It's Never Too Early to Begin the Career Exploration Process
Carnegie Mellon University’s Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) provides a comprehensive range of services, programs and materials for students about career exploration, professional development and employment assistance. The CPDC offers many virtual resources specifically for first-year students to assist with early career preparation.
- The Careers for First Years program currently offers virtual workshop sessions on topics including writing a resume and cover letter, virtual interviewing do’s and don’ts, preparing an elevator pitch and more.
- Students can sign up for a virtual CPDC 101 meeting with a staff member through Handshake for a personalized introduction to the CPDC’s career resources.
- Tartan Talks offers students opportunities to build their network and learn about different industries, companies and positions via 30-minute informational interviews with CMU alumni.
- Support exists specifically for students with emotional and cognitive differences through the Olitsky Family Foundation Career Readiness Program.
- Career Peer Mentors, junior and senior student-employees at the CPDC, are available to meet with first- and second-year students to provide individualized mentorship and help with resumes, cover letters, internship searches, networking and career exploration.
- Career Launch is an online learning program containing several video modules and digital resources to help introduce students to the CPDC and highlight important skills and resources needed throughout the career journey. Students can access Career Launch via Canvas.
If you’re looking for more information about how to support your student, the Tartan Family Webinar Series featured a session on “Career Planning in a Crisis: Helping Your Student Navigate their Career Efforts During Uncertain Times”, which is available as a recording on the family website.
For more information, contact the CPDC.
As a parent or family member, you not only play a role in your own student’s career development, but you can get involved to help other Carnegie Mellon students learn about your profession. All alumni and friends of Carnegie Mellon University, please consider volunteering through the Tartan Talks program.