Navigating and planning for your future can be overwhelming and stressful— trust me, we’ve all been there. Luckily, the Office of Career Exploration and Success (CES) at Rutgers offers a tool for planning your college journey and beyond. Whether you are choosing a major, exploring career options, or gearing up for internships and full-time jobs, CES has resources that can help you at every step of the way!
Picture credit: careers.rutgers.edu
Choosing a Career Path
As someone who is still mapping out my long-term goals, I found CES’s career assessments to be helpful. They gave me insight into my strengths and how they align with different industries. You can schedule a one-on-one advising session to go over your career assessment and see how the results connect to Rutgers majors and future jobs.
Resume Reviews and Mock Interviews
I’ll be honest—I was not confident in my resume when I first started applying for internships. But after dropping into a Resume Clinic and getting feedback through Rutgers Handshake, I felt more polished. The mock interviews were a game-changer. Practicing responses and learning how to frame my experiences as marketable gave me the confidence I needed for real interviews. Sign up for your mock interview today and gain confidence before your next interview!
Career Fairs and Networking
The Fall and Spring Mega Fairs are a must-attend. By talking with recruiters, following up on LinkedIn, and applying to positions I learned about at the event, I was able to connect with recruiters and start building my connections and network. CES hosts smaller networking events throughout the year which are perfect for getting face time with potential employers in your field of interest.
Handshake: Your Career Hub
Handshake is a career-based tool for Rutgers students. From job searching to discovering career events and opportunities tailored to your interests, it is a one-stop shop for your career. You can filter opportunities by your major or goals, and new postings are continuously being added to the site. I check Handshake twice a week—it only takes a few minutes and keeps me in the loop. Check out more through the Handshake website.
Resources
Ready to take your career journey further? Rutgers’ Career Exploration and Success team is there to support you in your academic journey and beyond. Below are resources to get started:
- Visit careers.rutgers.edu to learn more about CES and find upcoming events to attend!
- Email careers@echo.rutgers.edu to schedule an appointment today!
- Locations:
- College Avenue Campus: 106 Somerset Street, 4th Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
- Busch Campus: 604 Bartholomew Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Student Testimonials
Here’s what students are saying about CES:
- “Before going to the Fall Mega Fair, I didn’t realize how many opportunities were out there for students like me. I met recruiters from great companies, followed up with a few, and eventually got an interview through someone I connected with there. Definitely worth it.” ~ Anjali S., Class of 2025, School of Communication & Information
- “I had no idea where to start with resumes or interviews, and honestly, it felt intimidating. But after attending a Resume Clinic and signing up for a mock interview, I felt so much more prepared. It helped me land my first internship for the summer!” ~Ava P., Class of 2026, Business School
Written by Steffina Jerald – KnightBook Student Editor