Frequently Asked Questions
- Whom does the Career Center assist?
- What is Handshake and how do I use it?
- Will the Career Center help me with my resume?
- How can the Career Center help me find a job or internship?
- Can the Career Center help me choose my major?
- Do you give tests that will help me identify the career I should pursue?
- How do I find out which employers will be interviewing on campus and how do I participate?
- I’m graduating. How do I start looking for a job?
- Can I use the Career Center after I graduate?
- Where is the Career Center and what are your hours?
1. Whom does the Career Center assist?
We assist all students, both undergraduate and graduate, who have been admitted to the college, as well as alumni.
2. What is Handshake and how do I use it?
Handshake is the College of Charleston's online career opportunities database, which is home to hundreds of internships, full-time and part-time positions. Students, alumni, and employers can access Handshake by logging in here.
3. Will the Career Center help me with my resume?
Yes, the Career Center has lots of resources available to assist you with developing an effective resume. You may access our collection of resume writing guides, sample resumes, and videos here. We also offer 15-minute resume reviews during our drop-in hours every weekday from 2:00-4:00pm and by appointment. To schedule an appointment, please use Appointment Manager or call 843.953.5692.
4. How can the Career Center help me find a job or internship?
The Career Center receives hundreds of job and internship opportunities each year, all of which are posted on Handshake. Our website also contains links to local, regional, national and international job listing sites. Please visit our Job Search page to help get you started, then use Appointment Manager or call 843.953.5692 to schedule an appointment.
5. Can the Career Center help me choose my major?
The Career Center doesn’t provide academic advising, but we can provide you with information and resources to help you explore majors and careers that may be a good match for you. We recommend that you visit our Choosing A Major page, then use Appointment Manager or call 843.953.5692 to schedule an appointment to meet with a staff member to discuss your ideas and questions.
6. Do you give tests that will help me identify the career I should pursue?
Yes, the Career Center administers the following assessments, which may be useful in helping you identify careers that match your interests: FOCUS, Strong Interest Inventory and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). An appointment with a Career Center staff member is required to take the Strong Interest Inventory and MBTI. Please use Appointment Manager or call 843.953.5692 to schedule an appointment.
7. How do I find out which employers will be interviewing on campus and how do I participate?
Many employers conduct on-campus interviews during the Fall (September-November) and Spring (February – April) semesters. All opportunities are posted on Handshake, and can be identified by the icon beside the job listing in the search results. Students who wish to participate in on-campus interviews must first have their resume reviewed and approved by the Career Center, and must sign a “Consent to Disclose Information” form to allow their resume to be released to participating employers. Once this is done, students may select employers with whom they wish to interview, and submit their resume to that organization via Handshake.
8. I’m graduating. How do I start looking for a job?
A visit to the Career Center is a good place to start; our staff and resources can help you in formulating a good job search plan for your individual career area(s) of interest. Also, be sure to utilize Handshake to view events sponsored by the Career Center throughout the year, such as Career Fairs, Information Sessions, Seminars, etc. In general, it is recommended that you first clarify and focus your career goals, use networking to uncover possible opportunities that may not be advertised; research industries and employers to better understand their needs; use a variety of resources to identify potential jobs openings; write a targeted resume and cover letter for each type of career opportunity you are seeking; polish your interview skills; and follow up on opportunities and interviews. The Career Center can provide more information and resources on all of these steps.
9. Can I use the Career Center after I graduate?
The Career Center recognizes that career development is a lifelong, ongoing process that does not end when you graduate. As an alumnus, you are welcome to utilize the resources available through the Career Center, including personal career counseling*, web resources, and participating in our events and programs. Please visit our Alumni page for more information. *An undergraduate or graduate degree from CofC is required for career counseling support. Individual career counseling appointments are available to alumni up to 3 years after graduation.
10. Where is the Career Center and what are your hours?
The Career Center is located on the second floor of the Lightsey Center Building (160 Calhoun Street), in suite 216. We are open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Our drop-in hours are Monday - Friday from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.