Career Planning

Career Education – Career Advising Services

It is critical, now more than ever, given the state of the economy and unemployment rates, that educational institutions initiate and implement key Career Education programs that will provide students an opportunity to develop the tools and professional skills necessary to set them apart from the competition. The Center for Academic Excellence offers career advising services that allows students the opportunity to explore career and educational paths, develop the job search tools necessary to apply for internships/jobs and to enhance their online profile, so as to give them a competitive edge. Students can schedule an appointment for any of the services below that meet their needs in Bison Adviser at ous.howard.edu.

Student Resources

Virtual Career Development

Prepare for an interview, have you resume reviewed, take a personality assessment and more!

Virtual Career Explorer

No matter where you are in your educational journey, career and employment goals were likely your biggest motivation for going to college. The BestColleges 2020 Online Education Trends Report found that 77% of online students had these goals in mind when they enrolled. And yet, career counselor Dr. Yesel Yoon shares that "students wait too long to take advantage of [the] great services at their colleges."

The best step you can take right now is to reach out to the counselors and advisors serving your school to let them know your priorities. These professionals are there to connect you to all available options, and your input is critical in helping them shape what comes next.

Explore Career Paths

Recruitment Trends

According to the NACE poll, as of mid-April, 61% of employers said they were not currently revoking job offers. 

See HU Recruiting Trends

7 Ways to Take Advantage of Online Career Centers

1. Schedule an Online Career Coaching Appointment

Students used to be able to visit their career center and speak with an advisor or counselor in person during posted drop-in hours or by scheduling a one-on-one appointment. However, these sessions have quickly moved online.

Schedule an Appointment 

2. Ask Which Employers Are Still Hiring

Check out Big Interview in our Virtual Career Development Toolkit or visit howard.biginterview.com.

Despite recent news that companies are declaring bankruptcy, temporarily closing, or furloughing large numbers of employees, many employers are still actively hiring — and even conducting recruiting sessions online.

See Our Employers

3. Get Feedback on Online Professional Profiles

When was the last time you updated your LinkedIn or Handshake profile? If it's been a while, now is a good time to get to it. Check out this guide on how to use LinkedIn as a college student. Use this guide to update your Handshake profile.

The Center for Career and Professional Success can also provide a helpful critique and recommendations for making your profile stand out.

Think about not only what your profiles say about you, but also where your profiles are posted. While LinkedIn is generally considered the go-to social network for career and employment needs, it's certainly not the only option out there.

4. Meet Employers Through Virtual Events

In-person employer information sessions used to be common on-campus events, but virtual sessions are now taking precedence. The NACE poll found that almost half of employers "plan to increase their use of virtual methods to recruit the class of 2021."

See Upcoming HU Events

5. Speak With Alumni Online

Getting to know alumni from your school and program can be a meaningful way to expand your professional network and increase your access to relevant information and job opportunities. Many college career centers work closely with alumni associations to encourage connections between current and former students.

Connect with Alumni

6. Prepare for Virtual Summer Internships

If you've been accepted to participate in an internship this summer, you've likely already heard from your employer regarding your placement. Some companies may confirm your position with no changes, while others may shift from a traditional on-site internship to a completely online experience.

The NACE employer poll indicates that as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more employers are converting internship assignments into a virtual format, perhaps to match plans for employees to continue working from home. More employers are allowing students to complete their internships remotely, though this won't be possible in all cases.

See Open Internships

7. Plan Out Your Career Goals

No matter where you are in your educational journey, career and employment goals were likely your biggest motivation for going to college. The BestColleges 2020 Online Education Trends Report found that 77% of online students had these goals in mind when they enrolled. And yet, career counselor Dr. Yesel Yoon shares that "students wait too long to take advantage of [the] great services at their colleges."

The best step you can take right now is to reach out to the counselors and advisors serving your school to let them know your priorities. These professionals are there to connect you to all available options, and your input is critical in helping them shape what comes next.

Explore Career Paths