The Carson Center provides a wealth of professional development opportunities to students. From writing a resume, cover letter or thank you letter, to participating in a mock interview or networking with employers, students gain the necessary skills to launch a successful career. In addition, we offer career counseling appointments and many events, activities and workshops, all aimed at preparing students for a successful internship and job search and the world of work.
Resume and Cover Letter Critiques
Bring your resume and cover letter to the Carson Center for a professional critique and get constructive professional feedback.
Your resume is your "first impression," make it count. For additional help to improve your resume, and to learn about the importance of its function, format, and content, see the tips and samples below.
Resume tips
Resumé samples: Sample 1 | Sample 2 | Sample 3 | Sample 4 | Server/Cashier Descriptions
A cover letter is the perfect opportunity for you to express your interest in a job or an internship. It allows you to specifically highlight and clarify the experiences that you want employers to pay special attention to. This is the place you can brag about your accomplishments – so don’t be shy.
Cover letter tips
Cover letter outline
If you still have questions we suggest you to browse through these cover letter samples:
Internship 1 | Internship 2
Full-time employment 1 | Full-time employment 2 | Full-time employment 3
Mock interviews, Thank You Letters, and Employer Visits
Visiting executives, staff, and other students in the center will work with you in practice interview sessions to make these important face-to-face opportunities productive and rewarding for you. (Videotaping is available upon request.)
These useful interview tips or telephone interview tips can help you prepare for your next interview.
Fall 2009 Mock Interviews (sign up in the Carson Center)
Monday at 1:00 pm
Tuesday at 9:00 am
Wednesday at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm
Thursday at 2:00 pm
Friday at 10:00 am
*Dress professionally, arrive 5 minutes early and bring a copy of your resume.
When searching for a job, a thank you card or email following your interview can leave a positive impression with employers. It also helps to set you apart from other candidates. There are different avenues you can take to thank the employer who interviewed you. Take a glance at the following thank you card tips to guide you on how to start drafting your thank you card.
Thank you card/email samples: Sample 1 - Email | Sample 2 - Card
Occasionally employers visit campus to meet with students and assist students with the necessary skills to launch a successful career.
Students are able to network with recruiters and hear about their companies and employment opportunities. They also get a chance to visit with executives, alumni, and career experts. Watch for emails from the Carson Center about the details of these visits.
Dress for Success
When interviewing and networking with professionals, it is critical to dress to impress. Use these Dress for Success Tips to plan your attire for important events.
Events and Activities
The Carson Center works diligently to develop and host innovative, exciting, and purposeful events and activities that benefit students and help promote involvement, professional development and internship and job search.
Click here for a list of events
Keys 4 Success
This program outlines four areas (Academics, Skills, Experience, Networking) and specific activities and opportunities available to students that will help them make the move from college to career. By taking advantage of the resources described in this program, students will gain invaluable skills and be better prepared to enter a career after graduation.
Click here for the Keys 4 Success Program
Career Counseling and Resources
The Center can offer assistance in career planning, professional development and internship and job search. The staff can help students identify resources to help them reach their goals. Students are taught how to build a career portfolio, establish a professional network, and utilize career websites/job boards to discover opportunities that fit their career aspirations. Company brochures and a career library offer additional resources to students. Contact the Carson Center to make an appointment for one-on-one assistance.
Visit the WSU Center for Advising and Career Development and register with CareerLink to get access to companies recruiting for internships and full-time positions.
(See the Internship and Job Search page for more resources)
Extra Credit
Certain courses offer extra credit for participating in the events and activities sponsored by the Carson Center.
Click here for details
