When a degree isn’t enough
career services for adult learners
Most working adults cite “career advancement” as their primary reason for returning to school. Among online students, more than three quarters pursue programs for “career-focused” reasons (Magda, 2018).
But, sometimes having advanced skills and knowledge, and even a degree, isn’t enough to get you where you want to be. Working adults need help identifying new opportunities, building resumes, and preparing for interviews in a new field or industry. In the following post, Janel Juba of Wentworth’s Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development shares some insights on what working adults can expect from career services:
At the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development, we deliver the necessary resources to be effective in the workplace, provide essential job search strategies and teach students how to find jobs that align with their classroom knowledge, skills and interests. Our mission is to EQUIP students with the necessary tools to EVOLVE their skills and ultimately EXCEL in their industry.
We offer a range of programs, tools, and services to adult learners including:
- Career Guidance and Exploration
- Tips on how to effectively navigate Online Career and Job Search Resources
- Access to job boards and other sites
Working adults who are enrolled in, or have graduated from, a degree program at Wentworth can come to the Center for help in reviewing their resume and cover letter, developing and enhancing their networking skills, preparing for interviews, finding jobs using WITworks (our job database) and other sites, as well as connecting with employers at our career fairs and additional on-campus events. Plus, matriculated or degree program graduates can borrow clothing from WITwear, our closet of interview-appropriate attire.
Non-degree candidates can expect some services, although their options might be more limited depending on a school’s resources. At Wentworth, certificate students have access to WITworks and the career fairs as well as the support of their academic advisor.
In today’s competitive job market, it is not enough to have advanced knowledge and skills. The support and guidance of a good career advisor will go a long way toward helping you advance in your career and achieve your personal and professional goals.
Wentworth’s Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development will hold its Fall CAREER Fair on October 3rd from 3PM-7PM in Watson Auditorium & Tansey Gymnasium. Registration for Wentworth degree students and alumni is now open at WITworks. For more information, contact the Center at 617-989-4101 or via email at coopsandcareers@wit.edu. The Center is located in Wentworth Hall.
Janel Juba is a CO-OPS + CAREERS Advisor at Wentworth Institute of Technology. She joined the CO-OPS + CAREERS team in 2014. Janel currently supports Construction Management & Civil Engineering students with resources and tools to achieve the training they need to be successful in their career. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Growth & Development from Wheelock College and is pursuing a certificate in Project Management at Wentworth.
Magda, A. J., & Aslanian, C. B. (2018). Online college students 2018: Comprehensive data on demands and preferences. Louisville, KY: The Learning House, Inc. June 2018