Building a strong foundation for your future goals is not always as simple as finishing your undergraduate degree and settling into a career. The gap between your degree and a career can be helped by preparation and the honing of your professional skills. Consider taking advantage of the innovative resources offered at St. Bonaventure’s Career & Professional Readiness Center (CPRC) to gain the advantage you need to succeed.
Here are some of the most common questions graduate students have about the CPRC.
1. What is the CPRC?
The CPRC offers programming and services such as resume development, interviewing and networking, and resources for internships, jobs and graduate studies. The Center helps students explore and clarify career goals, prepare and compete for the opportunities, and establish a solid career foundation.
2. How does the CPRC assist graduate students?
- Handshake: All students, whether an undergraduate or graduate, whether face-to-face or online, have a Handshake account. Handshake is the career management system where students can search for jobs, internships, and connect with employers via virtual or in-person events. Students may schedule in-person or online appointments with a St. Bonaventure career counselor through Handshake. Some examples of appointments include; resume and cover letter review, interview guidance/practice, LinkedIn, networking, and professional correspondence.
- Big Interview: The CPRC also has a service called Big Interview where students can complete practice interviews and prepare for their upcoming interviews. Students may access this service by clicking the link on the CPRC site or by simply going to sbu.biginterview.com and logging in with their Bonaventure email address.
3. How does a graduate student go about contacting the CPRC?
The student can email career@sbu.edu or call 716-375-2384. Students can also schedule an appointment through Handshake by going to sbu.joinhandshake.com and entering their my.sbu credentials.
4. What are some common gaps or challenge areas that students do not consider when preparing to graduate and how can the CPRC help fill those?
- Developing Overall Professionalism: The CPRC offers professionalism seminars throughout the semester but can also work one-on-one with students to discuss preparing for a career or career change.
- Creating Communications: The CPRC assists students in communicating with potential employers, alumni, etc.
- Practicing Interviews: The CPRC advises students on how to best articulate their experiences in an effective and efficient way. Students can schedule appointments with the CPRC to practice an interview and prepare for the interview process. Students can also utilize Big Interview to prepare on their own time virtually.
5. How can/does the CPRC help students connect with alumni?
The CPRC offers opportunities such as:
- Bonnies4Bonnies: Each spring semester students can connect with alumni on campus through a large networking event called Bonnies4Bonnies. Email the CPRC for more information.
- LinkedIn: Students can search for and connect with alumni through the Center’s LinkedIn group. Connect here.
- Employer Information Sessions: The center can facilitate employer information sessions both in person and virtually via Handshake. Often, SBU alumni are the ones presenting to students. Email the CPRC for more information.
The CPRC is committed to investing in every student that reaches out for help in enhancing their professional development and career portfolio. The support provided by the CPRC is a foundational asset and could be key to unlocking a rewarding career path.