Although the academic year is just weeks underway and classes are only now hitting their stride, it’s not too early for Temple students to begin thinking about career preparation.

According to Temple Career Center Director Rachel Brown, the earlier students begin, the greater the likelihood of success in finding the right path upon graduation. The key, she says, is developing a portfolio of tools as soon as possible.

“One of the things that students typically underestimate is the amount of time and effort required for a job search,” she said. 

Fortunately, officials in the center are already planning a series of events designed to clarify the job search process and kickstart career preparations. The office’s annual Career Week, which runs from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, will offer a wealth of resources with those goals in mind.

Sessions are available for students of all class levels and majors, but for juniors and seniors especially, Career Week is intended to serve as the kick-off event to year-round recruitment activity.

“The intention of Career Week is to draw attention to and frame the importance of career planning,” said Brown. “We don’t want students to wait.”

In conjunction with Temple's Academic Resource Center, the center will host the “Discover Your Options Safari,” a session designed to get first- and second-year students thinking about their major and how it will develop skills they can utilize when they graduate.

Events such as “Resumania” and a Career Fair prep session, are intended to help juniors, seniors, graduate students and recent alumni prepare to meet with potential employers later in the week. Other sessions highlight the importance of details such as a polished résumé and interview-ready suit. 

Career Week events build to the Oct. 4 Career Fair, which will be held from noon until 4 p.m. in Howard Gittis Student Center room 200. The fair will give upperclassmen and graduate students an opportunity to meet with more than 75 employers offering professional internships and full-time positions. But equally important is what students do afterward. 

“The key to success in securing an internship or job is following through with all of the contacts made during Career Week,” said Brown.

Career Week is just one of many Career Center resources available to students throughout their college career; events are scheduled throughout the fall to continue career planning momentum. For example, the office offers “check-ups” with personal career coaches to help students make sure they are keeping up with their career goals. 

“Our goal is to help students develop the relevant skills and necessary experience so that they feel prepared and confident entering the employment market,” said Brown.