Setting Your Student Up for Success: the Career Development Center

The MTSU Career Development Center empowers students with the tools and strategies to discover and engage in meaningful work and life. This journey begins as soon as the student enters college, with career exploration (what do I want to do?) and major exploration (what can I do with my major?).

Career Advising

The Career Center utilizes Career Assessments, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Strong Interest Inventory (SII) to help students explore their personalities, interests, and career goals and find a major that best aligns with them. Dedicated Career Advisors work with students on all aspects of job search coaching, including strategies, resume/ cover letter formation, networking, and interviewing. Multiple online resources are free to students through the Center, including Handshake and CareerShift for job searching and Big Interview for networking.

In addition to coaching students 1:1, we also work with faculty and staff across campus to provide varying online educational training platforms and professional training to groups, including student organizations.

The Career Closet

The MTSU Career Closet offers professional outfits to students in need. With donations from faculty, alumni, and community partners, we are able to provide a full closet to aid students going for interviews or presentations.

Employment

The MTSU Career Development Center works closely with employers to provide opportunities to students at all levels of education, from internships and on-campus employment to full-time careers. The annual Fall Career Fair brings over 150 employers to campus, allowing students to network with and learn more about the job opportunities available to them.

Your Role in Student Success

What can you as a parent or guardian do to ensure your student’s success in the transition from college to career? Encourage your students to begin thinking early about their career goals and what they can do during college to set themselves up for success, including joining student organizations, networking with professionals, and securing internships. Below is a timeline of recommended goals. Remember, students can meet with Advisors in the Career Center at any time, even as alumni!

Year 1: Self-Assessment

• Identify Interests

• Develop Skills

• Determine Values

• Assess Personality Traits

• Meet with Career Advisor

• Become Familiar with LinkedIn and Handshake

Year 2: Career Investigation

• Research Organizations

• Identify Job Responsibilities and Titles

• Learn from Professionals

• Update LinkedIn and Handshake

Year 3: Skill Building

• Update Resume

• Work a Part-Time Job or Internship

• Maximize Class Projects

• Get Involved on Campus

• Do Undergraduate Research

• Conduct Informational Interviews

Year 4: Job Searching & Networking

• Update Resume

• Conduct Mock Interviews

• Learn Salary Negotiation

• Network On and Off Campus

• Attend Career Events

• Secure Position or Apply to Grad School

Please visit mtsu.edu/career or call (615) 898-2500 for more information about the Career Development Center’s services and resources.