Welcome Back to the New School Year!

As the new academic year begins, we’re excited to welcome all students—whether you're just starting your college journey or approaching the finish line. No matter your class year, this is a time of new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and the perfect moment to set your sights on your future. Let's dive into some key things to keep in mind as we kick off this exciting semester. 

First-Year Students: Embark on Your Journey!

Welcome to the start of an incredible adventure! We’re thrilled to have you as a new member of the Manhattanville community, and we hope you’re settling in well and beginning to feel at home on campus. Your first year is all about exploration and self-discovery, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

Our office, located on the lower level of Reid Castle, is dedicated to helping you explore your options and build a strong foundation for your future. We offer a range of services and resources, including one-on-one career coaching, workshops, and online tools like Handshake, all designed to help you make informed decisions and take confident steps toward your career goals. To help you navigate this new chapter, we’re excited to introduce the Focus2 Career Assessment. This innovative online tool is designed to help you uncover your strengths, interests, and potential career paths—it’s like having a personalized roadmap to guide your journey. You’ll be hearing more about it in your First Year Seminar, but if you’re eager to get started, you can read more about it here: Focus2 Career Information 

We encourage you to take full advantage of everything Manhattanville has to offer. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or just want to explore your options, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out via Handshake or drop by our office. We’re excited to support you in achieving your career goals and making the most of your college experience. 

Sophomores: A Year of Exploration and Reflection

Great to see you back on campus! As you continue your academic journey, this year is all about trying things out, figuring out what resonates with you, and reflecting on your experiences. It’s the perfect time to dive deeper into your interests and start shaping your future career goals. 

Internships and community service opportunities are great ways to gain hands-on experience, build your professional network, and enhance your resume. Whether you’re certain about your career path or still exploring your options, these experiences can provide valuable insights and help you discover what you truly enjoy—or what you might want to steer away from. 

To support you in this process, we offer Drop-In Hours for Resume and Internships every Tuesday from 3:30 - 4:30 pm. During these sessions, you can get help with your resume, learn how to search for internship opportunities, and receive personalized advice on how to make the most of your experiences. 

Don’t wait until the last minute to start thinking about your career—use this time to explore, reflect, and refine your goals. We’re here to help you every step of the way, so feel free to reach out or stop by during our drop-in hours. 

Juniors: Dive into Internships

As you embark on this fresh academic year, it's time to dive into the world of internships. Whether you're setting your sights on finance, journalism, or any other field, internships are your ticket to gaining valuable experience and exploring your areas of interest.  

We get it—applying for internships might feel like a daunting task. But hold onto this thought: it's not just about ticking off a checkbox on your to-do list. Internships are your chance to gather skills that will prove invaluable in your future career. They're also a gateway to testing out different career paths and discovering what truly resonates with you. As you embark on your internship search, remember to target positions that align with your interests and aspirations. This not only sets you apart as a candidate but also ensures that you're extracting the maximum value from your internship journey. Keep in mind that internships are a two-way street, so it's essential to find an opportunity that's a win-win for both you and the organization. 

Pro tip: Not all internships are created equal. Some provide the option for earning course credit, while others might offer payment or be unpaid. Do your homework to find the internships that best fit your needs and expectations. For more insights on securing course credit for your internship, check out our website . 

Lastly, give yourself ample time. The internship application process can be a marathon, and some opportunities have early deadlines. Kickstart the process early, prepare thoroughly, and remember that the CCD is here to offer guidance every step of the way. 

Let's embrace this semester with determination and take full advantage of the fantastic opportunities that await us! 

Seniors: The Final Countdown

Congratulations on being one step closer to graduation! We hope you are excited about what the future holds for you. As you start your final year, there are a few key things you should focus on to help prepare for life after graduation. 

Firstly, start thinking about your post-graduation plans. Whether it's continuing your education, pursuing a specific career, or taking some time to travel or volunteer, it's important to have an idea of what you want to do after graduation. Take the time to research and explore different options and consider how they align with your personal and career goals. 

Secondly, start planning out your job search strategy. This includes networking, developing strong interviewing skills, and building your personal brand. Networking is a great way to meet professionals in your field of interest and to learn more about potential job opportunities. Strong interviewing skills are crucial for landing a job, so it's important to practice and refine them. Building your personal brand is also important, as it helps to differentiate yourself from other candidates and make a positive impression on potential employers. 

Lastly, take advantage of any resources and events on campus that can help you prepare for your future. The Center for Career Development is here to support you throughout the year and beyond! Check out our website, resource hub, and Instagram for all the latest and greatest! 

Final Thoughts for All Students

No matter where you are in your academic journey, this year is full of potential. Embrace the opportunities, challenges, and growth that come your way. Whether you’re just beginning or preparing to graduate, the Center for Career Development is here to help you every step of the way. Let’s make this year one to remember!