Career and Professional Development Center - Undergraduate Students

The CPDC invites you to check out our Career Studio!  You can now be served on the spot Monday-Friday between 10 AM -4 PM – no appointment necessary. 

We are eager to assist you with all of your career exploration and planning needs.  Topics include: choosing/changing a major, exploring career options, planning for an internship, searching for a job, applying to graduate school, resume writing, and interviewing.  Bring a friend, grab a free cup of coffee, and make yourself at home!

You can also schedule an appointment through the Handshake portal.  Use your Messiah username and password to access the system.

If you need assistance, call us at 717-691-6016 or stop by the office. 

We are located in the Eisenhower Campus Center, across from The Falcon.

Explore majors and career paths through the following resources:

• "Choosing a Major" Guide 
• Complete Listing of Majors and Minors at Messiah
• Major Exploration Videos by Crash Course in partnership with Arizona State University
• Academic Catalog - view major information, curriculum, and course descriptions
• FOCUS: An Online Career Assessment Tool
• Explore Career Paths by Major
• What Can I Do with a Major in?
• Occupational Outlook Handbook (from the Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Information Interview Guide: How to Connect with Professionals in Your Field of Interest 
• Information Interview: Designing Your Career video covers the essential elements help you learn, look for work, or 'prototype' new experiences effectively.
• Explore Health Careers
• Resume and Cover Letter Handout
• What is an internship? Handout 

Click here for information on how to find an internship, how to earn academic credit, and how to register your internship.

Start by reviewing the Resume Writing Guide.  Then, bring in a draft of your document and any related materials to be reviewed by a student career coach, or schedule an appointment through the Handshake portal.  Use your Messiah username and password to access the system.

View this Resume Writing video tutorial by the CPDC

Job Hero - a helpful tool for resume building that includes samples

• Job Search Planning Guide - a successful search involves much more than applying to online postings! 
• Job & Internship Search Resources During COVID-19
• Building Your Professional Network / LinkedIn - connections with professionals in your field of interest are key in a successful search. 
• Personal Branding and Social Media - create a compelling, professional, and searchable image! 
• Handshake - Messiah's Job & Internship Search Portal
  • watch this 2-minute video on how to search & apply for jobs on Handshake
• Elevator pitch - Designing Your Career: The Elevator Conversation
• The "outsider problem" for job seekers - This video gives context to frame the two most powerful tools in designing your career: Networking and Informational Interviewing.
• Job Hero - Use this as a brainstorming tool to help in the job application process.
• Networking in an Online Grad Program (applicable to all programs)
• The Networking Reframe
• How to connect with Messiah Alumni using LinkedIn
• Join the Messiah University Professional Network on LinkedIn!
• Thank you letters: when to use them and samples
• How to Write A Professional Email

   

There are many ways to find job and internship postings.  Here are some to get you started:

• Handshake - Messiah's Job & Internship Search Portal (use your Messiah username and password to log in)
• Join the Messiah University Professional Network on LinkedIn!
• Job Search Sites by Areas of Interest
• Buzzfile's List of Employers by Major/State (*not linked to Messiah's majors, specifically)
• PA CareerLink - you must create an account for access
• Gap Year Programs

While internet sites can be a great resource, we strongly recommend using information interviews and other networking strategies to complement your search.

• Interviewing 101 Guide
• In-Person & Virtual Mock Interviews

The following self-assessment tools are available through the CPDC:

• FOCUS: An Online Career Assessment Tool
• CliftonStrengths (formerly Strengths Finder) - schedule an appointment with a career coach to discuss the tool and to receive an access code.
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) - schedule an appointment with a career coach to discuss the tool.

Click here for information on exploring and applying for graduate-level programs.  

CLICK HERE for guides on the following topics:

• Choosing a Major
• Informational Interviewing
• Considering an Internship
• Resumes & Cover Letters
• Networking
• Interviewing
• Job Search
• Graduate School 

The sources listed below provide further information about a variety of career development topics: 

Negotiating Job Offers

• Salary Information 

• Salary Search

• Salary Negotiations (PDF)

• Negotiating the Salary You Deserve

Relocation and Cost of Living Tools

• Relocation Essentials 
• Compare Cost of Living Calculator
• Cost of Living Index (International) 

Career Transitions

• Making Your Next Move

• Personal Branding While Changing Careers