Career Development
Center
  Occidental College
 1600 Campus Road,
Coons 109
 Los Angeles, CA
 90041-3314

 Email: careers@oxy.edu
 Phone: 323.259.2623
 Fax: 323.341.4900

Commonly Asked Questions by Family Members

When should my student begin to use the Career Development Center?
The Career Development Center welcomes student as soon as they begin their college experience.  We can assist freshmen and transfer students with all career related issues including choosing a major or career to finding a part-time job or internship.  

What should my student be doing during the first years at college with regards to careers?
The first couple of years in college, students generally are adjusting to college life, exploring who they are through coursework and co-curricular activities and should begin to assess their skills, interests and values.  Our office can help them with this self-assessment through individual counseling whereby they can begin to make decisions about their future career.

During their college years, student also should be exploring and testing their career options to be sure they more fully understand each field and to do a reality check.  Students should experience career fields through internships, summer and part-time jobs and volunteer work.  Our office can help students with the search for these opportunities in various ways:
Job and internship listings
Career library resources
A mentor program to meet with alumni professionals 
Job and internship fairs

How can I help my student be a more marketable candidate for jobs or graduate school?
Of course, developing intellectual competence and academic skill is a priority.  Good grades are an important evaluation method.  Students need to work hard to learn and obtain the best grades they can.  There are many resources available on campus to assist with student skills, time management, tutoring and more.  Encourage your student to take advantage of these opportunities if they need assistance with their academic learning.

Employers and graduate programs not only seek candidates who are academically excellent, but those who are well-rounded and demonstrate a variety of "soft" skills.  These are some typical attributes that they seek in candidates: leadership, responsibility, self-knowledge, team work, oral and written communication, initiative, flexibility, adaptability, self-confidence, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently.

Encourage your student to get involved in campus clubs and activities which are an excellent way for students to develop these skills.  Click here to check out student life on campus.