Q: Is there a cost for using The Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness?
A: Services are free to all NMHU students and alumni.
Q: Who can use The Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness?
A: Services are available free to all students and alumni. Students should begin utilizing the services and participate in all career events and workshops starting their first year in college.
Q: Is the Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness available to center and distance students?
A: YES! All services on the main campus are also easily accessible on our website. Center students have 24/7 access to resources on writing a résumé, cover letter, receiving online résumé feedback, job interview preparation, and practice interviews through our SkillsFirst system. In addition, job postings are listed here for student employment, summer paid internships and professional jobs. For personalized assistance, you can call us at 505-454-3046 to schedule a phone or ZOOM video conferencing session.
Q: I’m only a freshman. Should I be thinking about a career already?
A: YES! It is important for a first-year student to start exploring career options related to majors they are thinking about. A freshman should also start writing a résumé and applying for summer paid internships. Stop by The Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness to speak with a professional staff member.
Q: Can alumni and recent graduates use the Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness?
A: YES! Alumni and recent graduates can continue to use our services following graduation free of charge. Services are available by visiting our office, scheduling a phone or Zoom video conferencing appointment or by utilizing our extensive online resources.
Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: It’s best to schedule an appointment. Call the Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness at 505-454-3046 or visit us in the Felix Martinez Building, Suite 230. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Career advising sessions are usually 30 to 60 minutes in length.
Q: How do I find and apply for part-time jobs on-campus while going to school?
A: On-campus jobs and the application process are located at nmhu.edu/studentjobs.
Q: How do I write a résumé?
A: Schedule an appointment with one of our staff or use our online SkillsFirst system, accessible 24/7 on our webpage. SkillsFirst will help you create a resume customizable to your specific major and career interests.
Q: Can someone review my résumé?
A: By creating your resume in our SkillsFirst system, you can submit your resume by clicking on the systems Submit for Human Review button, which will automatically send your document to us for review and feedback. We can also provide a quick consultation of your resume by visiting our office; however, we highly recommend that you use SkillsFirst for best results. You will love it! Make an appointment with us by calling 505-454-3046.
Q: What is an internship?
A: An internship is work experience that is related to your major and or career interests. An internship, which is usually during the summer break or part time while attending school, provides students an opportunity to gain experience and professional mentorship before they graduate from college. Over 75 percent of employers use internships as their primary means of hiring college graduates for professional jobs. Applying for internships starting in your freshman year is a great way to jump start your career, gain work experience and improving your chances of having a good job waiting for you after graduation.
Q: When is the best time to apply for internships?
A: Most employers begin their application process for internships starting in September through February. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to use the resources at Career Services in the early fall semester. You will start by creating a cover letter and résumé early in the fall semester so you can start applying.
Q: Are internships paid?
A: Unlike in high school where internships are likely to be unpaid, internships for college students are mostly paid—the national average wage is $16 per hour. Many employers also provide transportation and housing assistance as a supplement to your internship wages. Most summer internships are full time for 6 to 8 weeks during the summer months.
Q: How do I begin my job search for an internship or professional job?
A: Online resources for on-campus jobs, summer internships, and professional jobs are located at nmhu.edu/studentjobs. Students are encouraged to use the Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness early in their college careers. Come in and meet with a career adviser, develop a résumé, attend career fairs, and network as much as possible. Working part time in your desired industry or doing an internship is a wonderful way to get job experience and establish contacts.
Q: How can I practice my job interviewing skills?
A: The Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness will teach students effective interview strategies and schedule practice interview sessions. Students also have 24/7 access to the Mock Interview module in our SkillsFirst system to practice and video record their responses to more than 1000 interview questions. Practice in your pajamas if you like!
Q: What is an employer information session?
A: Employers visit our campus throughout the fall and spring semesters to meet students and conduct informative presentations on their internship and career opportunities with their companies and organizations.
Q: What is a career and internship fair?
A: A career fair connects students with employers to explore paid internships, careers and graduate school opportunities. Employers set up booths to provide students with valuable information about their organizations as well as insightful job search advice on desirable work skills. Though most employers do not hire or conduct interviews on-the-spot, students are encouraged to come prepared with résumé copies, an elevator pitch, questions, and appropriate dress—as if you are going to a job interview. First impressions count!
Q: Are liberal arts majors such as English and history marketable in today’s job economy?
A: All majors are marketable. Many professional jobs are open to college degrees of any major. Your college degree is important, but more desirable by employers are the transferable skills (such as communications, teamwork and critical thinking) that you gain from a college education.
Q: Will the Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness find a job for me?
A: The Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness does not guarantee job placement; however, our professional staff and career peer advisors will teach you effective search strategies to significantly increase your chances of getting a job.