Students are often inspired to take action following a conversation, email, or classroom discussion with a trusted professor, advisor, or staff member. By partnering with the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) and emphasizing the importance of career readiness and early engagement, you can have a lasting impact on their future success.
Faculty and staff play a key role in promoting the many resources the CPDC offers. Direct students to the Career Center website and encourage students to explore these tools early in their college experience. The most successful students are those who start focusing on their careers from their first year!
The CPDC hosts two Career & Internship Fairs each year along with a variety of career-related events and workshops, including employer-led events. You can support these efforts by:
- Announcing and promoting upcoming events in class
- Incorporating Career & Internship Fair or event attendance as an assignment or extra credit opportunity
- Faculty and staff are also encouraged to attend events to network, gain insights into various industries, and connect with employer partners.
The CPDC offers a series of Career Readiness Academies available to all RMU students that provide practical life and professional skills beyond the scope of traditional coursework. These academies support the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) eight Career Readiness Competencies.
Internships and job opportunities allow students to learn about the world of work, gain valuable hands-on experience, and build their professional network. Encourage students to access employer profiles and explore job and internship listings on Handshake, RMU’s online recruiting platform that connects students with approved employers and opportunities.
NACE Guide: A Faculty Guide to Ethical and Legal Standards in Student Employment
The CPDC manages the Academic Internship Program for most majors, allowing students to gain academic credit for internship experiences.
Direct students to the Academic Internship Program page to learn about the program, eligibility criteria by major, forms and application process, and more!
If an employer contacts you about engaging with RMU, please connect them with the Career and Professional Development Center and our Employer page. We ensure they are approved in Handshake, which is mandatory for all employers wanting to connect with RMU students through the CPDC. Additionally, we will help them share opportunities with students and seek ways to strengthen our relationship with the employer.
Encourage students to utilize the CPDC’s Resume Writing page to ensure they are presenting themselves effectively through their resume and showcasing their skills, education, experiences, and accomplishments. It is their personal story tailored for potential employers, universities, and other professional connections.
Faculty and staff can request a student user Handshake account to explore the system first-hand and advise students on relevant opportunities and events.
- To request an account, email: careercenter@rmu.edu
Faculty and staff can support international students by encouraging them to explore the CPDC’s International Student page early in their academic journey. Highlighting these tailored resources helps students make the most of their time at RMU and prepare for future success.