Law Student Profile
Career Development Office at Widener Law By Teresa Cajot The Career Development Office at Widener Law serves students and alumni in the job search and beyond. With online resources, campus recruiting programs, workshops, career panels, counseling services, and a mentoring program, students have access to the resources they need to establish a career plan and launch a successful job search.
The Career Development Office offers a number of online tools, including a downloadable resume/cover letter packet, which serves as a resume and cover letter writing guide. Symplicity Career Services Manager provides students and alumni with a password-protected means of posting resumes and searching job openings. The Career Development Office also provides password access to internships through www. internships-usa.com . Additional job-related information can be found at the Career Development blog, which provides information ranging from interview tips to legal market trends. However, the Career Development Office provides a number of resources beyond self-service options. Fall and spring oncampus recruitment programs and year-round employment listings services are available to employers who wish to recruit Widener students. The Career Development Office serves those who cannot attend the on-campus events, by collecting student resumes and sending them out at the employer’s request. Employers may also ask students to send their resumes directly to them. The Career Development Office also sponsors career workshops on a variety of subjects, including resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, networking and business development, the basics of running a law firm, and exploring e-filing. The Careers in Law Series features numerous offerings, some of which include a bankruptcy panel, international law, local and state government opportunities, federal government opportunities, commercial real estate, and federal and state judge clerkships. In 1999, the Career Development Office established the
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Widener Network Mentoring Program, which joins volunteer alumni, practitioners, and judges with 1L students. The program is designed to assist new students who may need guidance in their first year of law school. Within the Career Development Office, students and alumni can access further valuable resources, such as directories, career books, and job binders. Self- assessment tests are also available within the office for the gauging of individual skills, goals, and job needs. The Career Development Office can also provide valuable information about clinical programs, externship opportunities, and public interest opportunities that can serve to guide students in recognizing potential areas of career interest. Reciprocity services are also available for those who wish to access employment opportunities in different areas. Mock interviews sessions are available, both within the Career Development Office and through an annual mock interview program that is sponsored by the Career Development Office. Students and alumni can schedule an hour-long, videotaped mock interview with a counselor at any time during the year or they can take advantage of the mock interview program, which takes place every January. Through the program, alumni and practicing lawyers are invited onto the Widener campus to interview with students. In an effort to serve the needs of its evening students, Widener’s Career Development Office also offers evening division workshops and evening office hours. Students can contact counselors to arrange evening and telephone appointments.
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