by Madelyn Ostendorf
Students will find two new faces in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Services office this semester.
Eric Anderson, associate director, and Katy Griner, assistant director, joined the team earlier this year and are looking forward to helping students explore career options, gain professional experience and build confidence for life after graduation.
For students wondering when they should first visit the CALS Career Services office, Anderson and Griner offer the same advice: don't wait until senior year.
"It's never too early to come visit us," Anderson said.
Career Services Office
Together, Anderson and Griner hope students see CALS Career Services as more than a place to visit while searching for a job.
"I'd like to think of it as a one-stop shop for all things professional development, from your first day in Ames right up until graduation," Anderson said.
Students can receive support with resumes and cover letters, internship and job searches, interview preparation, networking, graduate school exploration and post-graduation planning.
The office also helps students identify experiences that will strengthen their skills and make them more competitive in the workforce. Griner said the team's focus is on helping students develop professionally throughout their college experience so they’re set up for career-long success.
"I think sometimes people look at Career Services as a placement office," she said. "We want it to be more of a development office."
That approach includes helping students build confidence, understand their strengths and learn how to communicate the value of their experiences to employers.
This fall, students will have several opportunities to connect with the CALS Career Services team. They can also book appointments at any time via Navigate, Iowa State's student success platform.
Some upcoming events where students can meet the new team are:
- CALS Pathways Kickoff – Sept. 1, 4-5:30 p.m. in Harl Commons
- New Student BBQ – Sept. 2, 4-7 p.m. in Kildee Hall
- CALS Resume Workshop – Sept. 22, 5-6 p.m. in 0127 Curtiss Hall
- CALS Career Day – Oct. 13, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Lied Recreation Athletic Center
Griner encourages students to take advantage of CALS Career Services throughout their entire college experience.
"College is a time to use your resources, and we can be one of those," she said. "Reach out, make a connection and use us all four years."