Office of Career Services

HAVE YOU COMPLETED AN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE?

If you have accepted or participated in a clinical competition, clinical, co-op experience, entrepreneurship/incubators, field experience, full-time job, internship, part-time job, practicum, research project(s), service learning or volunteering, on-campus student employment or a study abroad experience, we want to hear from you!

Scan the QR code to let us know about your experience or click here: https://ncat.joinhandshake.com.

INTERVIEW DO'S AND DON'TS

After last month’s successful career fairs, it’s time to prepare for summer internships and jobs. But how do you best prepare for the interview? The interview process can be very nerve-racking and stressful. But if you prepare, it can be an easy and enjoyable experience. Below are some do’s and don’ts that will help you ace the interview process.

Do’s

1. Do your research before getting to the interview. Finding out as much information about the company before the interview helps you not only become knowledgeable about the company, but it also can help you when answering questions such as why did you choose this company? Or why do you want to work for us?
2. Do dress appropriately for the interview. Appearance matters! You should always dress appropriately for the interview whether it is in person or virtual. If you are unsure, you can always reach out to Human Resources to ask for their dress code.
3. Do prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Prepare questions beforehand to ask the interviewer. This can show you are invested and are serious about the role.
4. Do send a thank you note after each of your interviews. Always thank the interviewer for their time. This makes you a more memorable candidate.

Don’ts

1. Don’t arrive at the interview late. The first impression is everything in the interview process. Aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to prepare for your interview.
2. Don’t ask about salary. Focus on showing the interviewer you are the best candidate for the job. Discussions about money and benefits can come later.
3. Don’t lie about your skills. Just be yourself. The truth will always come out soon.

In all, just be authentically you. For more interview preparation tips or if you would like to schedule an appointment with our Career Advisors, register here: https://ncat.joinhandshake.com.

MANAGING YOUR JOB OFFERS

ACCEPTANCE OF JOB OFFER GUIDELINES 

Students should withdraw from the interview process once they have accepted a job offer with an employer. When weighing multiple offers students should always request additional time to make a decision, if needed. It is recommended that the student contact the “first choice” employer about an offer from another employer. Students are encouraged to indicate that they have another offer and inquire about their candidacy and the “first choice” employer’s timeframe. Students should make the best decision for their career and personal needs without undue pressure or stress. Kindly notify all pending employer as soon as possible once a decision has been made to enable employers to reach out to other candidates. 

DO NOT RESCIND A JOB OFFER 

It is NOT appropriate to accept an offer and to then continue with your job search. Once you have accepted a job offer, you should withdraw from all interviews and inform other employers for which you remain a candidate that you no longer wish to be considered for the position. Professional circles are small and memories long. It is unprofessional and unethical to accept a job offer with the intent of rescinding your acceptance. 

OCS INTERN SPOTLIGHT: JASMYNE HARVEY

Jasmyne Harvey is a graduate student in the clinical mental health counseling program at A&and a graduate assistant within the Office of Career Services.

Harvey assists juniors and seniors with résumé and cover letter critiques as well as helps them develop their Handshake and LinkedIn profiles. Helping students achieve their academic and career goals is what motivates her each day.

“Being able to help students critique their professional skills encourages me to continue helping others,” Harvey said. “I have met with many students and enjoyed helping them shape their outlook on their career and academic goals.”

Harvey hopes that by assisting and guiding students on their journey, they will take away the importance of selling themselves and creating lasting relationships with the people they meet.

“I want students to understand how important professional development and networking with others are due to the barriers young adults face in the professional field,” Harvey said.

Students can sign up on Handshake to schedule an appointment with Harvey or any of the OCS staff at https://ncat.joinhandshake.com.

OCS SPOTLIGHT: PFIZER

Pfizer is a Presidential Sponsor with the Office of Career Services. Pfizer is an advanced innovative company that works to distribute medicines that might not otherwise be available to underserved communities. They are driven and devoted to find new innovative ways to advance medicine and find cures.

At Pfizer, their goal is to significantly improve the lives of everyone, everywhere. They are looking for Aggies who are eager and motivated to help fulfill their goal and mission of improving health and making the world a better place.

The company is actively seeking talented and motivated students who share that drive to find the cure. Follow them on Handshake for updates on campus visits and job opportunities.

OCS OBSERVES WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

During March, women across the country are honored and celebrated during what is recognized as Women’s History Month. From seamstresses, to engineers, to the first woman as vice president of the United States, women are making history in the job industry each day.

The Office of Career Services celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting how women have advanced the workplace since the national recognition in 1987.

1997 — Madeleine Albright was sworn in as U.S. Secretary of State. She was the first woman in this position.

2005 — Condoleezza Rice became the first Black female Secretary of State.

2007 — Nancy Pelosi became the first female Speaker of the House.

2009 — Sonia Sotomayor became the first Hispanic American and the third woman to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

2013 — The ban against women in military combat positions removed; this overturned in 1994 Pentagon decision restricting women from combat roles.

2016 — Hillary Rodham Clinton makes history when she secures the presidential nomination for the Democratic Party, becoming the first U.S. woman to lead the ticket of a major party. She lost the election.

2020 — Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first woman and first woman of color vice president of the United States. She said, “While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last.”

Each day, women are changing the workplace and creating history for future generations to come.