Career center continues its mission to serve students throughout pandemic

While members of the class of 2020 may have to wait for their formal commencement ceremony, the reality of getting a job cannot be pushed to a later date.

The Career, Mentoring and Professional Development Center (CMPDC) at Shippensburg University provides students and alumni career and professional development learning opportunities. It’s office is located on the first floor of the Ceddia Union Building (CUB)

With the announcement of classes moving online for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester, the staff had to think quickly on how to continue to offer their services.

Victoria Kerr, CMPDC director of career development, said almost everything the CMPDC offers was moved online. The staff immediately brainstormed ways to offer their services to students, staff and employers.

“Especially in a time of uncertainty where things are changing, consistency is important,” Kerr said.

The center is offering Zoom appointment sessions for students on mock interviews, cover letters, resumes and more.

One of the center’s largest events, the spring job fair, was scheduled for late April before COVID-19 coronavirus halted all on-campus activities.

The “Career CUB Takeover” week will now be held virtually. The activities include resume critiques, virtual networking and a virtual job fair held on Zoom from 10 A.M.–2:30 P.M. on Wednesday. The fair will feature more than 75 employers who are recruiting applicants for internships, full-time and part-time positions.

Kerr encouraged all students to attend the fair, emphasizing the importance and benefit of building connections.

“All you need to do is login,” she said.

One benefit of the transition to online instruction is the staff’s ability to accomodate students’ timeframes, according to Kerr. She discussed the benefit of being able to schedule a Zoom session — morning, afternoon or evening — to assist students in reaching their career goals.

For more information or to schedule a Zoom session with a staff member, visit the CMPDC’s website or email career@ship.edu.