Approaching graduation often sparks a question—“Where will I go next?” In the spirit of striving for excellence, Career Services has launched Career Link. This new platform helps students and alumni connect with businesses and ministries seeking to hire the right candidates.
While its services extend beyond those currently attending Pensacola Christian College, the Career Services office helps students prepare for the next step in their calling, which includes giving practical tips for the how-tos of job searching. “Career Services connects students with businesses and ministries, not just for employment opportunities, but also so they can learn more about the field they are interested in,” said Brad Mullenix, director of Alumni and Career Services. “This support does not stop at graduation; it is also available to alumni. We desire to help, however and whenever we can.”
Through Career Link, accessed on a browser or smartphone app, employers and ministries can directly post jobs for candidates to view as well as register for any recruiting opportunities hosted on campus. Students can filter options quickly to find positions and businesses they’re looking for and what qualifications are required. If they’re interested in a specific position, a student can also favorite it for the program to suggest similar ones.
“Students will find that job and internship postings usually include all the requirements. This allows students to see if they would be qualified or if they have some things they need to work on in order to be qualified,” said Anna Maxwell, coordinator of Alumni and Career Services. “The best way for students to benefit from these tools is to research the job qualifications, responsibilities, and requirements (which would include certifications, licenses, and acronyms), and finally to research the company. Most employers link their website directly to their Career Link profile, making it easy for students to research their vision, mission, and culture.”
Students will have access to resources such as how to prepare for an interview or put together a cover letter or résumé. There’s even a feature for mock interviews. A student can video record answers to pre-uploaded interview questions and use the recording to self-evaluate or send to the Career Services office for additional tips or feedback.
Students can cultivate how businesses and ministries perceive them by personalizing their Career Link profile. “They can upload a headshot and banner image, upload their résumé, add a personal statement, show their experience,” said Brad Mullenix. “It’s more than just information. They can add their own personality and human touch, which will give recruiters a better view of who they are.”
With Educator Recruitment, Career Fair, and a new Health Professions Career Fair in the works for next spring, Career Services staff are excited for students to establish and build valuable connections through this new program. “Students should start thinking and preparing for their career early in their college years. This will help them get exposure and not miss any opportunities the Lord may have for them,” said Anna Maxwell. “Career Link empowers students through various tools, and enables students to research job opportunities, explore job qualifications, and connect with employers and ministries. We’re here to help students now, as well as when they are first getting started in their careers.”
Alumni interested in registering for Career Link to search for or post jobs can find more information at pcci.edu/CareerServices.