Career Center
When should students begin thinking about a career?
The Career Center greatly encourages career planning and career development as early as the student's freshman year. Students are encouraged to start a career file, draft a resume, begin networking with professionals by attending Career Day and career convocations, and become familiar with and utilize Career Center services and career help advice.
What type of guidance and services does the Career Center provide?
As a career development center, we are committed to each student's success and assist students with major selection, evaluating potential career paths, providing job search help in various fields of study and conducting general research on careers. Career counseling with the Career Center director is available by appointment.
The Career Center also helps students find part-time college jobs, work and internships that will help them gain necessary experience for future employment. Additionally, we offer assistance with résumés, cover letters, career assessments and developing interview and other career skills. Career Center hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
What steps are taken to assist students with selecting a major?
The Career Center provides a number of assessments for students to evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes to become aware of possible satisfying jobs after college and beyond.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Career Center?
An appointment is not needed to visit the Career Center. Students are welcome to stop by any time between 8 AM and 12 PM and 1 PM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and Career Center staff will be available for assistance. If a visit with the Career Center Director is desired, an appointment is encouraged.
Are there special events on campus to help students find jobs?
Career Day at College of the Ozarks is a college job fair held twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. It is a one-day event where employers and graduate school representatives assemble on-campus to provide information and meet students for future hiring prospects, internships or graduate studies.
How many employers attend Career Day?
Approximately 75-80 employers and graduate schools attend Career Day.
How many students attend Career Day?
Approximately 300-400 out of the 1500+ students enrolled at the College of the Ozarks attend Career Day. Many students choose to attend during their junior and senior years.
What is an internship?
An internship is a period of work done to gain experience in a field related to a student’s major or area of interest. Internships may be required for certain majors, or may be optional. Internships are supervised by faculty, typically from the student’s major field of study, in conjunction with an on-site supervisor. In addition to gaining work experience in a career path that might interest them, students can earn college credit for approved internships.
What is the employment rate for C of O students after graduation?
According to our Graduate Status Report, 75% of students are employed post-graduation. This reported is generated by an annual survey of College of the Ozarks graduates.
What’s the average starting salary for a graduate?
The Career Center has tools designed to find this information for many careers. Please see our Career Center associates who will be able to provide assistance to students in researching this information within their specific career interest.
How many students attend graduate school upon graduation?
According to our Graduate Status Report, 15% of C of O students attend graduate school post-graduation. This reported is generated by an annual survey of graduates.
Are there Career Planning courses offered at C of O?
Yes, Career Planning (PSY 101) is offered each fall, and Career Placement (PSY 301) is offered each spring. The objectives of the courses include learning and practicing approaches to career planning and decision making which may be used on a repetitive basis in problems of career selection or career change. In the process, each student will make a tentative decision based upon his/her current level of self-knowledge.