Outreach Program and Speaker Service

Staff and student career assistants can introduce you to our services, share current resources, develop programming and conduct workshops tailored to your group. We are available to the campus and community -- academic classes, student clubs, groups and organizations (undergraduate and graduate), living groups, and community organizations. In addition, we encourage and will arrange for presentations in our Career Resource Center. To schedule a presentation, please contact our office at 509-335-2546 or click on Upcoming Events to find out which outreaches/presentations have been scheduled and/or select the time and date that best fits your schedule.

Presentations can be tailored to the particular needs of the group or class. Career Services also offers individual sessions and walk-in hours weekdays from 2-4:00 p.m. Programs and services are free to all WSU students. All others should contact our office. The office of Career Services is open M-F from 8-5:00 p.m. The Outreach Program consists of a set of workshops designed to help students develop the necessary skills to effectively plan their careers goals and make a successful transition from college to the workplace. These free fifty-minute workshops provide information and skills training that will help students on their way to a career.

A variety of presentations and workshops are available through our outreach program and speaker service. If the topic you would like is not listed below, please make a request.

Workshop Description by Topic

Orientation to Career Services introduces students to the many services and resources offered by Career Services. Some of these programs and services are: career counseling and assessment, career planning courses, drop-in hours, on-campus interviewing, internship listings, career/job fairs, and placement files. Students are also introduced to the resources available through the Career Resource Center. Career Services and its programs help students with their career development and employment needs. Please refer to the "WSU Career Services Overview of Services" handout.

Choosing a Major addresses the issue of why it is sometimes difficult to choose a major and assists students in the process of self-assessment. This presentation also provides information about majors and minors offered at WSU, how to evaluate a major, and options and requirements for a major. This program also addresses the different ways Career Services can assist students in the process of choosing a major (through career counseling, testing and assessment, courses, and so forth). Please refer to the “Choosing a Major” packet.

Internship Planning introduces students to the different services and programs Career Services offers to help students integrate educational experiences with internships in government, business, and non-profit organizations. This session covers issues such as how to assess an internship, where to find one, and how to get the most of your work experience. It also provides information on factors to consider when applying and deciding on an internship. Having practical experience can help you decide if a career is right for you. It also enhances your academic education and helps you make connections with others in your chosen profession. The opportunities are unlimited. Please refer to the “Internship Program” packet.

Placement Files are for students and alumni who wish to establish a credential file. It introduces students to the steps and advantages of establishing a credential file. Placement files are primarily used by education graduates or students applying to graduate or professional schools. The files may contain letters of recommendation, transcripts, and related documents to support application for graduate and professional school or employment. If you are interested in establishing a credential file or would like to learn more about this service, please contact Career Services at 335-2546 or visit the Placement Files section on our site.

Resume and Cover Letter Preparation introduces students to basic principles of creating a resume and cover letter. Students learn about different resume styles and when to use each of them. Areas that are covered range from developing a “career objective” to a “list of references.” Please refer to the “Resume and Cover Letter” packet.

Interviewing Skills describes the various interview steps and fundamental elements of the interviewing process and provides an opportunity to practice behavioral interviewing techniques. Issues covered are: self-organization, interview preparation, interview conduct, and follow up. This presentation also describes “behavioral-based interviewing,” as well as the attributes employers consider most important when evaluating prospective employees. Students interested in practicing the skills learned in one of these sessions may schedule an appointment with a counselor to do a Mock Interview. Please refer to the “Interviewing” packet.

Job Search Strategies provides information for an effective job search strategy and describes the skills or experiences employers want in prospective employees. Issues addressed are: self-assessment, career exploration, employer identification, preparation of job materials, planning and conducting a job search campaign, marketing/networking, developing a contact network, and follow up. Students are introduced to the resources available through the Career Resource Center. Please refer to the “Job Search” packet.

Applying to Graduate School provides information on factors to consider when deciding to attend graduate school, reviews the application process, and assists students in finding the right graduate school program. This workshop covers the following issues: discussing career goals, selecting a school and graduate program, the application process, the interview process, and making the decision. This workshop also discusses the desired qualities and skills for a successful completion of degree. Students are introduced to the resources available through the Career Resource Center. Please refer to the “Selecting a Graduate School or Professional School” packet.