Overview

Home / Student Services / Career Development

Welcome to the Center for Career Development

The Center for Career Development is ready to help you prepare yourself for your career. As you continue your journey at Franklin University, you will want to make sure you stay connected with us and ensure you are updating your professional materials, such as your resume, frequently!

This page serves as an entry point into your career journey! You can use the tabs on the left to navigate to other pages, access the contact information to the right to connect with us or schedule an appointment, and get an overview of what to expect by utilizing the dropdown boxes below.

Contact Us

Contact Information

Josh Matos
Career Development Specialist

Email: careerdev@franklin.edu

Phone: 614-947-6015

Schedule Appointment

To learn more about how to schedule an appointment with the Center for Career Development, click here.

Meeting with the Center for Career Development

Scheduling your appointment

To schedule your appointment click here.

Before scheduling, make sure you have your calendar or planner ready to jot down your appointment time.

Make sure the email you provide is accurate. An email with details about you appointment will be sent to the email address you provide.

If you need to cancel your appointment and are having issues canceling, please email us at careerdev@franklin.edu

Preparing for your Appointment

Send your resume to careerdev@franklin.edu. Please make sure you do this at least an hour before your appointment to ensure we receive it in time. To best serve you, we need to know where you are in your professional career.

If you have any specific job descriptions you are considering applying to, send those to careerdev@franklin.edu as well.

Make sure you have Microsoft Teams downloaded or that your technology can support a video call if you are selecting the virtual option.

Consider the following prior to your appointment:

What do you want to talk about?
What do you hope to take away?
What are you unsure of?

Developing Your Materials - Associates, Bachelors, and Masters

Creating Your Materials

Your career development will contain many milestones. Two of the most significant milestones that students ranging from Associates to Masters are the development of a cover letter and resume.

As you continue your development, you will want to revisit these documents to update and reformat them. As a reminder, students and alumni can schedule appointments with the Center for Career Development here.

Evolving Your Materials - Doctoral Documents

Doctoral students often pursue advanced teaching positions and high-level professional roles that require specialized career materials and strategic preparation. As you explore our resources, you may encounter sections that do not yet align with your current experience or expertise.

Upon completion of your doctorate, you may consider serving as faculty, as a content expert, as a consultant, or Business leader. Every doctoral student might not need a Curriculum Vitae (CV). After reviewing a position description you may find you need a resume or possibly a hybrid between a resume and CV.

If you find gaps in your preparation or need guidance on developing your professional materials, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our career advisors. We can help you brainstorm strategies, refine your approach, and create a personalized roadmap for your academic and professional journey.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

When considering how materials may appear different for a doctoral candidate, a Curriculum Vitae (CV for short; Latin for "course of (One's) life") is typically a new document for some.

Sections added to a CV include teachings, conferences, and publications.

You need to make sure you include your role (like speaker, professor, graduate student), the date attended, the organization, and the name of the conference.

CV templates are available via MyCareer in the document library.

Teaching Pedagogy

When pursuing a career in academia, you may be required to submit a teaching philosophy. This document provides potential employers with insight into how you would apply your studies and experience in a classroom setting. It's important to note that your teaching philosophy should offer unique content, distinct from what's already included in your CV.

Length – You want to be brief while proving your point. Keep the length of this document to one to two pages.

Style – Just as your cover letter allows, this document should be in the first person. You want to make sure you make the best use of your space so make sure you are specific, limiting yourself to one to two examples of how you have operated or plan to operate in a classroom. Include information on your own studies in research, but work to limit what technical language you use so as not to confuse your audience.

Update – Be sure to update this document. Just as you upgrade from a resume to a CV, you may choose to add more pages to this document when you are applying for higher-level teaching positions.

A resource developed based on information from Vanderbilt University.

Diversity Statement

Depending on the position you are applying to, a Diversity Statement might be required. A Diversity Statement is your opportunity to align your values and explain how you might apply your practical experience to all clients/students. Several parts need attention when developing your Diversity Statement.

Step 1 - What do I want to Include?

How does acknowledging and supporting a diverse body show up in your practice/classroom?
What is important in connection with the position you are applying for?

Step 2 - Who will be reading this?

Think about how you want to introduce your topics to the committee.
What word choice are you using? Is it dated or modern?

Step 3 - Be specific with your examples

Provide context for each example you use.
Make sure you use relevant examples.

Step 4 - Review, update, edit

Connect with support staff, peers, and colleagues for review.
Update examples and titles.
Make edits that may be necessary after time has passed.

Resource developed based on information from Princeton University.

Alumni and Lifelong Services

As alumni, you have access to a variety of benefits and resources designed to support your career development. Key offerings include free, lifelong access to career services, which provide personalized career counseling, resume assistance, and interview preparation. Additionally, you can connect with fellow alumni and industry professionals through job boards and platforms like GradLeaders, which facilitate connections with employers seeking candidates for internships, part-time jobs, and full-time positions. These resources are aimed at helping you navigate your career journey effectively and capitalize on hiring opportunities in your field.

Why Might you Want to Meet with Us?

Career paths are constantly evolving, and you may find yourself considering a change or feeling stuck in your current role. If you're struggling to advance or feel that you're missing key elements for your desired career, we’re here to help!

Ongoing Access to MyCareer
As an alumnus, your access to MyCareer never expires. This platform provides you with a wealth of resources, including a growing document library and a robust job search tool, allowing you to stay competitive in the job market.

Seeking a Promotion?
If you're applying for a promotion, it’s essential to ensure your application materials reflect your current skills and achievements. Meeting with us can provide valuable insights and updates on best practices for crafting effective resumes and cover letters.

Stay Current with Best Practices
The job market is always changing, and so are the best practices for job searching and career advancement. By visiting us, you can receive guidance on how to update your materials and strategies to align with the latest trends.

We look forward to supporting you in achieving your career goals!

Alumni Services

Franklin Alumni can take advantage of a variety of benefits through the Office of Community Relations! Explore how these resources can support your career development and professional growth. Here, you'll discover numerous ways to connect, stay engaged, and make a meaningful impact.

Career Development for International Students

Knowing Your Visa Status and What you Can and Cannot Do

The Office of International Students and Programs (OISP) is dedicated to supporting both resident and online international students in achieving their academic and professional goals. This support encompasses a variety of services tailored to meet the unique needs of international students. You may learn more about OISP and connect with them by visiting their page here.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Experiential Learning

International students with F-1 immigration status are able to explore engaging in Experiential Learning.

Experiential Learning allows for you to search for and work in the US during your studies. Opportunities must be directly related to your field of study.

Experiential Learning is how you engage with CPT. More information on requirements and eligibility can be found here.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT allows for students to search for and work in the US post graduation.

OPT is handled by OISP and any questions or clarifications should be sent to oisp@franklin.edu

International Student Resume Considerations

Updating your resume for the U.S. job market is crucial to increase your chances of landing an opportunity. Here are some important guidelines for creating a U.S.-style resume:

Do not include a photo: Unlike resumes in some countries, U.S. resumes should not have a photo. This helps prevent any potential bias in the hiring process.
Avoid using scales to explain a skill: Instead of using scales (e.g., 4/5 or 80%), describe your skills in detail. For example, "Proficient in Microsoft Excel" is better than "Excel: 80%."
Limit use of color: Stick to a simple, professional layout. Use black text on a white background and avoid flashy colors.
Readability matters: Ensure your resume is easy to read. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a consistent font style and size.
Be cautious with resume generators: Some automatic tools may use awkward phrasing. Proofread carefully to ensure your resume is polished and professional.
Provide contact information: Ensure that your contact information, including your phone number and email address, is up-to-date and professional. Avoid using email addresses that are overly casual or humorous.
Check visa requirements: Mention your work authorization status, especially if you are on a student visa (e.g., OPT or CPT). This helps employers understand your eligibility to work in the U.S.
Use American English: Ensure that your resume uses American spelling and terminology. For example, use "analyze" instead of "analyse" and "resume" instead of "CV."

Keep your resume updated with each new job, certificate, and skill you acquire. This will make it easier to provide an updated resume when requested by employers or conference organizers. Remember, your resume is a living document that should be continuously refined to reflect your latest achievements and experiences.

What Other Resources Should I know About?

Degree Selection

Selecting a degree can be difficult. Each degree has an Employment Outlook to give you a brief snapshot of what career you might explore post graduation.

When it comes to advising in terms of taking courses and your degree program, you want to connect with the Academic Advising Team.

When thinking about what degree you would like to pursue, you may be unsure of which degree can lead to which jobs. To help you think about what degree you might be interested in, consider taking a look at this Interest Profiler. You will take an inventory of what interests you to lead you toward careers suited to your strengths.

If you have an idea of what you might want to do and want to pursue, consider taking a look at different outlooks on O*Net.

Apprenticeships

The Center for Career Development is happy to review your resume and teach you how to search for a job. For specific information on the Apprenticeship process, please visit the Apprenticeship page

Internships

Internships provide students the opportunity to immerse themselves in their field of study while earning their degrees. Typically, these internships are available after the completion of at least one semester, facilitating the application of academic knowledge to practical, real-world experiences.

The Center for Career Development is happy to assist in learning how to search for internships and reviewing materials prior to submission. Any questions related to the internship registration process should be discussed with your Academic Advisor.

*While most internships take place while you are pursuing your degree, some opportunities allow for you to apply up to one year after receiving your degree.

Microcredentials: Build Your Skill Set and Stand Out

Certificates and microcredentials are the key to success for adaptive professionals. Whether you want to build a specific skill, deepen your knowledge, or qualify for industry certification, Franklin has education options to help you achieve your goals.

Learn More

Blogposts

The Franklin University Blog has a multitude of useful articles, including those surrounding career development. We encourage you to take a look at the current student blog here.

Franklin Grads and Adjunct Positions

Adjunct Teaching FAQS for Franklin Graduates

I loved my experience at Franklin. Can I get my graduate degree at Franklin and teach at Franklin thereafter?

Thank you for your interest in teaching at Franklin University. We truly value your enthusiasm and connection to Franklin. However, it's important to note that Franklin University strives to maintain a diverse academic environment. This includes ensuring that faculty represent a variety of educational backgrounds, professional experiences, and perspectives.

To achieve this balance, Franklin limits the number of its own graduates hired as adjunct faculty. Similarly, the University also limits hiring graduates from any single institution, including other universities. This approach helps ensure that our students benefit from a rich and varied learning experience guided by instructors with diverse credentials and expertise. While it may not always be possible to teach at Franklin after earning your degree here, we encourage you to explore opportunities and consider how your unique qualifications might align with our needs.

The same thing holds true for an institution like Columbus State. They can only have so many Franklin graduates on their teaching roster – as they are looking for a diverse experience for their students.

Consider institutions that might not have a number of Franklin grads on the roster. You want to network, network, and network.

I could teach a number of different courses based on my professional experience, but which ones could I teach at Franklin?

Per accreditation guidelines, an adjunct faculty member must have completed 18 graduate credit hours in a specific field/discipline to teach at the undergraduate level. There are exceptions, specifically with industry-related alternative criteria. Consider if Bill Gates wanted to teach Microsoft Excel. We share this to offer perspective and set reasonable expectations.

In This Section

Cover Letter & Resume Job Search & MyCareer

Welcome to the Center for Career Development

Contact Us

Scheduling your appointment

Preparing for your Appointment

SHORTCUTS: