From student to career professional, Lamar University’s Career Center aids students in building from the ground up with improved résumés, job connections and other career related proficiencies to ensure confidence when entering the work field.
The center will host events throughout the year and dates, as well as offering personal appointments through Handshake. The center is located in 102 Galloway Business Building.
“We host a wide variety of events covering professional attire to ethics,” Haley Tyson, director of Career Center and professional development, said. “We also have multiple employers who come present on ethics, leadership, professionalism, time management and information specifically related to their organizations and company culture.”
The Career Center supplies hands-on opportunities for students to focus on skills they will utilize in their careers by participating in workshops with employees to get firsthand knowledge of what jobs are looking for.
Gabriella Smith, marketing major junior, attended the recent “Driven to Succeed: Career Fair Prep with Enterprise” workshop.
“I was looking forward to receiving professional advice that would help me with the career fair,” Smith said. “It helped me in career readiness by understanding what future employers are looking for. I received tips for résumés, LinkedIn profiles, interview questions and interview preparation.”
Smith said she was able to refine her résumé with the help of guest recruiter Mirela Bicakcic, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Enterprise Mobility. Smith said she was also able to learn how to be confident with interview questions and preparation.
Amy Dillow, assistant director of Career Center and professional development, said the Handshake app is a career and job database where students can connect with employers, find job and internship opportunities, and register for career fairs and events.
“Students should use Handshake to explore career options, apply for jobs and internships, and engage with employers.”
Students using Handshake should sign up with their LU email.
The Career Center also offers a variety of resources.
“Another highly impactful resource available to our students is the Cardinal Career Closet, which allows students to dress professionally for career fairs, interviews and other events,” Tyson said. “They can check out suits, slacks, polos, blouses, ties, skirts, shoes and belts, ensuring they feel confident and look prepared.
“We also offer the Hire-A-Cardinal studio, where students can take professional headshots daily to enhance their online presence on platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake.”
For more information, email careercenter@lamar. edu, or lamar.joinhandshake.com.