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Vanek Center for  
Vocation and callings  
 In what ways does the Vocation Center HELP STUDENTS FIND employment or internships? 

The Vocation Center uses a free 24/7 online job board called Handshake; also, each semester, we host a Career Expo, where employers and graduate school representatives assemble on campus to provide information and meet students for future hiring prospects, internships, or graduate school selection. 

What is the essential information regarding the Career expo 

One hundred twenty employers and graduate schools attend the Career Expo each semester. Approximately 300 - 400 out of the student population attend the Career Expo. Most students choose to participate during their junior and senior years.  
This event is free and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. The Expo begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m. Set-up is from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; this is a first come, first serve event. Contact the office at 417-690-3248 or career@cofo.edu for more information. 

SCHEDULED EXPO - APRIL 12, 2024.

WHAT TYPE OF GUIDANCE AND SERVICES DOES THE Vocation Center PROVIDE? 

We are committed to student success and assist students with academic major/minor selection and the development of professional pathways. Additionally, we offer assistance with career assessments, résumés, cover letters, LinkedIn, and developing interview skills. The Vocation Center helps students find part-time jobs and internships that will help them gain the necessary experience for future employment. Coaching with the Director is available by appointment. The Center's hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

what courses does The Vocation center offer?

We support several courses that assist students in all four years of their college experience and transitions.  
First-Year Experience - We are active with Base Camp. In this class, students are exposed to the tools available. They are also introduced to the Thrive initiative that helps them begin to understand their vocation and callings.    
Second-Year Experience – We support the Leadership development track that begins with the CALL, a leadership-focused retreat for sophomores that includes interaction with faculty and staff.   
Juniors/Seniors -   
The GIFT+ -   
In this class, students write a personal mission statement, including values, skills, and goals, which enables them to tell their story through resumes, LinkedIn, and interviews.     
The VocationTrip -  
The VocationTrip is a five-day vocation and career-focused road trip that helps Juniors and Seniors explore their God-given vocation and callings. Also, connect with missional businesses and people in the marketplace to launch well from the College.     
Outcomes for business and organization partners for this experience:

  • Engage with soon-to-be college graduates who are hard-working, character-formed, and well-educated in their business context and about their culture. 
  • Give College of the Ozarks students an exclusive opportunity for internships and entry-level jobs at their organizations.
  • Serve students from low-income backgrounds by providing them opportunities to develop social capital, connections, and mobility. 
  • Develop a long-term pipeline for interns and hires from College of the Ozarks.

WHEN SHOULD STUDENTS BEGIN THINKING ABOUT A CAREER? 

We encourage vocational planning and development as early as the student's first year. Students are encouraged to start identifying who they are in Christ (values) and the skills/gifts they have to offer. We would be glad to help set up a strategy to meet their academic and vocational goals. Becoming familiar with and utilizing Vocational services and advice is an excellent first step. 

What are some steps that ASSIST STUDENTS WITH SELECTING A majOR?  

The Vocation Center provides free assessments for students to identify their strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes and then explore possible majors/minors of interest. 

DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT THE Vocation Center? 

An appointment is optional, but an appointment guarantees access to a Vocation Center Associate for help. To make an appointment, call 417-690-3248 or email career@cofo.edu. Students can stop by between 8 a.m. and noon and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

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 are required for specific majors; 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 profession, students can earn college credit for approved internships. 

WHAT IS THE EMPLOYMENT RATE FOR C OF O STUDENTS AFTER gRADUATION? 

According to our First Destination Survey, 90% of students are employed six months post-graduation.

WHAT'S THE AVERAGE STARTING SALARY FOR A GRADUATE? 

We have tools designed to find this information for many careers. Please see our Director, who can assist students in researching this information within their specific career interests. 

HOW MANY STUDENTS ATTEND GRADUATE SCHOOL UPON GRADUATION? 

According to our First Destination Survey, 15% of C of O students attend graduate school post-graduation.