With the start of the new semester, many great events and programs are being launched at UCF and the Career Services Office is no exception.

Career Services is currently undergoing some major changes, including the anticipated relocation to the new, high-tech building located on Memory Mall (set to open in January 2011). Additionally, a new team of student career peer advisors has been selected for the year.

Recently, the new team of eight Career Peer Advisors (CPAs) and Delta Epsilon Iota (DEI) volunteers received training to assist students with a variety of career-related needs to include career and major exploration, resume critiques, practice interviews and outreach events.  With a total of five intensive days of training held on August 16-20, both the CPAs and DEI volunteers are well-prepared and enthusiastic to assist their fellow students.

Some of the key aspects of the training included:  customer service skills, professionalism, dress code, resume critiques, interviewing techniques, case studies and a detailed overview of Career Services.  Notable  highlights included: “Presentation Skills” by Kevin Yee,  Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning; ”Successful Job Search Preparation” Nicole Howatt-Moberg,  College of Business Administration; “Considering Career Paths” Mark Allen Poisel, Student Development and Enrollment Services;  and “Customer Service” by  Stephanie Jenkins, Human Resources, OD & Training.

Throughout the week, the trainees had opportunities to meet the Career Services staff, as well as representatives from various UCF departments and colleges. This one-on-one interaction has proven invaluable to the trainees by allowing them to develop rapport with peers and supervisors as well as expand their knowledge of career services and resources. Trainees were also given a comprehensive Student Training Manual which fully outlined the presentations and case studies.  At the end of the five-day training week, students were given a final exam to demonstrate readiness to assist students in need.

All in all, the training was an informative and engaging experience giving the trainees numerous opportunities to participate, learn and prepare for their new exciting positions at Career Services.

Career Services is in the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services.