Career Advice Professors can Provide

It is not just course material that a professor can give to students.  Students need to remember that professors were recent graduates at one time, so they are familiar with the need for applying to jobs, creating resumes and making an impression at interviews.  Unfortunately, students rarely ask their professors for such advice.  Do not make that mistake.  Here is a list of information a professor, particularly your department advisor, can provide:

1)  What type of resume/curriculum vitae is appropriate for graduates in your major (a professor may even provide you with his or her resume as a sample)

2) What experience/course completions should be mentioned in a cover letter (professors often know what subfields or skill sets within a major are of increasing importance in the job market)

3) What area or regional employers are looking for recent college graduates (businesses often call professors at local colleges and universities for leads on potential employees)

4) What careers offer jobs to specific majors outside convential markets (after graduating with degrees in anthropology, I was amazed to learn that many business, political and education opportunities were open to me after graduation - it was one of my professors that guided me towards such options)

Yes, college career centers provide great direction.  Yes, community centers and unemployment offices also can guide students/recent college graduates towards employment opportunities.  Yet, your college professors often have insight the aforemention places can't match.  Since your paying for your education, get the most for your money.  Ask your professors for career guidance instead of just what's on the final exam.  You'll be glad you did.