University Career Services sponsors resume workshops

Applying for a job can be daunting amid a time of economic struggle and uncertain career prospects.

But University Career Services is seeking to help alleviate these concerns by preparing students for their career search.

UCS sponsored several events — including a Resume Marathon and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator workshop — aimed to prepare students for the Spring Career Expo, which will take place today at Rams Head Recreation Center.

Jeff Sackaroff, associate director at UCS, said between 500 and 800 students — and 62 employers — are expected to attend the expo.

“The job market is increasing,” Sackaroff said. “The numbers from both the fall and spring career fairs are up from last year.”

And UCS counselors helped job seekers further prepare for the improving market at resume marathons in Hanes Hall and the Pit on Monday. Counselors read through students’ resumes and gave them tips for final touches in preparation for the fair.

Freshman Ilyasah Shabazz, a public relations major who attended the resume marathon in the Pit, said she plans to attend the expo.

“I’m confident that there are jobs out there,” she said. Shabazz said she hopes to go into event planning, but she is nervous about her lack of experience in the field.

Sophomore Shahrukh Agha, a business and economics major, also worked with UCS on his resume. He said he plans to attend the expo because he is hoping to get himself on the map for future internships.

“I think it’s a good way to get on recruiters’ radars,” Agha said.

UCS also held a workshop on the Myers-Briggs personality assessment Tuesday. Ten students attended the workshop and learned about the assessment, which indicates suitable career paths or possible majors.

Freshman Jordan Bishopp said she went to the workshop because she wanted to find out more about her personality.

“I was just curious as to what my personality type is,” she said.

Myers-Briggs workshops are a new UCS initiative this semester, said Sue Harbour, senior assistant director for undergraduate business for UCS. Harbour, who ran the workshop, said the skills-based workshops usually attract about 20 students.

“I was actually quite pleased with the attendance,” Harbour said.

Sackaroff said that the major a student chooses does not necessarily determine their employment outlook, because most employers are open to any major.

“As long as students have a combination of experience and skills, they can be competitive in almost any field,” he said.

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