Center for Career Development | Franklin University

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 résumé 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?

Explore the Features of MyCareer

MyCareer is an invaluable, free resource designed specifically for Franklin students and alumni, offering a robust job search tool and a comprehensive document library. To access MyCareer, you will need to log in using your Franklin email address.

Before attempting to log in to MyCareer, please ensure that you can successfully access your Franklin email account. If you encounter any issues or are unable to log in, we recommend visiting the Help Desk for prompt assistance with resetting your password. We're here to help you make the most of your career development journey!

Explore the Features of MyCareer

MyCareer offers a variety of valuable features designed to support your career development:

Job Search - The Job Search feature allows you to utilize search filters to find job postings from employers specifically seeking Franklin students, as well as those affiliated with GradLeaders, the software service that powers MyCareer. You can filter results by criteria such as location and remote opportunities, making it easier to find positions that meet your needs. Additionally, the search function will suggest similar job opportunities based on your initial search. After conducting a search, you can further refine your results to eliminate options that are not relevant to you.

Document Library - The Document Library contains a wealth of resources, including resumes templates, cover letter templates, and informative slide decks designed to enhance your workforce readiness. These tools will help you create compelling application materials that stand out to employers.

Announcements - Stay informed about upcoming opportunities through the Announcements section. Here, you'll find information about free webinars, mass hiring events, and other valuable resources. Announcements may be tailored for specific groups, such as veterans or doctoral students, ensuring you receive relevant updates.

Resume Upload - By uploading your resume to MyCareer, employers can easily access it during their search for candidates. We highly recommend scheduling a meeting with our career advisors to review your resume before submitting it to ensure it effectively showcases your qualifications. Please remember to have your resume reviewed by a member of the CCD team before uploading your resume. You may get your resume reviewed by emailing careerdev@franklin.edu.

Take full advantage of these features in MyCareer to enhance your job search and career preparation!

Link for current students Link for Alumni

THEO - Your 24/7 Personal Career Development Coach

What You'll Work on With THEO

THEO offers a variety of services that enable you to boost the effectiveness of your job search and enhance your interview skills. Upload your resume and begin your journey with THEO.

Perfect Your Resume – Upload/copy and paste a position description that you want to apply for and then upload your resume for the assessment to begin! THEO will look at each and decide what pieces may be missing and which are spot on. You will get an overall score and a score by section.
THEO can also work to optimize your resume for you! Click optimization to have THEO mockup some changes to help improve your resume.
There is no limit to how many times THEO will review your resume!

My Jobs – With your uploaded resume, you can search keywords to have THEO find the perfect job to match your skills and experience. Refine your search by updating your resume or trying different keywords.

Interview Prep – THEO is happy to help you prepare for future interviews!
First, pick what type/part of an interview you would like to work on. Your options are:
Self Introduction
Behavioral Interview
Technical Interview
Mock Interview
Each section will record you working with THEO and provide a rating based on your performance. Keep in mind, some interviews will require you to share the position description or the scenario you want to practice.
The Job Practices section allows you to look at previous interviews you completed with THEO.

What is a Résumé?

Everything begins with your résumé. Surprise, you are not going to have just one résumé. A résumé must be tailored for each and every position you apply for. Résumés provide potential employers with a snapshot of your professional history, skills, and accomplishments. A well-crafted résumé not only highlights your qualifications but also demonstrates how your experience aligns with the specific job you are applying for. By effectively showcasing your strengths and career trajectory, your résumé serves as a powerful marketing tool that can open doors to new opportunities.

Building Blocks of a Strong Résumé

Your résumé is a powerful personal marketing tool that serves as your first impression to potential employers. To maximize its impact, it’s essential to tailor it for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which most companies use to screen résumés before human review. Aim for an 85% match between your résumé and the job description by incorporating relevant keywords, phrases, and themes from the position listing. Adapt the employer's language to describe your skills and experiences, ensuring that any relevant qualifications are clearly communicated.

Additionally, your résumé should accurately reflect your professional self, presenting information in a clear, concise, and professional manner. Highlight skills and experiences that directly relate to the desired position. A well-structured résumé typically includes several essential components: contact information, a professional summary or objective statement, work experience, education, skills, and any additional relevant sections such as certifications, volunteer work, or projects. Each section should be tailored to showcase your qualifications and demonstrate your fit for the specific role you’re applying for. Remember, your résumé is often your first opportunity to make a strong impression; investing time in crafting a document that effectively communicates your value to potential employers is crucial.

Contact Information

Your name - This can be a slightly larger font than the rest of the résumé. If you have a preferred name/nickname put it in between your first name and last name in quotation marks.

The next line(s) include your city, state, and zip code, a phone number you can be reached at, your personal (yet professional) email address, and a personalized LinkedIn profile.

Example:

Indiana "Indy" Jones

Indianapolis, IN 55555 | 123-456-7890 | Indiana.Jones@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/jonesindy

Professional Summary

The professional summary portion of your résumé is always tailored to the position description. This begins with the subheading for this section. Instead of labeling it as the professional summary, label it as the title of the job you are applying to. The section should be 3-4 sentences, avoid person pronouns, and articulate how you can do the job.

Example:

Director of Human Resources

Dedicated project manager with 10+ years of experience in hospital settings. Excellent written and verbal communication skills as seen with experiences updating training modules and revamping new hire orientation. Organizational expert who provided critical feedback to 6 client specialists to keep up-to-date on customer service.

Skills

This section should be 9-12 skills in a bulleted list. These should be one-word or short phrases. This section is focused on listing what you can do. You should not be using full sentences or creating paragraphs.

Example:

Download Resume

Professional Experiences

Your experiences are the jobs that you have held in the past that help readers contextualize your ability to work. You want to focus on include dates, locations, titles, and achievements.

When including your achievements, think about what you have done that has set you apart from your coworkers. What did the work you did allow others to do? What metrics can you include? This should not appear as copied and pasted duties from old position descriptions.

Don't:

Supervised five people
Had a $50,000 budget

Do:

Supervised a team of 5 junior data analysts, managing their caseloads, professional development, and performance evaluations
Managed a $50,000 budget allocating funds across the housing, funding, and hospitality offices

Example:

ACME Company | Columbus, Ohio

Social Media Intern | May 2023 – Current

Education

The Education section of your résumé is an essential component that showcases your academic achievements, certifications, and credentials. To present this information effectively, list your degrees and certifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recently earned qualification. Each entry should include the degree or certification title, the institution's name, its location, and the dates attended or awarded.

When it comes to including your GPA, it is advisable to mention it only if it is 3.5 or higher. This helps to highlight your academic excellence without detracting from other qualifications. By organizing your Education section clearly and concisely, you can effectively convey your academic background and its relevance to potential employers.

Example:

Bachelors of Science in Computer Science | Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio

May 2022 | GPA 4.0

Professional Certificate

Strategic Human Resources Business Partner Certification (sHRBP) - Human Capital Institute, Brooklyn, New York, (December 2024).

Important Reminders

Dates should include months and year
Do not switch up fonts and colors repeatedly
Avoid images, tables, drawings, headers and footers
Do not use personal pronouns in your resume. Instead, refer to yourself based on your accomplishments
- Don't - I have 10 years of experience...
- Do - Dedicated Data Analyst with 10 years of experience...
Bold metrics for emphasis
Applicant Tracking Systems need to see you are qualified for the job so include the buzzwords and phrases from the position description

Job Searching and Finding the Right Fit for You

Searching for a job can often feel as demanding as a full-time position. At the Center for Career Development, we are dedicated to assisting you in navigating this complex process and maximizing the opportunities available to you. Our team of career advisors provides personalized support tailored to your unique career goals. Whether you're exploring new job opportunities, considering a career change, or seeking advice on advancing in your current field, we offer the guidance you need to succeed.

Take advantage of our extensive resources, including the MyCareer platform, which provides a powerful job search tool and a growing document library filled with templates and guides to help you create standout application materials. Participate in workshops that cover essential topics such as resume writing, interview preparation, and networking strategies. Our events also connect you with potential employers and industry professionals.

We understand that effective job searching requires more than just applying to positions. Our center provides insights into best practices for job searching, including networking. Additionally, you can sign up for tailored job alerts that match your skills and interests, ensuring you stay informed about relevant opportunities.

Remember, the job market is constantly evolving. Regularly meeting with our career advisors can help you stay updated on industry trends and refine your job search strategies. Whether you're looking for your first job or seeking advancement in your career, we are here to support you every step of the way. Let us help you find the right fit for your career aspirations!

Resources for Your Search

LinkedIn - A networking site that allows you to create your profile as well as search for jobs. The skills section in the job description allows you to get a basic idea of what a candidate would need to be able to do to be successful.

MyCareer - A free web platform for Franklin students and alumni that allows you to upload a résumé and search for jobs. MyCareer also houses résumé templates, cover letter templates, and more Workforce Ready Toolbox items. MyCareer's Document Library contains a document that has resources for each state.

State-by-State Resources - The MyCareer document library contains an Excel sheet with job search resources for each state. You can find that document in folder 3, Job Search.

Building Your Network

Networking is an essential aspect of professional growth, often occurring naturally even when we don't realize it. Every connection we make—whether through acquaintances, colleagues, or friends of friends—contributes to the strength and breadth of our network.

Establishing a robust network can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and foster meaningful relationships within your field. By actively engaging with others and nurturing these connections, you can enhance your career prospects and gain access to resources that may not be readily available otherwise.

Remember, networking is not just about exchanging business cards; it’s about building genuine relationships that can support your professional journey. Embrace the power of your network and explore how it can help you achieve your career goals!

Where to Network?

Friends and Family
A great starting point for building your network is your immediate circle of friends and family. These individuals often have connections that could lead to job opportunities or introductions to hiring managers. Consider how many times someone in your network has mentioned knowing someone who is hiring or looking for a candidate with your skills.

Community Connections
Your community is another valuable resource for networking. Engage with neighbors, fellow members of local organizations, or individuals you meet at your gym or church. Participating in community events and volunteer organizations can help you forge relationships with people who share similar interests and values, potentially leading to professional opportunities.

Current Employer and Co-Workers
Don’t overlook the potential of networking within your current workplace. Your colleagues and supervisors can provide insights into your professional capabilities and may serve as references in the future. Additionally, you never know who might be on the other side of the interview table someday, so maintaining strong relationships with your co-workers can be beneficial for your career advancement.

By leveraging these networks, you can expand your professional connections and increase your chances of discovering new opportunities.

How to Network

Friends and Family
A great starting point for building your network is your immediate circle of friends and family. These individuals often have connections that could lead to job opportunities or introductions to hiring managers. Consider how many times someone in your network has mentioned knowing someone who is hiring or looking for a candidate with your skills.

Community Connections
Your community is another valuable resource for networking. Engage with neighbors, fellow members of local organizations, or individuals you meet at your gym or church. Participating in community events and volunteer organizations can help you forge relationships with people who share similar interests and values, potentially leading to professional opportunities.

Current Employer and Co-Workers
Don’t overlook the potential of networking within your current workplace. Your colleagues and supervisors can provide insights into your professional capabilities and may serve as references in the future. Additionally, you never know who might be on the other side of the interview table someday, so maintaining strong relationships with your co-workers can be beneficial for your career advancement.

By leveraging these networks, you can expand your professional connections and increase your chances of discovering new opportunities.

Professional Organizations

When branching out with who you network, professional organizations (whether local or national) can be some of the strongest places for you to start.

Local
Check out your local government pages, interact with news media, and connect with local leaders in your area to find out which organizations might benefit you most. These organizations can be driven by a desire to empower locals in the field or share a common goal (ex., Conscious Capitalism in Columbus, Ohio).

National
National organizations sometimes focus on assisting in developing, networking, and supporting individuals new to the field. National organizations typically host conferences, webinars, and job search databases unique to your field.

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 résumé 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, résumé 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 résumés 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 updating 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 résumé 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 résumé:

Do not include a photo: Unlike résumés in some countries, U.S. résumés 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 résumé is easy to read. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a consistent font style and size.
Be cautious with résumé generators: Some automatic tools may use awkward phrasing. Proofread carefully to ensure your résumé 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 résumé uses American spelling and terminology. For example, use "analyze" instead of "analyse" and "résumé" instead of "CV."

Keep your résumé updated with each new job, certificate, and skill you acquire. This will make it easier to provide an updated résumé 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.

Welcome to the Center for Career Development

Contact Us

Meeting with the Center for Career Development

Scheduling your appointment

Preparing for your Appointment

Explore the Features of MyCareer

THEO - Your 24/7 Personal Career Development Coach

What is a Résumé?

Building Blocks of a Strong Résumé

Job Searching and Finding the Right Fit for You

Building Your Network

Evolving Your Materials - Doctoral Documents

Alumni and Lifelong Services

Career Development for International Students

What Other Resources Should I know About?

SHORTCUTS: