Career Empowerment
With a Viking network of more than 126,000 alumni, CSU graduates provide the brainpower and personpower for successful careers in Northeast Ohio, the nation and the world.
Yet whether it’s a bad boss, lack of professional development opportunities or simply wanting a change, many people find themselves in need of career guidance at one time or another.
For alumni, CSU’s Career Services Center is there to help. From recent graduates looking for their first job to mid-lifers facing layoffs to seasoned professionals seeking a change of pace, alumni account for 30 percent of the appointments made with Career Services.
The Center offers alumni lifelong access to assistance in career transition. The services are free and include: one-on-one career advising, assistance with resumes and cover letters, guidance and coaching on job search strategies, networking and interview techniques, and access to job opportunities though the Hire A Vike online job board.
The process begins with a 15-minute phone call, requiring submission of a resume and reason for the call ahead of time. During the call, a career specialist will provide guidance on job search techniques, networking, articulating career accomplishments, strategically reaching out with a message, and more.
Those seeking assistance are given homework – a pie chart to fill in to help identify networking contacts, and spreadsheets to log networking and job search activities.
“Being strategically organized with short-term and realistic to-do lists helps clients monitor forward progress without feeling overwhelmed and frustrated,” says Jessica Colombi, executive director of Career Services.
Associate director Amy Goldman adds that sometimes alumni need a gentle but diplomatic reality check.
“If you have a degree that you’ve never used and have worked in a totally different field your entire career, it’s not realistic to think you will find a job in your degree field,” she says. “If you go to an interview dressed inappropriately, it’s not surprising that you aren’t getting the job.”
For alumni, the career planning process includes knowledge of self and of the world of work, adds Goldman. “That means knowing your own personality, interests, skills and values and knowing where and how to look for work,” she says.
Based on the outcome of the initial phone call, alumni can make an appointment with Career Services on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
“In the past, people would come to Career Services and say, ‘match me with an employer,’” says Colombi. “Today, we are awareness-raisers. Career Services empowers people to help themselves.”
Career Services welcomes alumni who want to share their success by helping current students.
Ways to give back include:
Hire a Vike – Employers can establish accounts, post positions (internships and part-time and full-time employment) and search for candidates that meet qualifications on CSU’s internal, online job board. Jobs must require a four-year degree and align with students’ course work – no waiter or retail clerk jobs, please. Alums can also search for jobs themselves by completing a profile and uploading a resume that will be searchable by employers.
Resume Rx – A walk-in, on-campus event for current students and alumni, during which their resumes are reviewed by area employers. If you would like to participate as an employer and review resumes for students, please contact Career Services.
Mock Interview Day – Students register in advance for 30-minute spots during this on-campus event. If you are interested in facilitating mock interviews for students, please contact Career Services.
The next Resume Rx and Mock Interview events will be held during fall semester.
“Alumni who share their own experience, expertise and story help students understand that career paths are rarely straight,” notes Colombi. “Participation in Resume Rx and Mock Interview Day helps students understand the nuances of how to be successful in the world of work.”
Alumnus Kurt Steigerwald, BA ’86 and MBA ’88, adds, “I was energized to see such talented and engaging students who are looking for help as they hone their professional persona. This was a good opportunity to give back to CSU and the students in a very tangible way.”
Informational Interview – Be available for students to reach out to you to inquire about your work environment, career path or industry.
Offer job shadowing opportunities
Conduct on-campus recruiting and participate in CSU’s Career Fair
Offer experiential learning through internships or co-ops
Internships are paid or unpaid work experiences. They support a student’s academic learning and are meaningful jobs that teach students valuable skills, such as time management, how to work with a team, or how to manage a project.
During the last academic year, Career Services tracked 2,860 internships across the University. However, the number is actually higher because neither students nor employers always self-report internships.
Co-ops are alternating semesters of work and study. A student works full time for a semester, then returns to classes for a semester. It takes five years for a student to graduate when doing co-op and 90 percent are hired by their companies.
For more information, contact Career Services
at 216-687-2233 or careers@csuohio.edu
Also in This Issue...
Pillars of Success
“Forward Together” has been the focus of President Harlan Sands’ first year at Cleveland State University. Now, in that spirit, the University is charting a bright future by focusing its resources on seven key priorities, or pillars.
Pathway to College
CSU partners with CMSD, Tri-C, and LCCC to expand college access through initiatives like Say Yes, Degree Link, and UP Express, offering scholarships, dual admission, and wraparound support.
Parker-Hannifin Living and Learning Community Promotes Academic Success
Helping students succeed through Say Yes to Education is the Parker Hannifin Corporation, a longtime partner of CSU.
Cleveland State Global Targets International Students
CSU is the only public university in Ohio to partner with Boston-based Shorelight Education. This new collaboration will connect international students seeking an American education with CSU and provide job opportunities after graduation.
Waves of Inspiration
“I was born with one skill, writing,” says Mark Lantz, BA ’87 and MACTM ’90. Some might call that an understatement.
A Message from the President
President Sands celebrates first-year milestones: new partnerships, Say Yes scholarships, strategic priorities, and a focus on student success to strengthen Northeast Ohio’s future.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Cleveland attorney and business leader P. Kelly Tompkins has made a $750,000 gift to his alma mater, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, to establish a substantive leadership education program for law students.
Athletics Hall of Fame
Three star student-athletes comprise the 41st class of the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Congratulations to J’Nathan Bullock, BA ’09, men’s basketball, Kailey Klein, BBA ’10, women’s basketball and Phil Orno, BA ’10, men’s tennis.
Around Campus
The Cleveland Foundation has awarded a $2.2 million, one-year grant to the Internet of Things Collaborative (IoTC), a partnership between Case Western Reserve University and CSU
App Aids Drug Treatment
A team of CSU faculty and students has developed a new web application that will improve access to drug treatment services, reduce wait times and better ensure that individuals get the help they need.
Making Magic
A tin can, three cups, four balls, some string, a deck of cards and, of course, a magic wand. That’s all it took to get Elie Haoui hooked.
A Tip of the Viking Helmet
After an intensive national search, CSU selected Scott Garrett as its seventh director of athletics, providing leadership and oversight for 18 NCAA Division I sports.
A Crooked River Conversation
Northeast Ohio marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River igniting. Cleveland State, with its prime location near the river and Lake Erie, is joining in the celebration.
Preventing Leaks
Water leaks… burst pipes… they can be an expensive problem for homeowners and municipalities alike. But researchers at Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University are helping the city of Lakewood stop leaks before they happen.
When Environmental Laws Conflict
To protect the interests of residents, businesses and the environment, should the requirements of a local environmental ordinance take precedence over state laws supporting natural resources business development?
Alum Restores Mentor Marsh
Imagine seven years of grueling work depending on one day of ideal Northeast Ohio weather. CSU alumnus David Kriska doesn’t have to imagine. He lived it.
Engineers without Borders
Student Shaun Clark received hands-on engineering experience when he traveled to the western end of Panama to study a community’s water needs.
“Doomsday Glacier” in Antartica
Mekki Bayachou was teaching his students about the physical chemistry of global warming when a National Public Radio story gave him a crazy idea.
Combatting Disease Through Gene Research
With a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), CSU is investigating the effect of a key enzyme on plaque build-up, which could be central to developing effective genetic therapies for addressing Atherosclerosis.
A Lab Made for Dreamers, Makers and Doers
Entrepreneurs and startups have a new home in the Weston Ideation Lab, a space designed around the unique needs of venture development.
Giving Day Sets Records!
Thanks to everyone who helped make CSU’s sixth-annual Giving Day another record-breaking success! Nearly 2,000 donors made gifts totaling $305,000 in a 24-hour period — shattering last year’s $269,000 total.
Radiance – CSU Realizing the Promise
Surpassing $2 million for the first time, a record $2,080,510 was raised by Radiance 2019!
Roadtrip
The CSU Alumni Association has been on the road, engaging with graduates near and far. All trips featured CSU “Then and Now” presentations, receptions that drew large and enthusiastic audiences, and a very special guest – President Harlan Sands.
Class Notes – Summer 2019
Pillars of Success
“Forward Together” has been the focus of President Harlan Sands’ first year at Cleveland State University. Now, in that spirit, the University is charting a bright future by focusing its resources on seven key priorities, or pillars.
Parker-Hannifin Living and Learning Community Promotes Academic Success
Helping students succeed through Say Yes to Education is the Parker Hannifin Corporation, a longtime partner of CSU.
Waves of Inspiration
“I was born with one skill, writing,” says Mark Lantz, BA ’87 and MACTM ’90. Some might call that an understatement.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Cleveland attorney and business leader P. Kelly Tompkins has made a $750,000 gift to his alma mater, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, to establish a substantive leadership education program for law students.
Around Campus
The Cleveland Foundation has awarded a $2.2 million, one-year grant to the Internet of Things Collaborative (IoTC), a partnership between Case Western Reserve University and CSU
Making Magic
A tin can, three cups, four balls, some string, a deck of cards and, of course, a magic wand. That’s all it took to get Elie Haoui hooked.
A Crooked River Conversation
Northeast Ohio marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River igniting. Cleveland State, with its prime location near the river and Lake Erie, is joining in the celebration.
When Environmental Laws Conflict
To protect the interests of residents, businesses and the environment, should the requirements of a local environmental ordinance take precedence over state laws supporting natural resources business development?
Engineers without Borders
Student Shaun Clark received hands-on engineering experience when he traveled to the western end of Panama to study a community’s water needs.
Combatting Disease Through Gene Research
With a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), CSU is investigating the effect of a key enzyme on plaque build-up, which could be central to developing effective genetic therapies for addressing Atherosclerosis.
Giving Day Sets Records!
Thanks to everyone who helped make CSU’s sixth-annual Giving Day another record-breaking success! Nearly 2,000 donors made gifts totaling $305,000 in a 24-hour period — shattering last year’s $269,000 total.
Roadtrip
The CSU Alumni Association has been on the road, engaging with graduates near and far. All trips featured CSU “Then and Now” presentations, receptions that drew large and enthusiastic audiences, and a very special guest – President Harlan Sands.
Pathway to College
CSU partners with CMSD, Tri-C, and LCCC to expand college access through initiatives like Say Yes, Degree Link, and UP Express, offering scholarships, dual admission, and wraparound support.
Cleveland State Global Targets International Students
CSU is the only public university in Ohio to partner with Boston-based Shorelight Education. This new collaboration will connect international students seeking an American education with CSU and provide job opportunities after graduation.
A Message from the President
President Sands celebrates first-year milestones: new partnerships, Say Yes scholarships, strategic priorities, and a focus on student success to strengthen Northeast Ohio’s future.
Athletics Hall of Fame
Three star student-athletes comprise the 41st class of the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Congratulations to J’Nathan Bullock, BA ’09, men’s basketball, Kailey Klein, BBA ’10, women’s basketball and Phil Orno, BA ’10, men’s tennis.
App Aids Drug Treatment
A team of CSU faculty and students has developed a new web application that will improve access to drug treatment services, reduce wait times and better ensure that individuals get the help they need.
A Tip of the Viking Helmet
After an intensive national search, CSU selected Scott Garrett as its seventh director of athletics, providing leadership and oversight for 18 NCAA Division I sports.
Preventing Leaks
Water leaks… burst pipes… they can be an expensive problem for homeowners and municipalities alike. But researchers at Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University are helping the city of Lakewood stop leaks before they happen.
Alum Restores Mentor Marsh
Imagine seven years of grueling work depending on one day of ideal Northeast Ohio weather. CSU alumnus David Kriska doesn’t have to imagine. He lived it.
“Doomsday Glacier” in Antartica
Mekki Bayachou was teaching his students about the physical chemistry of global warming when a National Public Radio story gave him a crazy idea.
A Lab Made for Dreamers, Makers and Doers
Entrepreneurs and startups have a new home in the Weston Ideation Lab, a space designed around the unique needs of venture development.
Radiance – CSU Realizing the Promise
Surpassing $2 million for the first time, a record $2,080,510 was raised by Radiance 2019!
Class Notes – Summer 2019
Pillars of Success
“Forward Together” has been the focus of President Harlan Sands’ first year at Cleveland State University. Now, in that spirit, the University is charting a bright future by focusing its resources on seven key priorities, or pillars.
Cleveland State Global Targets International Students
CSU is the only public university in Ohio to partner with Boston-based Shorelight Education. This new collaboration will connect international students seeking an American education with CSU and provide job opportunities after graduation.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Cleveland attorney and business leader P. Kelly Tompkins has made a $750,000 gift to his alma mater, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, to establish a substantive leadership education program for law students.
App Aids Drug Treatment
A team of CSU faculty and students has developed a new web application that will improve access to drug treatment services, reduce wait times and better ensure that individuals get the help they need.
A Crooked River Conversation
Northeast Ohio marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River igniting. Cleveland State, with its prime location near the river and Lake Erie, is joining in the celebration.
Alum Restores Mentor Marsh
Imagine seven years of grueling work depending on one day of ideal Northeast Ohio weather. CSU alumnus David Kriska doesn’t have to imagine. He lived it.
Combatting Disease Through Gene Research
With a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), CSU is investigating the effect of a key enzyme on plaque build-up, which could be central to developing effective genetic therapies for addressing Atherosclerosis.
Radiance – CSU Realizing the Promise
Surpassing $2 million for the first time, a record $2,080,510 was raised by Radiance 2019!
Pathway to College
CSU partners with CMSD, Tri-C, and LCCC to expand college access through initiatives like Say Yes, Degree Link, and UP Express, offering scholarships, dual admission, and wraparound support.
Waves of Inspiration
“I was born with one skill, writing,” says Mark Lantz, BA ’87 and MACTM ’90. Some might call that an understatement.
Athletics Hall of Fame
Three star student-athletes comprise the 41st class of the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Congratulations to J’Nathan Bullock, BA ’09, men’s basketball, Kailey Klein, BBA ’10, women’s basketball and Phil Orno, BA ’10, men’s tennis.
Making Magic
A tin can, three cups, four balls, some string, a deck of cards and, of course, a magic wand. That’s all it took to get Elie Haoui hooked.
Preventing Leaks
Water leaks… burst pipes… they can be an expensive problem for homeowners and municipalities alike. But researchers at Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University are helping the city of Lakewood stop leaks before they happen.
Engineers without Borders
Student Shaun Clark received hands-on engineering experience when he traveled to the western end of Panama to study a community’s water needs.
A Lab Made for Dreamers, Makers and Doers
Entrepreneurs and startups have a new home in the Weston Ideation Lab, a space designed around the unique needs of venture development.
Roadtrip
The CSU Alumni Association has been on the road, engaging with graduates near and far. All trips featured CSU “Then and Now” presentations, receptions that drew large and enthusiastic audiences, and a very special guest – President Harlan Sands.
Parker-Hannifin Living and Learning Community Promotes Academic Success
Helping students succeed through Say Yes to Education is the Parker Hannifin Corporation, a longtime partner of CSU.
A Message from the President
President Sands celebrates first-year milestones: new partnerships, Say Yes scholarships, strategic priorities, and a focus on student success to strengthen Northeast Ohio’s future.
Around Campus
The Cleveland Foundation has awarded a $2.2 million, one-year grant to the Internet of Things Collaborative (IoTC), a partnership between Case Western Reserve University and CSU
A Tip of the Viking Helmet
After an intensive national search, CSU selected Scott Garrett as its seventh director of athletics, providing leadership and oversight for 18 NCAA Division I sports.
When Environmental Laws Conflict
To protect the interests of residents, businesses and the environment, should the requirements of a local environmental ordinance take precedence over state laws supporting natural resources business development?
“Doomsday Glacier” in Antartica
Mekki Bayachou was teaching his students about the physical chemistry of global warming when a National Public Radio story gave him a crazy idea.
Giving Day Sets Records!
Thanks to everyone who helped make CSU’s sixth-annual Giving Day another record-breaking success! Nearly 2,000 donors made gifts totaling $305,000 in a 24-hour period — shattering last year’s $269,000 total.