Career Development
Frequently Asked Quesions
What does Career Development really do and who does the office serve?
In a nutshell, Career Development seeks to help students connect their Arcadia University education to their career or job of choice. This process starts by helping students clarify their work-related interests, abilities and values, then moves into outlining activities and alternatives that students might consider to make themselves more marketable. Finally, Career Development teaches students the skills necessary to market themselves in a competitive job market.
In addition to providing direct services to students, Career Development also addresses work-related needs of area employers as well as Arcadia University faculty, staff, and alumni.
I’m having difficulty deciding my major. Can Career Development help?
Absolutely! Choosing a major is not an easy decision and requires both knowledge of self and career options. Career Development can help individuals identify their interests, skills and values which may provide some insight into areas of study most appropriate for the student. Additionally, Career Development maintains a variety of resources to help students learn more about the career options available to them. In deciding which major to pursue, there is no substitute for information! Career Development helps provide students with the information necessary to make the best decision possible.
Can Career Development help me identify what I can do professionally with my major?
Identifying career options associated with a particular major can be a complex process, especially with a true liberal arts major. The key is to start early during your educational process and identify the profession you wish to pursue well before graduation. Career Development can help students identify and learn more about numerous career alternatives. Services provided range from resources specific to major-career connections, to helping connect students with professionals in careers they may be considering, to identifying internship or work experiences which allow the student an opportunity to “try on” a particular profession.
What services do you offer to alumni and is there a cost to the alum?
Career Development continues to provide the full range of services to all Arcadia University graduates free of charge. Regardless of graduation date, alumni have access to career counseling, job search assistance, resume critiques, interviewing assistance—anything necessary to further your career.
What are your office hours and where are you located?
Career Development is located in Knight Hall, Room 133. We are typically open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additionally evening hours may be scheduled based availability of office personnel.
When should I start looking for a job or internship?
Typically, it will take anywhere from 2 to 6 months for a student to receive a job offer. Therefore, if your goal is to start your job or internship in May, you should start your search in November or December of the previous year.
How do I go about finding an internship?
Internships usually involve the awarding of academic credit and there are several techniques that can be used to obtain one. Students should check with their faculty advisor to verify the academic requirements of the experience and determine what alternatives are available to them. Sometimes faculty will make direct referrals, connecting the student directly with a supervising employer. On other occasions, the student might apply directly to an existing internship program and then verify with the faculty advisor that it is acceptable for credit. Finally, Career Development can help students contact an employer directly to assess the possibility of completing an internship through their organization. If the employer agrees, the student will need to check with their advisor to verify the experience will receive academic credit.
Do you have a listing of employers who hire students from Arcadia with my major?
We do have a small list of specific contacts within a few area organizations. We do have directories, databases and other resources that can help students identify who to contact within an organization. These resources encompass over four million firms, companies, and organizations nationwide.
How do I find out what jobs or internships are listed through your office?
Every day, Career Development receives numerous job postings from employers throughout the area. All of these jobs are made available online through the College Central Network and are available in print in binders in the Career Information Center. Visit the Career Development website or stop by Knight Hall, Room 133 to access the job postings.
How do I make an appointment?
Appointments are available for career counseling, major selection, resume critiques, mock interviews, or any career-related issues. To make an appointment call the Career Development Office at 215-572-2939 or stop by Knight Hall, Room 133.
As an employer, how do I advertise a position through your office?
Position announcements can be sent to the office via fax: 215-881-8757 or e-mail: careerservices@arcadia.edu. Employers who have questions about posting a position should call Career Development at 215-572-2939.
As an employer, can I come on campus to recruit students?
In order to recruit on campus, employers must obtain the approval of Career Development in advance of their visit. Career Development requests that employers provide evidence that they are a legitimate business or organization and that they have positions appropriate to at least a Bachelor’s level education. To inquire about an on-campus recruiting event, employers may contact Career Development at 215-572-2939.
