Career Development Specialist Program

Being a Career Development Specialist (CDS) can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your college education. We provide a wide range of opportunities, from delivering services at the Resource Room to facilitating workshops in a classroom setting. This internship is also a great opportunity for you to explore your own interests and facilitate your career plans, strengthen your networking skills, and earn academic credit. Career Services is committed to provide you with an exceptional professional development experiences and with the opportunity to apply your academic specialization and demonstrate your professional knowledge and skills. You will participate in the professional development process, select and design activities, and relate experiential learning to educational goals. A CDS fills several roles such as student leader, group facilitator, and referral resource.

Being a CDS is much more than an internship! If you are interested in gaining marketable work experience while assisting other students with a full range of educational and career planning, then this program is for you. Read this page to find out what a Career Development Specialist is and who can apply.

Frequently Ask Questions

What is a Career Development Specialist?
Career Development Specialist (CDS) is an undergraduate student who is a trained paraprofessional in the areas of career planning and assessment, job search skills, and employer relations. Students are selected, trained, and given ongoing supervision to perform and support career development related activities. A trained CDS is a sensitive listener who uses his or her knowledge to support the enhancement of Career Services programs.
What kinds of projects would I work on?
This program provides multiple levels of opportunity for students to be involved with Career Services. CDS participate in the delivery of services, outreach presentations, program development, marketing, public relations, and special events. Interns also have an opportunity to share their expertise with other students through leadership roles. Responsibilities are designed to match each student’s interests and learning objectives.
What is the time commitment?
Students commit 4-10 hours per week depending on the number of credits they wish to receive. This time commitment includes the weekly seminar. Involvement in the program will last only one semester.
What training will I receive?
Training is obtained through weekly seminars as well as on the job. Formal training includes: career service programs, job search, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, networking, career trends, using career resources, and leadership.
Do I get paid?
This opportunity is strictly for credit. Students wishing to volunteer should contact the office at CareerServices@wsu.edu.
What skills do I need?
Students should possess knowledge of student services and campus life. Prospective interns also should be able to think critically and creatively and work independently. Other qualities we look for include the ability to adapt, a desire for learning, the highest ethical standards, and excellent people and communication skills. Interns should be reliable and enthusiastic representatives of WSU.
With whom will I work?

Career Development Specialists work closely with Career Services faculty and staff, students, and employers. In particular, CDS work with other students who are undecided in their major or are changing majors, students exploring career options, and those who are looking for internships and summer jobs. In addition, CDS work collaboratively with other CDS as well as with employers participating in mock interviews, career fairs and other events.

CDS assist with projects and activities that include:

  • Outreach programming through out campus
  • Direct service to students
  • Career Fairs and events
  • Employer Relations
  • Program development
  • Marketing, public relations and special events

How do I obtain credit?

There are two options to receive credit.

  • 1st Option: Students can obtain credit through their Academic Department. Students will need to speak to their department’s Internship Coordinator for approval. An Internship Learning Agreement will then need to be signed by both the department and the participant. If this option is chosen, this opportunity would lead to an internship.
  • 2nd Option: Students can obtain general credit through the Career Services office. Students will register through METRO online under the class, Education Administration 497 (ED AD 497), section 05. ED AD 497 is a S/F grading course designed for paraprofessional positions from the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling Psychology.

Students can earn 2-3 credits depending on their goals. One credit = 3 work hours per week

How do I apply? Who is eligible?
  1. Students may apply on-line or pick up an application at the Career Services office in the Lighty Student Services Building, Room 180. (Click on “apply online” to go to the online application).
  2. Eligibility Recommendations
    1. All students are eligible to apply. However, a GPA of 3.0 or above with sophomore, junior or senior standing is recommended.
    2. A commitment of 4-10 hours of work a week.
    3. Students are required to attend and participate in the weekly hour long seminars.
    4. Students are required to fill out a contract and develop learning goals once they start working at Career Services.
  3. Application deadlines: April 30 for fall enrollment; December 10 for spring enrollment. This program is not offered during summer session. Undergraduate students in all majors are encouraged to apply.

CDS Testimonials

Many Career Development Specialists (CDS) successfully complete their internship at Career Services each semester. These CDS would like to share their experiences with you. Please read below.

Erin Hannon, Spring 2007

"I accepted a position at Westcott homes as an assistant homeowner concierge! The woman that hired me said that the one thing on my resume that really caught her attention was my internship at the career center."

Kelli Sheppard, Spring 2007

"I have gone on about a dozen interviews if not more since becoming a CDS. But I did get hired on at Athletic Marketing for a year long internship. This starts next Fall. Again, I don't think any of this would have happened had I not received the help that I did through the CDS program. Thank you so much for this opportunity, I think I have learned more this semester through this internship than I have in the rest of my three years in college. Good luck with the new set of interns, let them know how lucky they are to have this position."

Kristina Higuchi, Spring 2006

"Now, as the semester winds to a close, I can look back on my CDS experience and really feel a great sense of accomplishment. Through the many opportunities presented to me in the course of the semester, I not only was able to accomplish all my goals (gain an internship, a shiny new resume and loads of events un my belt) but I was able to make countless connections; from office staff, to recruiters and of course, my fellow interns as well as work on valuable vocational skills, such as working in teams and creating effective new communication mediums. I would rate this experience as a definite highlight to my college career and have already begun to recommend it to everyone I know!"

Dena Ellsworth, Spring 2006

"I do believe that the CDS program was one of the greatest experiences ever! Being in the CDS program has been a wonderful and enriching experience. I learned so much about career development, and learned about myself and what career goals I would like to pursue. I also made some wonderful new friends! I hope this is okay! I just want to say thank you, Virginia, for selecting me to participate in the CDS program, I learned so much and had so much fun! "

Lisa Zenno, Spring 2006

"I would rate my experience as excellent. I would say it was 100%, however, if I do get a job by the time I graduate and is in within my interest, then I will owe CDS program for everything. This internship w/in semester has made my college year very productive. I’ve learned so much in just one semester that can definitely stick w/me for a life-time. Thank you so much!"

How to Make a CDS Internship

by Lisa Zenno, Spring 2006

Ingredients:
  • 8 well qualified applicants
  • a handful of employers at the career service
  • plenty of joyous conversations
  • 3T of sporadic deadlines
  • 8 tsp of individual goals
  • 1 cup of team cooperation
  • few pinches of feedback
  • 3 computers
  • many pairs of legs
  • lots of enthusiasm
  • at least 3 professional attires
Method:
  1. Blend everything together
*For a better taste, add chocolates, coffee, and/or food

Amanda Popelier, Fall 2001

"Being a CDS student has opened me up to many new and interesting opportunities. I have learned a lot about resumes and cover letters, employer relations, student services, program development, and I am hoping to gain some more knowledge about career counseling, planning, and assessment. I have found the tools available at the Career Services to be very helpful, and being a CDS student has given me the opportunity to learn about all the programs offered."

Mike Laybourn, Fall 2001

"This semester I basically stumbled into the CDS program. To date I have found it to be one of the most beneficial experiences of my college career. I assist with employer relations, career development and research, newsletter and brochure development, and resume critiquing. This experience has been extremely valuable in helping me find a company that fits my career goals, while at the same time developing professional skills that make me more marketable to future employers."

Sarah Bernhard, Fall 2001

"Since I have been a CDS student I have experienced every niche of education planning and job hunting from writing resumes to choosing graduate schools. CDS students not only have the opportunity to utilize the resources at Career Services, they also have the chance to outreach to students by working at Career Expos and hosting Career Services information booths throughout the year."

Contact the Program Coordinator by E-mail

Please send your comments to Virginia Tavera-Delgado at vdelgado@wsu.edu. Thank you!