UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The College of Education, in collaboration with Penn State Career Services, now offers drop-in career counseling services to its undergraduate and graduate students. While Career Services has always offered drop-in counseling sessions to University Park students, students in the College of Education will now have access to a career counselor who specializes in the field of education and can address a variety of questions and concerns.

"The drop-in sessions are relatively short, lasting about 10 to 15 minutes so that students don't have to wait too long," said Cassandra Rosas, career counselor. “If students want their resume or cover letter looked at, or some interview coaching, we can help them with that within these sessions. If a student needs more time, we can discuss ways to schedule a longer appointment in Career Services."

Students also may receive advice on job searching as well as interviewing tips. Because the field of education is unique in the ways in which employees are recruited when compared to other fields, accessibility to job postings can be a challenge for job-seekers. To help combat those obstacles, Rosas is working closely with the college’s Advising and Certification Center to make sure students are informed about career opportunities.

“The College of Education is contacted all the time about job vacancies so we are working together to get those posts on our Nittany Lion Career Network so that it is more accessible for students,” Rosas said.

The drop-in sessions also will be beneficial for students who have yet to declare a major or those who may be considering but are not sure if education is the right field for them.

“A lot of times, students will come in to the college’s advising center with an interest in education, but they have a lot of concerns,” Rosas said, explaining that students can falsely perceive education positions to be difficult to obtain, which can be intimidating to young students.

“Students want to know if they will be able to find a job,” she said, adding that College of Education graduates are highly sought after by recruiters and school districts across the nation. “There are jobs out there for teachers and they can have a successful career in this field.”

Providing an opportunity to have an open dialogue about their concerns and anxieties is important for all students, Rosas said. The drop-in sessions will allow students to express concerns or seek out advice in a way that is convenient for them.

“A lot of students don’t realize that Career Services is available to them,” she said. “These drop-in sessions will allow students the opportunity to meet with me without the hassle of scheduling an appointment. They can just drop in.”

Undergraduate students who are considering applying to graduate school also are encouraged to take advantage of the drop-in counseling services. Rosas can help students determine if graduate school is the right option for them given their area of study and can assist with the application process by providing feedback on items such as the personal statement.

“There are a lot of things to consider when you’re nearing graduation,” Rosas said. “We want to let the students know that Career Services is here for them to utilize, regardless of their major, and we can help make the transition from student to professional smooth and less stressful.”

The College of Education drop-in career counseling sessions will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday throughout the semester in the Krause Innovation Studio. Sessions are open to undergraduate and graduate students of the college, and students considering an education major. For more information about drop-in counseling, visit the Penn State Career Services website at http://bit.ly/20hx5Wp or contact the Advising and Certification Center at 814-865-0488.