When It Comes to Career, Start Early But Still Have Fun!

Aug. 11, 2021
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The first week of the semester is a busy time, especially for first-year students. They have to learn how to navigate campus to get to class, buy the right books, and get settled into the dorm. Given all that, when should they start thinking about career? Right now, of course!

Student Engagement & Career Development (SECD) encourages students to go into their first year of college with an explorer’s mind-set: to seek out activities and courses they’re curious about, experiment with their interests and strengths, then spend a little time reflecting on it. What was good? What wasn’t? This can help students hone-in and use their time more intentionally, in a way that furthers their interests and goals.

Here are three ways they can get started.

Get a Part-Time Job: Attend the Wildcat Student Employment Fair

A job on-campus or locally in the Tucson community is a valuable earning and learning experience. It not only connects students to campus and the community, but it also provides an important glimpse into the working world that could inspire and shape their future path. Or just makes sure they have enough for a weekly latte!

So where can your student find an on-campus job? On Wednesday, August 25th, 1 PM to 4 PM online via Zoom, the Wildcat Student Employment Fair (WSEF) features hundreds of possible part-time jobs and internships on and near campus.

Your student can start researching who’s hiring and what jobs are available now using Handshake, our job board for internships, jobs, and career events. All Arizona students automatically have an account created for them in Handshake. All they need to do is go to this address: arizona.joinhandshake.com and sign in using their University of Arizona email address.  Encourage them to join the event to get regular updates about new employers and job opportunities.

Design Your Time at Arizona: Take a 1 Credit Class “Design Your Life”

Take this one-credit course to helps students plan for their time at UA—what experiences they want to focus on and explore, skills they want to build— that will allow them to test their ideas for a life plan that integrates work and personal values.  Register via UAccess: SBS 311: Design Your Life (in-person)

Life Hack: Powered by LifeLab

If your student is asking you what they should do with their life, answer with another question: How can you start from where you are? They don’t ever have to do it alone – not when they have supportive family like you – and a supportive community of fellow Wildcats. Let your student know they can join other Wildcats at Life Hack. During this one-day event, they can uncover what's possible during their time at Arizona alongside other students.

Thursday, September 16, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM; Online via Zoom. Register on Handshake.

From Here to Career, Drop in to LifeLab

Students can get on-demand help with their career, no matter their starting point. LifeLab Coaches can help students find ways to get involved on campus and explore their interests, develop skills and get connected with other resources on campus that can help them identify and pursue their career goals.

Fall Hours
Monday - Thursday: Noon-7 PM
Friday: Noon - 5 PM 
In-person Location: 248 SUMC
Online location: https://arizona.zoom.us/my/lifelab

We all want your student to succeed—in their career and in life. What’s represented above is just a few ways your student can explore and discover (or uncover) their interests and passions that’ll lead them to a successful career and fulfilling life.  Together, we can guide them on each of their next steps.

career.arizona.edu