By: Lamar Thomas Jr, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, ljt5296@psu.edu

The Advising and Career Services Department at Penn State Brandywine is designed to enhance students in any stage of their career development. They are there whether it’s for reviewing major options, resumes or helping in job pursuit.

Earning a degree gives students an edge when pursuing a job in any industry. It also gives students skills that can be used in a broad range of career fields. Career services can help lead students to discover specific job positions that meet their interests and abilities.

Often, many students do not understand the variety of careers available based on their degree program or experience. Career services personnel can provide direction and information about a variety of jobs and even offer tips for acing the interview.

Career services student employee, Victoria Zhang, international business major, said, “Here at the career services office, I help with scheduling appointments for students and answering some questions or referring them to the staff.” Zhang indicated that career services personnel are, “very helpful . . .  especially for those in junior and senior year, but anyone, freshman and sophomores can also come to career services for help with major choices, jobs and internships . . .”

Christine Allen, career services coordinator, reiterated the importance of students seeking out their services early in their Brandywine career. “We help students who are exploring majors.  We encourage first and second-year students to make use of our services and attend events throughout the year. We offer events ranging from resume creation for part-time jobs or internships, to networking and advice from alumni and, of course, preparation for our career fair. It’s a common misconception that we are only here for juniors and seniors,” said Allen.

The staff also help review students’ resumes. Whether pursuing a summer job or starting a new career, career services will help build a resume that will stand out with employers.

Careers services also hosts many job fairs throughout both the fall and spring semesters. This allows the students to have face-to-face conversations with a company representative to ask any questions related to the company. The career fair is one of the most important events on campus, it provides interviewing experience by allowing one to share their qualifications and ask questions of a potential employer.

“I knew the career fair was upcoming and sought the help of personnel in career services, said Brooke Buchakjian, communications major. “Students can get help with their resume or cover letter; tips on securing the interview with a company and leads for jobs.” Buchakjian continued, “They were very beneficial with helping me; they looked over my resume and cover letter. They also provided a resume template to follow and inform me about the pop-up clothes shop which allowed students to shop (for free) from professional clothing they can use for a presentation, job interviews, and others.”

To find out more about career services, visit https://bw.psu.edu/acs. The office is located in 104 Main. Contact them by phone at 610-892-1390 or email at bw-career@psu.edu