For Students

To successfully launch a career it is important to understand not only what you will be doing upon graduation, but also to have a clear idea of your career path.  This entails understanding your unique abilities, interests and talents and how they can be expressed in the workplace.  Resources to assist you in this quest include:  assessment inventories, meeting with a career coach and information about what alums from previous classes are doing.  There will also be a program specific online course material and timelines to guide you as you embark . (Current students can access the Peabody Career Center course through OAK - contact career development if this isn't currently available).

BUILD your pitch
Your pitch (how you communicate your value to employers) includes everything you say, how you say it and your non-verbal communication.  Your professional career begins before you walk on campus and you will develop initial resumes, cover letters and elevator pitches before you start classes.  These tools will be combined with sessions on job search strategy, networking, and interviewing, to develop a compelling pitch for your ideal career.

CONNECT with employers
Having over 100,000 alums who are willing to assist is the Vanderbilt advantage.  You will have access to the university alumni database as well as Vanderbilt alumni/ae who can specifically guide you into careers.  You will learn how to effectively tap into this resource through a proactive job search and informational interviewing.  In addition, job postings, resume books and resume referral to employers are available to help in your search.

With the assistance I received from the center, I was able to effectively market my skills, navigate the interview process with ease, and ultimately acquire the position within the company I wanted most.

Adam Riley, Human Capital Analyst, Deloitte Consulting LLP, M.Ed., '05