3 minute read
Tools for Career Navigation
Career-focused resources add valuable support for noncredit students
The University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS) recently began offering an expanded suite of career-focused resources to UD PCS certificate program students.
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Participants enrolled in designated noncredit professional development programs now have access to resources and tools like resume review, career path coaching and mock interviewing sessions as well as to selected career resources through the UD Career Center.
“This has been a recurring request from both prospective and current students as well as UD PCS graduates and faculty,” said Vic Wang, director of UD PCS noncredit professional programs. “They’ve asked us about extra career resources to help navigate a career change, optimize their job search and maximize potential opportunities that may come with adding a new credential to their resumes,” added Wang.
“It’s a really significant development,” said Debra Fields, program manager for UD PCS career services. “In addition to directly providing some great career services to our noncredit students, we’ve also collaborated with the UD Career Center to enable students’ access to important resources that historically have been available primarily to matriculated UD students and alumni.”
Since the program’s inception, Fields has worked with multiple cohorts of UD PCS noncredit and professional development students, assisting with resume review, interview preparation questions and access to other resources.
“Another area where we’ve been able to provide some much-needed support is with prospective students, who understandably want to research how a program could potentially benefit their career goals, before they sign up for the course,” said Fields.
Resources include assistance with career goal and career path assessment, one-on-one coaching and support while they’re enrolled in the UD PCS program, as well as for a follow-up period after program completion. Students are able to attend UD career and networking events—both in person and virtual—as well as participate in the Handshake network, a database of thousands of internships and jobs posted specifically for UD students and alumni.
In addition to the resources and support offered through the UD PCS career services initiative, students can take advantage of free academic advisement and career exploration provided by the UD PCS ACCESS Center. ACCESS Center services include academic advisement, educational planning and career exploration, all offered at no cost to prospective and existing continuing education students, as well as the larger community.
For UD PCS students who also happen to be matriculated UD students or UD alumni, or for alumni, businesses and members of the community who wish to connect with UD graduates as mentors or potential employers, more information about UD career resources can be found at www.udel.edu/career-center.
