A Guide for World Changers and Earth Shakers

world CAREER CENTER’S GUIDE FOR

CHANGERS AND

EARTH

shakers

Great stories begin with you.

God created you — your quirks, skills, and personality — for a great purpose.

Be

FEARLESS,

BOLD, and PASSIONATE ­— a flame this world cannot extinguish.

You have it in you. Recognize your strength and make your dreams happen.

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Classes. Internships. Graduate School. Job Applications.

WHERE DO YOU BEGIN? START HERE. No matter your year or how behind you feel, the Career Center and its staff are prepared to meet you where you are. This judgment-free space is all about helping you succeed.

You have dreams — big and audacious goals — and you want to see them happen. So do we.

Liberty University was built upon one man’s dream of Training Champions for Christ. His dream became a goal that would change thousands of lives for Christ, and yours can do the same.

will use you to accomplish incredible things. He has a great story planned for this world, and you are vital to that story taking place.

Whatever your dream may be, the Career Center can help you turn that dream into a goal.

You have what it takes to make it happen.

Come see us today in  MONTVIEW STUDENT UNION, ROOMS 2500 AND 2560.

Whether you plan to be a nurse, pastor, educator, designer, or scientist, God can and

1

DISCOVER

MOVE

CONNECT

START HERE

The Liberty University Career Center meets you where you are. Whether you are a college student choosing a degree program or an alumnus seeking a career change, you will fit into one of the three stages outlined below. The process laid out in this guide is fluid, meaning you may find yourself in different stages at different times.

Find where you are now and see which steps you need to take next to reach your goal.

STEP 1

Discover.

You can’t move forward unless you know where you currently stand. Decide on your end goal, such as successfully completing an interview or knowing what career to pursue. Then determine what you need to get there (e.g., a required internship or an interview) and what you already have (e.g., an updated résumé).

STEP 3

STEP 2

Connect.

Look for connections and resources that will help you reach your goal. Whatever you don’t have, find a resource that can provide it. For example, the Career Center provides services such as internship and career coaching, mock interviews, and résumé critiques. They can even direct you to other resources to assist in reaching your career goal.

Move.

Put your goal into action. Take what you have and what you’ve gained through your resources and act on them. Declare your major, upload your résumé and apply for the job, or go to the interview.

3

MY DREAM JOB

If you don’t know where you are heading, then you are in good company.

Many students don’t, but the Career Center has all the information, resources, and guidance to get you where you need to be.

CAREER G U I DA N C E

Career Coaches Liberty’s career coaches are here for you. No matter where you are in your career plan, this no-judgment center means you bring what you have and the career coaches will assist you in making a plan from there. Set an appointment today at Liberty.edu/Careers.

Choosing a Major Deciding on a major sets the tone for the rest of your college career. To get going, make a list of your interests, skills and talents, and dream-job requirements. Then take Focus 2 — a career assessment that will save you time and energy — and schedule an appointment with a career coach to talk about your options.

Focus 2 The Focus 2 Career Assessment is your ticket to narrowing down your major to a few options that match your interests and personality. The word “assessment” sounds like “test,” but trust us on this — you don’t want to miss out on this one.

Focus 2 combines assessments that analyze your personality, work interests, skills, and academic strengths all into one easy-to-access portfolio. Plus, Focus 2 matches your results to careers and programs offered at Liberty. Sounds complicated, but it all comes down to a simple equation: YOU + FOCUS 2 = CAREER PLANS PERFECT FOR YOU

X

DISCOVER What skills and talents do your friends and family say you have?

What life experience would you like to build on?

What problem(s) do you want to address in order to impact the world for Christ?

33%

X

CONNECT What is one thing you learned about yourself from the Focus 2 assessment?

Have I made an appointment with a career coach? Yes

No 66%

MOVE

X

Considering your passions and skills, what degrees are you interested in?

100% 5

R É S U M É and PORTFOLIO

TIPS AND TRICKS: RÉSUMÉ

The Career Center’s main job is to help you succeed and put your best foot forward in your chosen career field. We provide a variety of resources to help you on your way, and we are ready and waiting to help you create a résumé or portfolio. Contact us to see how we can help you excel today.  Liberty.edu/CareerCenter | envelope Careers@liberty.edu |  (434) 592-4109

Creating a Résumé and Cover Letter |   Our trained career coaches will assist you in creating a résumé and cover letter designed for the career field you are entering, highlighting your best talents, skills, and experience. Make an appointment today.

Résumé and Cover Letter Critiques |  The Career Center has an online résumé and cover letter critique service to provide you with feedback. For additional customization tips for specific career fields and employers, schedule an appointment to speak to a career coach.

Portfolio Tips |  A physical or online portfolio showcases your talent and key accomplishments and can set you apart from the crowd. Let us show you how to design an amazing portfolio that will capture an employer’s attention.  WEBSITE |  IN-PERSON

X

DISCOVER Do I have a résumé? Yes

No

When did I last update my résumé?

Has it been more than 6 months since I updated my résumé? Yes Does it have my most up-to-date contact information? Yes Do I need to add any new certifications? Yes

No No

No

Is my résumé relevant and formatted for the field I’m interested in? Yes

No 33%

X

CONNECT What resources do I need to use?

Résumé critique: Yes

No

Appointment with a career coach: Yes

No

Who can proofread my résumé?

66%

X

MOVE What format does this need to be submitted in?

When is the submission deadline?

Have I submitted my updated résumé to LinkedIn or Handshake? Yes

No 100% 7

INTERVIEWS

H OW TO INTERVIEW

Interviewing can be the most intimidating part of getting a job or internship.

But it doesn’t have to be. You have the confidence and skills to do a job or internship well — you just have to show employers what you are capable of.

With years of experience and knowledge, our career coaches can help you hone your interviewing skills in a relaxed environment and supply you with all the resources you need. You have the answers — we’ll help you with the questions.

Mock Interviews |   Our career coaches can help you mentally prepare with mock interviews that offer a realistic experience without the fear. We will ask questions like “Why did you choose this company?” and “What are your three greatest strengths and weaknesses?” so that you will feel prepared to answer any question that comes your way.

Or get ahead of the game and test yourself before you have an interview scheduled. After all, practice makes perfect.

Schedule a mock interview today.

Strategies and Tips |   Be prepared for your interview with strategy ideas and tips on impressing your potential employer.

Learn how to create your “elevator pitch” to present yourself with confidence, as well as additional steps to take after the interview to ensure you are remembered after you leave the building.  WEBSITE |  IN-PERSON

X

DISCOVER Have I researched the company and name(s) of the interviewer(s)? Yes If so, what have I found?

Do I have multiple copies of my up-to-date résumé? Yes

No

No

What is my “elevator pitch” to explain who I am and why I am interested in the company?

Do I have the proper attire for an interview? Yes

No 33%

X

CONNECT Have I scheduled a mock interview with the Career Center? Yes

No

If so, when?

Have I used available resources to review potential interview questions? Yes

No 66%

X

MOVE What questions do I want to ask in my interview?

Have I emailed or sent a thank-you letter after the interview? Yes

No 100% 9

GET EXPERIENCE

Today’s job market stresses practical experience, but how can a college student gain experience before graduation? The answer is an internship. Most college degree programs require one, but even if an internship is not required, having one on your résumé could set you above other applicants. If you are unsure of where to start, we can help you search and apply for internships that will help you succeed.

I N T E R N S H I P S and FELLOWSHIPS

 Liberty.edu/Internships | envelope Careers@liberty.edu |  (434) 592-4109

The Washington Fellowship Work in the energetic atmosphere of our nation’s capital through the Washington Fellowship. Experience historical downtown housing, professional development, and networking events while gaining career experience. This program has placed students in organizations such as the National Park Service, American Psychological Association, Metro Police Department, and U.S. Congress.

The New York City Fellowship Your dream of making it in the Big Apple could become a reality with the New York City Fellowship. Experience the thrill of the city while living in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side and participating in a competitive internship that will give you a professional edge. This program has placed students in organizations such as Ralph Lauren, Reclaim NY, Bloomingdale’s, and Fox News.

X

DISCOVER Does my degree require an internship? Yes

No

Do any classes need to be completed before I begin my internship? Yes May I participate in a paid internship? Yes

No

No

What do I want from my internship?

What prerequisites does the internship have?

How many hours a week does the internship require?

When does my internship need to be completed by?

33%

CONNECT

X

If needed, who will write my referral letters?

Have I scheduled an appointment with a career coach to discuss internship options?

Yes

No 66%

X

MOVE When is the application due?

Have I applied to the internship? Yes

No 100% 11

BUILD YO U R NETWORK

Networking

NETWORKING

Your network is your people. These are the ones who orbit the career circles you want to be in and with whom you exchange ideas, information, and contacts.

Networking involves adding people to your own personal network and interacting with them to make and keep connections.

Volunteer, attend career fairs, and plug in on networking websites like Handshake to start making connections.

Handshake Handshake is your connection to the job world. When you sign up, you can: • Learn about your career options and resources • Apply for jobs and internships • Connect with great companies and organizations You can even book, view, and manage your appointments with employers in the program to help you manage your job search.

JoinHandshake.com

Career Fairs Career fairs bring big companies directly to you — organizations like Disney, Chick-fil-A, Fox News, and the U.S. Secret Service.

A variety of career fairs are offered throughout each semester in the Montview Student Union. For a complete list of upcoming career fairs, visit our office in Montview Student Union or online at Liberty.edu/CareerEvents.

To RSVP for a career fair, log into your Handshake account.

X

DISCOVER Do I have an up-to-date rĂŠsumĂŠ and multiple copies to give out, if needed?

Yes No How am I currently making connections and creating a network?

33%

X

CONNECT What on-campus and online groups are there in my career field that I can join?

Do I have a list of potential places to volunteer? Yes

No

Have I set up an informational career coaching appointment? Yes

No

What can I do to start building my network?

66%

X

MOVE Have I made an account on Handshake? Yes

No

Have I created an online brand for myself through social media? Yes When is the next career fair?

No 100%

13

M Y P L A N to land my D R E A M J O B S TA G E 1 Always make classwork your #1 priority.

Sign up to take the Focus 2 Assessment online to discover your abilities, skills, and values.

Go to Liberty.edu/Focus2.

Research degree programs and decide which appeal to you.

Look for summer volunteer and job opportunities to build your résumé and strengthen your skills.

Create a profile on Handshake and discover jobs and internships in your chosen career field.

KEEP GOING.

LEVEL UP

S TA G E 2 Choose a degree and a career plan that excite you.

(Still not sure? Schedule an appointment with a career coach who will be happy to help you narrow down the possibilities.)

Craft a résumé at a Career Center workshop or schedule a résumé critique with a career coach to get positive, helpful feedback.

Start building your network. (Faculty, friends, and classmates all count!)

Get involved in extracurricular activities to add experience and skills such as leadership to your résumé.

AW E S O M E .

LEVEL UP

S TA G E 3 Attend career fairs and workshops to develop your networking and professional skills.

Explore additional steps your career may require, such as graduate school and internships.

Get involved or continue participating in campus and community organizations.

Apply for career-related internships and job opportunities.

Schedule a mock interview with a friendly career coach to gain experience.

ALMOST THERE.

LEVEL UP

S TA G E 4

Research companies and organizations you would enjoy working for.

Focus your rĂŠsumĂŠ and cover letter on specific job opportunities. (Career coaches can help with both!)

Prepare and send graduate school applications.

(Be sure to watch those deadlines.)

Continue attending Career Center events and workshops.

Ask and collect references and letters of recommendation from people in your network.

Apply to jobs and be prepared to follow up through emails or phone calls. (Handshake makes this step so easy!)

COMPLETED! 15

 Liberty.edu/CareerCenter envelope Careers@liberty.edu |  (434) 592-4109

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