If your student is pursuing a full-time opportunity for after graduation or an internship for the summer, the Gateway Career Center provides all the resources necessary to assist:
- Document Preparation: Resumes, cover letters, writing samples, professional email outreach.
- Students can utilize online and office resources, as well as work with their Gatewaycounselors, to prepare application documents that best represent them and their accomplishments, both inside and outside the classroom.
- Search Resources: CareerSpot, LACN (Liberal Arts Career Network), LinkedIn, EngIn, LGBTQA Career Resource Library, GoinGlobal, Internships-USA, and so much more.
- Networking: Students can meet with their Gateway counselors to discuss ways to reach out to and connect with alumni, as well as how to professionally utilize LinkedIn to grow their vital career network.
- Interviewing: We have a wealth of resources dedicated to helping students prepare for this crucial skill. In addition to mock interviews with Gateway counselors, students can do mock interviews through our recruiting program with employers who come to campus (sign-ups on CareerSpot.) We also subscribe to a virtual mock interview tool; InterviewStream is an outstanding 24/7 online platform with useful tools, including question sets for a variety of industries.
- Informational Interviews: Informational interviews provide students with a way to gather information on careers, industries, organizations, and relevant skills in areas of interest. The Gateway Career Center can connect students with alumni, and provide them with resources to reach out professionally and conduct their informational interview to their best advantage. Additionally, students can reach out to their own contacts, such as family, friends, community members, etc.
- Job Shadowing: The summer can be a good time for students and recent grads to reach out to people in their network who work in an area of career interest. Arranging to spend time with someone in a company, industry, or career that a student wants to learn more about can be a great way to explore interests. If you would like to volunteer to host students during our January Externship Program, please let us know and we will add you to our invite list for 2020!
- Graduate & Professional School Preparation: Summer is an ideal time to begin researching programs, prepare for entrance exams, and begin drafting personal statements. Our Graduate School Guide includes timelines, resources, and information. Additionally, our website has an entire section devoted to the process and our Career Library has GRE, MCAT, and LCAT practice books students may borrow.
Parents can be an invaluable and important resource, too. By encouraging your student to engage with the Gateway Career Center and utilize the resources we provide, you can support your student’s effort to build their career network, create professional documents, and interview effectively. Additionally, if you would like to hire or provide opportunities at your organization for Lafayette interns or seniors/alumni for full-time opportunities, we would be happy to partner with you. Contact us at any time!
Encourage your student to call or stop by the 2nd floor of Hogg Hall during office hours to learn more about our resources and/or arrange an appointment with a Gateway counselor!
Gateway Career Center
610-330-5115
careers@lafayette.edu