The Virginia Informer

Last Updated:2/3/10 Section: News

William and Mary's Career Center offers many services to undergraduates, graduates, and alumni. Unfortunately, many students miss out on the help and advice offered because they simply know nothing about it.

Currently located in the basement of Blow Hall, the Career Center helps students to, "develop the skills needed to clarify and ultimately achieve career goals," said Mary Schilling, director of the Career Center.

They offer advice on resume writing, effective interviewing, applying to grad schools, individual careers, and others.

In our conversation, Schilling stressed that the goal of the Career Center is not to tell students what they should do; rather, they discuss what they can do to facilitate achievement based on their interests and skills.

One of the services offered is the opportunity to have mock interviews. These interviews essentially recreate a real interview-the student sits down with a real employer who asks them real interview questions. The mock interviews last around thirty minutes; twenty are the interview, and the last ten are a critique period.

During the critique period the interviewer gives the interviewee feedback pertaining to the precision of their answers, the language they used, and even their body language.

"We know that interviews can be intimidating…just because you're smart does not mean that you will interview well," said Schilling.

I assure you that she isn't trying to scare you-"the Career Center strives to prepare students to talk about themselves and think in the way they need to"-so you don't have to be intimidated.

Next year, the Career Center will be even more accessible. Thanks to a generous gift from Sherman and Gloria Cohen, the Career Center plans to open the doors to a brand new building next fall. Located between Zable Stadium and the Sadler Center, the 11,000-square-foot facility will contain offices for career advising, presentation rooms for workshops that can hold up to 80 people, a recruitment suite for mock and real interviews, and a rooftop terrace overlooking Zable.

And, if you are not convinced of the usefulness of the Career Center, you don't have to take Mrs. Schilling's word for it. Let me explain to you a little bit about my experience.

I am a sophomore and was feeling stressed about my major and the career that I would pursue. I had no idea what path to follow, and I was under the impression that my major would define my future career plans. I set up a meeting with David Lapinsky, a career advisor.

Continued...

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