Career Center useful for all years and interests

By Rachel Michener

A career? I have four more years to think about that.

That could be a familiar line coming from any college freshman. Yes, it is true, but do you really want to stress yourself out during your senior year? The fact is there are many things you can do for your future before you hit your fourth year, even if you have no specific career plans.

Here at Santa Clara, the Career Center is calling for more freshmen and sophomores who are interested in securing their future. I'll admit, I wasn't personally concerned with my career, thinking "I am just a freshman," but now I've started to take notice.

Currently, the demand for new employees is low and the economy is unpredictable. Who knows what our chances will be like when we graduate? I personally would be more comforted with a sound resume, good interview skills and an internship under my belt.

I have found that many freshmen know little to nothing about the Career Center. When I asked Darren Keeley how much he knew about the Career Center, he responded by saying, "Really, nothing at all."

Freshman Marcus Montanile stated, "They send me e-mails."

Many others mentioned that they notice the e-mails, but admitted to deleting them immediately. This initially led me to think that perhaps the Career Center is just not doing enough marketing.

But after a bit of research and a meeting with Career Center Director Kathy Potter, I concluded that the Career Center is really doing enough marketing. Potter mentioned that at the Career Center, "students hear it when they need to hear it."

This is true, considering that there are various flyers and posters plastered all over the school in common places so that students will regularly see them. Assistant Director Elspeth Rossetti said, "We are looking for avenues to reach students in the best way possible."

These tactics are obviously the best way to reach students, but I'm wondering how the importance can be conveyed to the underclassmen who pass over the signs. It would be nice to get students to the Career Center to take advantage of what is available.

Donald Trump often says, "Start early," and look where he is.

Preparation is key, and so it would be best to start gathering sources and contacts so that you can start building off of your base when you head out into the real world.

The great thing is that the Career Center has so many different resources to help students get started. Mock interviews, resume assistance and various self-assessment tests are all available. They even have the ability to tape you on a mock interview so that you can critique yourself.

Even if you are unsure of what career path would suit you, there is always help in the Career Center. Another advantage is that it is free while you are a student at Santa Clara -- otherwise, career advising can cost a lot of money. There is ample time to make a same-day appointment, and it can make a big difference in your future.

The benefits aren't limited to your future. There are opportunities to job shadow, get an on-campus job and find an internship. The Career Center sponsors numerous job fairs and internship fairs that consist of top companies willing and ready to give Santa Clara students jobs.

Don't wait until senior year. Visit the Career Center today and see what they have to offer.

Rachel Michener is an undeclared freshman.