Center for Career Development assists students with virtual job hunts, online sessions

A lot of uncertainty surrounds the COVID-19 outbreak. But one thing is sure: Rice students will need jobs after graduation — and they’re searching for internships too.

Good thing Rice’s Center for Career Development (CCD) is still firing on all cylinders.

“We are still offering all CCD services, virtually,” said marketing and events specialist Katelyn Holm, with emphasis on the word “all.”

Zoom and Google Hangouts have been incorporated into the CCD’s one-on-one counseling sessions — email and phone are also available — and students can continue to make appointments online via Handshake.

Fortunately, much can be done remotely by students who are searching for jobs and internships.

“Having a good LinkedIn profile is so important for students looking for opportunities right now,” Holm said. “In response to that, we’re hosting ‘LinkedIn and Networking in a Virtual World’ to help students with their online presence.” The online workshop takes place during lunch April 7, 12:15 to 12:50 p.m.

The CCD team is also putting together a workshop on finding jobs and internships virtually and will soon be busy training the new class of 2020-21 Peer Career Advisors, who will help their fellow students with resume reviews, pitches and more next school year.

If a student has found an internship but it’s low-paying or unpaid, the CCD is still here to help with that too.

“For students concerned about funding for summer internships and opportunities, we have the Owl Edge Summer Experience Fund, with awards of up to $5,000,” Holm said. The deadline to apply is March 30.

And since on-campus recruiting won’t be an option for a while, Holm said the CCD is working on that too: They’re finding employers willing to host virtual recruitment sessions. There are several in Handshake already.