Faculty & Staff

Career Design  

Intro to the Center for Career Design: An Overview of our Resources and Services (20 minutes) Students will learn about the many resources and services offered by the Center for Career Design including career coaching, Job Scan resume builder, the Career Closet, professional headshot booth, and the Alumni Mentoring Program. 

Say Hello to Handshake (20 minutes)  Students will be introduced to Handshake, the university’s career management platform. Students will learn how to create and optimize their Handshake profiles, search and apply for internships, part-time jobs, and full-time opportunities, and connect with employers and campus career events. The presentation also highlights using Handshake to explore career pathways and schedule coaching appointments. 

Identifying Your Purpose (30 minutes) Students will gain a greater level of self-awareness along with a better understanding of who they are and how that connects to the work they may eventually want to do. They will learn about their work preferences and how to develop a Personal Purpose Statement. 

Exploring Your Future: A Career Readiness Self-Assessment (50 minutes) Students will be introduced to the NACE Career Readiness Competencies. Through a guided assessment activity, they will assess their current strengths and areas for growth in relation to these competencies. They will also reflect on how their experiences have contributed to their career development and create a personal action plan for building career-ready skills during college. 

Articulation 

Resume Writing: Piecing it Together (30 minutes) Students will learn the essential components of a strong, effective resume—one building block at a time. They will learn how to showcase their skills and experiences with clarity and confidence while optimizing the resume for specific job opportunities. An overview of the University’s resume writing tool Job Scan will also be provided. Whether they are starting from scratch or making improvements, this session will help them create a resume designed to generate positive results. 

Goal Setting for Career Success (30 minutes) Students will learn how to set meaningful, achievable goals that align with their interests and strengths—while building the habits and mindset needed to stay on track. They will be guided on how to break down big dreams into clear, actionable steps and provide tools to help them measure their progress along the way. Whether students are exploring options or aiming for a specific career path, this workshop will help them take the next steps with confidence. 

Mastering the Interview: Confidence, Clarity, and Consistency (50 minutes) Students will learn effective and proven strategies for succeeding in an interview. An overview of different formats (structured, behavioral, panel, phone/video) will be provided. Tips on mastering the STAR method for clear, results-oriented storytelling will also be reviewed. Students will be provided with a suite of ready-to-use resources—checklists, question guides, feedback templates—to support continued growth and confident decision‑making. 

Pitch Perfect: Crafting Your Professional Introduction (30 minutes) Students will learn how to confidently introduce themselves in professional settings such as networking events, career fairs, and interviews. This interactive session will guide students on how to craft a strong elevator pitch that communicates who they are, what they do, and where they are headed—helping them make a memorable and professional first impression. 

Connections 

Leveraging LinkedIn (30 minutes) Students will learn how to use LinkedIn to showcase their skills, connect with professionals, and explore career opportunities. An overview of the Alumni Search Tool will be offered to help students make strategic connections with CSU alumni. This presentation covers profile optimization, networking strategies, and tips for using LinkedIn as a powerful tool for internships, job searches, and building a personal brand. 

Informational Interviewing (30 minutes) Informational interviews are a powerful way to explore careers, gain industry insights, and build professional connections. Students will learn how to identify the right people to contact, prepare effective questions, and follow up to make a lasting impression—helping them grow their network and clarify their career path. 

Professional Networking (30 minutes) Effective networking is more than just exchanging contact information—it’s about building meaningful relationships that are mutually supportive in promoting career growth for both parties. Students will explore modern networking strategies, both in-person and online, and will be provided practical tips to help them start conversations, grow their professional circle, and follow up with confidence.  

Launch a Campaign

Launch Your Career: Essential Job Search Strategies (30 minutes) Students will learn the foundational strategies for launching a successful job search aligned with their academic and personal goals. By developing a personalized search plan and learning how to navigate career resources effectively, students enhance their career readiness—supporting student success and contributing to the region’s economic competitiveness through informed, purpose-driven career choices. 

Elevate Your Search: Advanced Job Search Strategies for Competitive Candidates (30 minutes) Building on the content covered in “Essential Job Search Strategies,” students will learn how to engage with the job market at a strategic level by activating networks, uncovering hidden opportunities, and aligning their search with long-term professional aspirations. Emphasizing responsible career planning and community engagement, students will be empowered to make informed decisions that reflect CSU’s commitment to stewardship, impact, and regional economic growth. 

Advanced Resume Writing: How to Stand Out in the Job Market (30 minutes) Students will learn how to optimize their resume and make it compliant with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by tailoring content to specific roles and industries. They will learn to craft measurable, result-driven statements using frameworks like CAR/STAR and Bloom’s Taxonomy, leverage AI tools for drafting and optimization, and present professional development and certifications effectively. The session also covers modern resume types, such as blind, infographic, and video resumes, and includes mentor and peer review sessions using structured feedback and rubrics.  

Professionalism

How to Communicate Professionally in a Workplace Setting (30 minutes) Clear and professional communication is essential in the workplace and beyond. In this session students will learn proper email etiquette, effective methods for both verbal and nonverbal communication, and how to tailor their message for different audiences. They will learn how to present themselves professionally in written, spoken, and digital formats to make a positive and lasting impression. 

Salary Negotiation (30 minutes)  Negotiating your salary can feel intimidating—but it’s a critical skill for long-term career success. In this presentation, students will learn when and how to negotiate, research their market value, and communicate their worth with confidence. They will learn strategies to advocate for fair compensation and navigate job offers professionally. 

From College to Career: Leveling Up from Student to Professional (50 minutes) 
Students will learn how to navigate the transition from college life to the professional world. Through practical advice and examples, students will learn how to develop a professional mindset, communicate effectively in workplace settings, and build habits that support long-term career growth. Topics include personal branding, professional etiquette, career resiliency, and how to leverage campus resources for post-graduation success. Whether they are exploring career paths or preparing for their first job, this session will help them confidently level up and thrive in today’s workforce. 

Professionalism: How Your Everyday Habits Shape Your Future (50 minutes) Students will understand professionalism as a set of behaviors and attitudes that communicate respect, reliability, and readiness—both in the classroom and in the workplace. Through discussion and real-world examples, they will explore what professional behavior looks like in academic settings, community engagement, and early career experiences. Students will identify common professionalism pitfalls, reflect on how their actions represent themselves and the university, and learn practical strategies for building positive habits that stand out. 

From College to Career: Succeeding in Your First 90 Days (50 minutes) Transitioning from student life to full-time employment comes with new expectations, rhythms, and responsibilities. This presentation guides students through the key milestones of their first 90 days on the job, helping them build momentum and integrate smoothly into professional environments. Students will learn how to communicate effectively, adapt to workplace culture, and establish habits that foster confidence and success in their new roles.