Students

Explore Your Career Path: Navigating Your Future with Career Counseling & Resources

Are you uncertain about your major or wondering what careers are for you? Whether you're questioning your current path or curious about other opportunities, exploring career options is a great way to get the clarity you need. Career counseling and personalized assessments can be the key to discovering what excites you.

Career Coach

If you're looking for a fast way to explore careers, try Career Coach! This 30-question quiz helps match your interests and work preferences to the top 10 careers that could be the best fit for you. It doesn't stop there – once you’ve got your matches, you can dig deeper into salary data, job growth projections, and the skills required. You’ll even get an idea of the educational path to get you on track toward your dream job.

Focus 2 Career

Want something more in-depth? Focus 2 Career is an online tool that lets you design your education and career plan from scratch. Simply create a free account using access code: HCCC225, and you’ll be able to take 5 powerful assessments that explore your values, skills, and interests. Afterward, Focus will generate a list of career possibilities and help you map out your next steps toward professional success.

Career Counseling

Feeling overwhelmed by all the possibilities? That’s where career counseling comes in. After completing the assessments, you might still have questions or want to narrow down your options to find the best major to align with your goals. Current students can schedule a one-on-one career counseling session through Handshake. If you're a prospective student or alum, email us at CareerServices@herkimer.edu or call 315-866-0300 ext. 8457 for assistance.

Other Resources for Career Exploration: 

• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• O-Net

Start exploring today and take the first step toward a career that fits your interests and goals!

Career Transition

Employment coaches at Herkimer College are here to help you with all aspects of transitioning into the workforce. They can also assist with your search for a part-time job or internship while you are in college.

Current students may schedule an appointment with an employment coach through Handshake, by calling 315-866-0300 ext. 8457, or by stopping into the Career Services Center located in Suite 302 of the Robert McLaughlin College Center.

Check out our services and events to help launch your career.

Résumé Writing Assistance

Students are encouraged to develop a résumé early on to use when applying for part-time employment, internships, preparing transfer applications or scholarship applications. A résumé will be needed when seeking your first career-oriented position.  Career Services can help you craft a solid résumé and assist with any cover letters you may need to write.

Job Postings

All part-time, full-time, internship, nationwide and on-campus opportunities are posted to our online career development system, Handshake.  All registered students have an account and are encouraged to log-in and update their profile.

It’s always good to use multiple systems when job searching.  Be sure to also leverage the career development tools through the New York State Department of Labor.

Jobs Ability is an international Premier Artificial Intelligence-driven system that matches people with disabilities skills to jobs and assists businesses with their 508 compliance.

 

Job Fairs

Early in the fall semester, Career Services organizes a part-time job fair to allow students an opportunity to meet with local businesses that have part-time jobs available.

And in the spring semester, the college hosts local and regional businesses at the annual Career Fair. While geared toward full-time, career level employment, some employers will also discuss part-time, seasonal or internship opportunities. These fairs are excellent networking opportunities to dress for success, bring your résumé, and get a jumpstart on your career.

Details about upcoming job fairs can be found in your Handshake account.

Applied Learning

Participation in applied learning activities can gain you real world experience outside of the classroom, build your résumé, and build your connections in the workforce. Applied learning covers a broad range of activities such as Internships, Practicum Placements, Fieldwork, Clinical Rotations, and Volunteerism. If your academic program requires an applied learning experience then your faculty advisor or professor can assist you with identifying a placement.

Herkimer students who do not have an applied learning requirement as part of their academic program may obtain assistance with locating opportunities from an Employment Coach located in the Career Services office in RMCC302.  Students may also utilize the following resources to locate and apply for opportunities:

• Log into your Handshake account and use the search filter for internships.
• Micro-Internships with Parker Dewey