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What does the Career Services Office do?
We offer a wide array of services to aid in the job search and career planning process. If you are looking for a part-time job in the Las Cruces community while you are a student, we can help with our Student Employment Service.
Employers value practical, hands-on experience in your field that can be obtained through the Cooperative Education Program.
Finally, for graduating students and alumni, many employers seek candidates for full-time employment. These job opportunities can be accessed through services offered by Professional Employment Service, such as on-campus interviews, resume referrals, or positions posted on our homepage or in our office. We also provide guidance on all the requirements necessary to apply for employment, from writing resumes and cover letters to learning the proper way to interview and how to follow up with an employer. Our services are available for one-on-one appointments or through group activities.
I am a freshman; when should I visit your office?
You should learn the process right away. The sooner you begin, the sooner you will learn what skills employers desire and have some time to obtain those highly sought-after qualities.
I am a senior; when should I start the job search process?
It is in your best interest to make an appointment with an advisor immediately to review your plans. You may participate in the on-campus recruiting program two semesters prior to graduation.
I am an alumnus of NMSU; how can your office assist me?
We are probably the only office outside of Alumni Relations that assists alumni. The same benefits offered to students are also offered to alumni. The only exceptions would be in the on-campus interviews or referral activity, where the employer is making requests based on a graduation date.
How do employers know about Career Services?
Employers come to us through a variety of ways. Some have long histories of recruiting at NMSU. Others are located through involvement in professional associations. Some are alumni who authorize recruiting visits to NMSU. The annual Career Expo and other on-campus career fairs spark interest for some employers, as this may be their only visit to campus. New employers are always welcome on campus. Please let us know the company names and contacts for any suggestions you may have for additional employers to recruit candidates through NMSU.
May I check out a reference book?
Yes; we hold your NMSU ID card during the time you have the library book. Your ID will be returned when we receive the book. Some books may be checked out for several days while others may be checked out overnight only.
I am majoring in Liberal Arts; how can you help me if I am not an engineer or business major?
Our services are for students and alumni in all disciplines. Though it may seem most of the employers coming to campus want engineering or business students, they often interview others. Their time on campus is limited, so they must decide which programs best suit their needs. Candidates who would like to interview with an employer for something different than what is stated in the employer's campus interview profile are encouraged to contact that employer directly. The employer may be willing to make exceptions or special arrangements. These special arrangements can only take place if you take the initiative and contact the employers directly.
We also offer personalized advising to discuss other sources for conducting a job search outside the campus recruiting schedule. We have a great deal of information and resources available, both in our office and on our website. We would like you to come in and visit with us, so we can show you the variety of ways we can help with your job search.
I just heard about the Career Exploration Center; are they part of your office?
The Career Exploration Center is a separate office housed within Counseling and Student Development. The staff at Career Exploration Center work with students who need guidance on career interests and academic majors. They offer various assessment tools to help students learn about their interests and aptitudes and related employment areas. Once students understand their own interests and aptitudes, they then work with us at Career Services, which assists them in the process of gaining employment.
Who is able to view the resume I submitted to Professional Employment Service as part of my Professional Employment File?
Employers will only view your resume under two conditions: you scheduled an on-campus interview, or the employer contacted our office and requested resumes from our database for a position they are trying to fill. We do not send resumes unsolicited to random employers. If you are applying for a job as part of your own job search, it is best that you send your resume and cover letter directly to the employer.
What is a Professional Employment File?
A Professional Employment File includes a copy of your transcript, three to five letters of reference, completed online registration form, and electronically transmitted resume (required to participate in on-campus interviews). Registrants with a complete Professional Employment File may also may be referred, or may request that their files be sent, to employers seeking qualified candidates. Active registration will expire one year from the date of graduation for current students, and one year from the date of service for alumni. A file can be reactivated at any time and its contents will be properly discarded (shredded) after five years of the last date of service from Career Services.
What is the purpose of an orientation? Do I really have to go?
The purpose of orientation is to provide candidates with a thorough understanding of the services and programs provided by Career Services. Candidates who are better informed will excel in achieving their job search goals. During orientation candidates will also learn about AggieCAREER Manager. AggieCAREER Manager is an online registration system managed by Career Services. Candidates with an AggieCAREER Manager account will be able to review and apply to job postings, schedule on-campus interviews, review employers attending career fairs, utilize an employer directory, and have access to bonus features which are subscriptions purchased for the exclusive use of current candidates.
Who can critique my resume?
Staff members are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for personal appointments for a resume review, as well as assistance with writing cover letters and other job search questions. If you have special needs or would like an appointment at another time, please call and ask for assistance. In special cases, other arrangements can be made.
My letters of recommendation are not in my file; can I still participate in on-campus interviews?
Yes, you may begin your campus interviews as soon as you have: 1) Completed, signed, and submitted your registration form to our office 2) Created your AggieCAREER Manager profile 3) Uploaded your resume onto AggieCAREER Manager Once all three of these things have been done, you will be able to schedule your on-campus interviews. If you have questions or problems, please contact us.
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