Career Services on demand services available to students, alumni

Whether a student or an alumni, online or in-person, Oakland University’s Career Services offers help to those in search of employment. Since the pandemic began, Career Services has found new ways to offer programs virtually and provide on demand tools for students and alumni to access right when they need it. 

“We can support our online students in the exact same way and with the exact same resources as our in-person students,” said Kelly Dorner, director of Career Services. During the pandemic, Career Services transferred many services to an online capacity and Dorner said it’s here to stay. “I don’t intend to ever remove virtual services for our students. I don’t want students to feel as though they have to be on campus to take advantage of this service.” 

Preparing for Job Hunting

Using a software tool called Handshake, employers post jobs and students create profiles, much like LinkedIn. Dorner said Handshake has elevated its offerings and support to universities during the pandemic. She explained that within Handshake, there are tools like an embedded video conferencing tool and ways to share job search information. 

“We also have a robust resource section in Handshake to offer advice on resumes, cover letters, interview and networking--and those are all available on demand online,” said Dorner. 

There are educational modules on things like diversity in the workplace, using LinkedIn and social media to find jobs and highlight job skills, how to use Handshake and navigating disability support in the workplace. There are specific tools for each school and college as well. 

Connecting with Employers

With Handshake, students and alumni can apply for jobs posted by employers and set up virtual interviews. Currently, students are also able to take part in career fairs online. 

“Through Handshake, the employers can register for the fair and define periods of time on the day to build a schedule for themselves. Then students sign up for the slots, giving them an opportunity to meet with employers in group or individual format, whichever the employer chooses,” said Dorner. While the career fairs are still online right now, Dorner said employers are starting to return to campus for smaller events. 

“One of the things the pandemic changed was the way students engage with us. It’s no different than an in-person student. They can apply for opportunities, meet with us and attend programming,” said Dorner. 

As Career Services finds ways to support students and enhance employer partnerships, Dorner believes that a blended model of serving students in person and virtually will be the best mix. The Winter Career Fair scheduled for February will have a hybrid model. The in-person fair will be held on Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the virtual fair will be held on Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Continued Support

Dorner said Career Services is available for all students and alumni. 

“They can use our services forever,” said Dorner. 

The nature of Handshake makes it easy for students to take advantage of the services wherever and whenever they need it.

“They can always meet with us, but we have plenty of resources that meet their needs on their time. Whether they are working full-time or need help in off hours, they can take advantage of what we have available on Handshake right at the moment,” said Dorner. 

To learn more about Handshake as a student or alumni, visit the Handshake information on the Career Services web page. To get more information about Career Services, visit the Career Services web page, email [email protected].