as engineering, often undersell themselves during an interview. Places such as the Career Center help alleviate this problem by offering services in interview preparation. In particular, the Career Center stresses doing research on a company before walking in for an interview.
Professor Leslie Kendrick said, "The bottom line is that you have a tremendous opportunity to differentiate yourself through the research you conduct." The Career Center even offers mock interviews for those looking for some interactive practice.
The all-important sheet of paper known as a resume is also thrown open for improvement at the Career Center. Tips range from advice on the basics, such as cover letters and transcripts, to general information on the amount of competition any particular applicant may be up against.
Presentations organized by the Career Center occur year-round on topics ranging from "A Day in the Life of a Graduate Student" to "Networking: Turning Your Contacts into Careers" to "Making the Most of Intersession."
The Career Center recently held a kickoff party to advertise their services. A large contingent of freshman showed up, eager to see what was available. Though the registration computers were packed, impressions were generally positive.
Freshman Jared Esopo said, "I walked in the office expecting just to receive some pamphlets and menial flyers, but I came out with much more. I learned a lot." Freshman Emily Cook noted, "The staff was very helpful. I have no complaints."
On-campus recruitment opportunities are a vital part of career counseling. On-campus recruiting occurs from September to May, and though positions are considered appropriate for freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors, it is also relevant to know that recruiters are looking to fill entry-level, full-time positions and internships. In order to take part in on-campus recruitment, a student must register, submit a resume and take part in an interview process.
One of the strengths of the Career Center is the wealth of printed materials they hand out. A year-by-year career guide is readily available, detailing a plan for students at all levels to get to where they would like to be in the professional world. Weekly e-mails are also an ingredient in the Center's formula for success. Once a student logs onto the web address http://www.jhu.edu/careers and creates a user account, their email inbox is sent a message each week.
Despite all of the opportunities the Career Center offers, there is still work to be done to make the Career Center as effective as it could be. Mainly due to their popularity, appointments are notoriously difficult to procure, and must be scheduled several weeks in advance. The Center's location, on the somewhat distant third floor of Garland, also makes it easy to overlook. Finally, some have complained that the business advising and preparation is of low caliber.
The Career Center is located on the third level of Garland Hall. The center's hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on other weekdays.
