We know there is a lot on your students’ minds as they prepare to start a new year, and whether they are a sophomore or a senior, career planning is likely one of them. At UW–Madison there are many resources available to students, no matter where they are in the career planning process, which can help them explore, build connections, develop plans, and feel supported in making career decisions.
Students who want to learn more about the many career opportunities available to them, especially first- and second-year students, are encouraged to connect with the Career Exploration Center. Each UW–Madison school and college also has its own career services office, which is tailored to prepare students in their respective fields for employment and graduate school.
Here are six questions which may be on you or your students’ minds around how career services can support student success:
- How can my student find a career advisor?
Students can start at careers.wisc.edu, which connects them to their academic school or college’s career services and advisors.For students who are undecided about their academic major(s) and exploring career interests, the Career Exploration Center (CEC) offers individual advising appointments, workshops, and resources to help students make decisions based on their interests, values, and skills. They can start exploring majors and exploring careers now! - Is career advising required at UW–Madison?
While students are not required to meet with career advisors, it is highly encouraged. Additionally, students can start a conversation with their academic advisors about career interests. Academic and career planning go hand in hand. - When should my student see a career advisor?
It’s never too early for students to start thinking about career and internship opportunities! Students who are just starting their career exploration and planning process should connect with the Career Exploration Center. Students nearing graduation will be best served by the tailored career services office in their school or college. - My student hasn’t picked a major yet. Can a career advisor still help?
In a word: yes! For many students, ideas about their careers, academic and personal interests, strengths, and values are interrelated. Learning about one of these areas can help clarify or reinforce a student’s understanding of another. Learning about the connections between majors, skills and interests, and careers can help students understand the different paths of the college experience. - Can a career advisor help my student find an internship?
Internships help students position themselves for potential full-time job offers after graduation and provide experience and the opportunity to learn more about a field of interest. Career advisors can help connect students to internship opportunities. In addition, career advisors provide guidance by sharing resources and information about the job and internship application and interviewing process. - How can my student network and find career opportunities?
A great way for students to find student jobs, internships, full-time roles, and connect to campus career centers and events is through their free UW–Madison Handshake account. The Handshake app is available on the MyUW dashboard — students can add the app by visiting my.wisc.edu.
Students can expect that part-time jobs, internships and other opportunities to connect with employers will be held both in-person and virtually this fall and beyond.
Badger Bridge, a professional network supported by the Wisconsin Alumni Association, connects students and recent graduates to established UW alumni for professional advice, support, and opportunities. Throughout the year, UW–Madison also offers career and internship fairs, as well as networking events with employers and alumni.