On the Hunt

Karen McCullough stepped into the role of Director of Career Services at Fort Hays State University in 2017. Her passion, energy and devotion to the Tiger family can be seen in the department’s resultsdriven success. Fort Hays State boasts a 96 percent success rate for job or advanced education placement of graduating seniors and the staff of Career Services are there to help every step of the way, connecting students with internships, interviews and networking connections. “It’s been exciting to come in and reimagine Career Services and reintroduce us to campus and the Hays community,” McCullough said. “Dan Rice brought many years of experience to the campus and set an amazing foundation. I was able to come in and refresh how we do business here, bringing in new technology and connections with employers.”

The job search process changed drastically from when McCullough first started with Career Services as an information analyst in 2002. There have been dramatic shifts in the use of social media and distance interviews conducted via Zoom and other internet video platforms.

Last year, Career Services held eight career fairs, both on-campus and online, introducing 284 employers to FHSU students and alumni. They also helped more than 900 students polish their interview skills, either online or through face-to-face mock interviews.

“Career Services is unique because we touch everyone,” McCullough said. “We connect with students and develop their professional skills while we’re also reaching out to faculty and building cross-campus partnerships. We’re also in the community and our region meeting with employers and making connections with internships and jobs.”

We asked McCullough for some guidance for today’s job hunters, how they can embrace uncertain times and find the patience and resilience to continue pursuing their dreams by taking the next step in their professional careers.

What advice do you have for new graduates and alumni searching for a job or promotion in today’s uncertain economy?

Facing the uncertainty of a down your job search documents for each necessary that job seekers are able to economy can shake the most seasoned position takes time, but aligning talk to potential employers about how job hunter. In times of slowing yourself to the job description will help they excel at working remotely, too. employment, focusing on a job search’s you stand out in a crowd of applicants. Staying positive and hopeful in foundational aspects can help you land As businesses shift to online hiring, the midst of uncertainty is vital. the right position. It’s important to ensure you are presenting yourself Companies are beginning to hire and it remember to target your job search professionally online. Consider your is essential to only focus on what is in on an industry that is hiring. Many available technology, professional your control. industries are still hiring including background and attire when meeting Remember, the Career Services healthcare, computer and IT, customer others online. Work to minimize Office is here to assist both current service, education and the accounting distractions from your environment. students and alumni with job search and finance fields. Stay up to date Practicing the interviewing process needs. Career Services offers access to with new jobs posted in these fields online is a must to ensure a seamless Handshake, a nationwide job search by customizing searches on online job experience for you and those with portal, which allows job seekers to boards and remember to network with whom you are interviewing. create an online profile and showcase family and friends who hold positions Now is a great time to continue their skills to employers. Currently, in these industries. learning! Analyze job descriptions for nearly 4,000 jobs and internships are

Take advantage of this time to positions of interest and learn what posted in Handshake. Many jobs are sharpen or refresh your job skills. skills employers are looking for in for entry-level positions, but there are Ensure your resume is up to date, with candidates. Build these skills through also positions listed for more seasoned your most recent job achievements, volunteer work, watching online videos professionals. Career Services offers educational credentials, training and or taking a refresher course. resources for interviewing both online transferable skills. Strive for these Many professional organizations and in-person, creating professional documents to be well-written and are currently offering free or reduced- social media profiles, networking, customized for each job which you are cost trainings. It’s an ideal time to add dressing professionally and many more applying. Spending time customizing value and skills to your resume. It is services.

A Tiger Family

When not advocating for student internships and careers, you’ll find Karen McCullough and her family championing Fort Hays State athletics.

“The opportunities to get involved at FHSU were perfect and that’s what I needed to get the confidence to be successful,” McCullough said.

Karen was a standout on the Tiger Debs dance team and she found herself building connections working as a student employee that would last a lifetime.

She met her husband, Jason McCullough, at FHSU when he was a graduate student in sports information and she was a member of the Tiger Debs. They both worked at all of the home sporting events and soon became inseparable, supporting one another and cheering on FHSU athletics.

Jason was initially recruited to wrestle at FHSU but later walked on to the track and field team. He went on to earn All-America honors in cross country and later became an FHSU instructor and head track and cross country coach for the Tigers.

“There’s something special about Fort Hays State,” Karen said. “You fall in love and don’t ever want to leave. You want your children to experience the hometown values, community support and mentoring that you enjoy as part of the Tiger family.”