Congress Offers Suggestions for Career Services

On Tuesday, March 31, Student Congress heard a presentation by John Nonnamaker, executive director of the Office of Career Services, which was followed by constructive comments and questions from Congress members. With a new executive director in place, the Office of Career Services is aiming to reevaluate its position at Providence College. Nonnamaker was eager to receive feedback from Congress members about what the Office can improve.

"Listening to you guys today will help me to get a sense of your perspective of our office," said Nonnamaker.

Before beginning his presentation, Nonnamaker articulated his praise for PC students. He said that they are just as impressive as the students he has worked with at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California at Berkeley.

Nonnamaker asked students where they turned to for career advice.

No one answered with the Office of Career Services. Nonnamaker intends to change students' reliance on the office.

"Our job is to make sure that you utilize our services sooner and more often," said Nonnamaker.

Then he asked Congress members about their general perception of the Office of Career Services.

Members said that they usually receive e-mails from the Office, which they think is a useful publicity tactic.

"I think a lot of people feel you're doing a good job reaching out to students whether it's by publicizing smaller events or bigger events," said Mark El Bach '11.

Liane Nadeau '11 suggested that the office make it clear to students that they do not need to already have a resume before making an appointment.

"A lot of people don't realize that you can go there starting from square one," said Nadeau.

Next, Mike Nagle '11 said that he feels that the Office is perceived as catering mainly towards business majors. As a sociology major Nagle feels that the opportunities for him in the Office of Career Services are limited.

Jaimie Scambio '10 added that the Office does not cater to underclassmen as heavily as it does to upperclassmen. She said that she thinks that underclassmen are somewhat intimidated by the office and that is something which should be improved.

"It was intimidating as a freshman and sophomore to actually go in [to the Office of Career Services]," said Scambio. "I think if students knew that there were resources for underclassmen as well as upperclassmen it may get them in the door a little faster."

Billy Byrne '09 said that the Office needs to diversify its job and internship opportunities.

"A complaint that I've heard about the office is that it's very cookie-cutter," said Byrne. "Like a high school that sends its students to the same colleges, the Office tends to send students to the same jobs and internships."

William Mastrianna '11 agreed with Byrne and said that the Office needs to expand the geographic limits of its offered internships beyond the city of Providence.

"It seems that the options drop the further away you get from Providence," said Mastrianna.

Nonnamaker then brought attention to one key benefit of the Office of Career Services which is the PC Alumni Network.

"Alumni are out there, they'll do anything they can to help you out and I encourage you to tap into that resource," said Nonnamaker.

He then stressed the importance of networking. He said that the more that students network, the more they will benefit in the long run. He also said that early planning is important. Students should be stopping by the Office of Career Services as early as possible to develop four-year career objective plans.

Next, Nonnamaker asked students what they would like to see the Office of Career Services do differently.

A common complaint among students was the efficiency in using eFriars.

"I think the efficiency of eFriars could be improved," said Liz Wolf '09. "Also, I think there should be more international opportunities for summer internships."

Caroline Fay '11 agreed and suggested that a reference sheet be created about how to make eFriars work the best for students. She said she was unable to find an internship when looking for one that is complimentary to her major.

Next, Wolf turned the questions to Nonnamaker and asked him what plans he has for the Office of Career Services and where he sees it in five years. Nonnamaker said that the Office will be looking into how effective it has been at helping students.

"We'll be looking at how we are as a resource compared to our peer institutions and we will also be seeing if we're in line with national standards," said Nonnamaker. "An internal audit will also be occurring to ensure that we're using our finances efficiently."

Nonnamaker also anticipates using focus groups and qualitative research to assess how successfully the Office of Career Services is working on campus. He also addressed the topic of a comprehensive needs assessment.

"We want to get a better sense from you about the career skills that you need to have and where you feel you're at in developing them," said Nonnamaker.

Lastly, Nonnamaker said that the Office of Career Services would be examining their mission statement and making sure that it matches up with the ideals of PC as an institution.