Never used ePACK before? No problem.  Using your unity ID as your login, request a new password for the system – you’ll be sent a link to change your password.  Once you log in, make sure your profile is up-to-date (correct major, graduation date, contact information, etc.).  Then start exploring your options! Using the Jobs/Internships tab, you can search the database for opportunities posted for your major.  It’s a good idea to view everything that’s posted before getting too specific with your search criteria first, though – that way you won’t miss anything. Be sure to use the Advanced Search tab as well, and don’t forget to activate a Job Search Agent.

In order to apply for internships, you’ll need to upload a resume to your ePACK account.  Make sure you’ve spent time creating an outstanding resume with the job you want in mind!  Come visit the Career Development Center and have one of your CHASS Career Professionals look over your resume before submitting – we’re happy to help! Schedule an appointment (also done through ePACK), or come by the CDC for walk-ins from 11-2, Monday – Friday.

Once you’ve uploaded your resume to ePACK, you are ready to apply! Most employers make it very easy for students to submit resumes – simply click the “apply now” link and your resume will be sent straight to the employer! If you don’t see that option, directions on how to apply will be listed.

One more thing – we are quickly approaching career fair season!  Take advantage of all career fairs at NC State, regardless of your major – you never know which employer could be looking for someone with your exact skill set!  Find a list of all upcoming fairs on our website: careers.ncsu.edu.  Check it out for yourself!

Questions? Set up an appointment with Woody Catoe or Jane Matthews through ePACK, or reach us at 919.515.2396.

Career readiness is an evaluation of your fitness for the journey that leads to a professional job search. These are the essentials for eventually beginning your professional career. Check these out to see where you stand so far

JOB SEARCH TOOLS

 1.       Do  you have a resume?

No? – Stop. Resumes are an essential tool whether you are just getting started with internships or preparing to start your professional job search. Resumes are expected in college and can be necessary not only for career use but also when seeking scholarships or being considered for an award or volunteer position or membership in a fraternity or sorority. You benefit from having an ongoing record of accomplishments and experiences to track your progress.

Yes? – Great! Have you had a career center professional to assist you with writing or reviewing your resume? Resumes have changed somewhat since your mom or dad composed theirs. In addition, the Career Development Center seeks advice from hiring professionals who provide insights on what they expect to see in a student resume. You want this document to be A+ since it represents you. It’s  your primary marketing tool whose goal is to get you an interview.

2.       Do you know the best way to search for jobs and internships?

Did you say Monster or Career Builder? WRONG!  Only about 15-20% of job opportunities are ever advertised anywhere. In tough economic times, you have even more people competing for this same 20% that get posted. Being proactive and making contact with employers or people who know them is the best way and yields the best results consistently. The Career Development Center has specific resources not only to help you get started but to coach you on how to approach employers or key people. We are all about strategies and resources.

3.       Do you know what ePACK is?

If you said it’s a container for words beginning with “E” – WRONG!  It’s NC State’s own job, internship, and co-op posting site plus much more. It currently has more than 11,000 employers who can post opportunities at any time. Wise students will set up their ePACK account (at no cost) early in their college experience to find internships, co-ops,  and part-time positions that are career related; to check on-campus interview opportunities and schedules;  to know when the 13+ campus career fairs will be held and who’s coming, and to take advantage of some of the numerous free information sessions (that can also include resume critiques and practice interviews) where you talk with professionals in your areas of interest. Get started at careers.ncsu.edu. Click on the ePACK link on the home page.

4.       What are the five basic questions that you will almost always be asked?

Few people are good at interviewing because most do not interview enough times to get comfortable with the process. The truth is, most students are hoping to have to interview only once! Reality (especially in today’s economic environment) is that you may interview as many as 15-20 times or more before getting an offer.  In addition, interview techniques have changed and use more “behavior-based” questions requiring applicants to think on their feet and deal with even more pressure. Mock or practice interviews will help you improve your technique and increase your confidence significantly. The question is: “When do you want to make your interview mistakes?”

5.       Do you know the secrets of professional networking and how to work a room?

These are all learned skills and include knowing how to tell your “career story” in 60 seconds or less. Developing your story, learning how to contact people, and maintaining professional conversations are skills we can help you acquire or improve. We can demonstrate the total communication package and how to maximize each component. Among the many things the CDC does is to help you build confidence. The CDC is a good place to bring your career anxieties.

6.       Are you clear about your career options with your major and how to maximize your academic experience to make you more attractive to employers? Are you having questions about your major, not really clear about what you want to do or can do with your college experience (and feel like you are the only one who’s having these questions)?

Believe it or not, you are part of a large group if these are issues for you. Choosing a major and a career path involve many factors, yet the choice of a career is a huge life decision that can be a source of either frustration or fulfillment depending on the choices you make.  Helping you with these questions earlier rather than later in your college experience can provide significant benefits. These include:

• Having a clear connection between your total college experience and your career direction. This makes classes much more enjoyable when this connection is apparent.
• Students with a strong career path/academics connection typically make better choices and are more motivated to excel.
• Virtually every choice you make in college (good and bad) can have implications for your career. In challenging job markets, it’s often the little things that make the difference. It’s not unusual for students to get interviews and offers based on the additional value a carefully selected minor, second major, or electives bring to the position.

We can help you sort through all of these decisions and questions.

7.       Where is the best place on campus for help with any career-related question?

If you said the Career Development Center, you’re beginning to get it. The first step is to come in for an appointment so you can get started. It will be among the best decisions you ever make.  On the ePACK home page, click on “schedule an appointment” and choose a time to meet with your CHASS Career Professionals:  Woody Catoe or Jane Matthews.  Questions? Call the Career Development Center at 919-515-2396 or check out the website: careers.ncsu.edu.

C. Woody Catoe, Ed.D, LPC

Assistant Director – Serving CHASS Students

Career Development Center