Present to classes on a variety of topics, such as
Career assessments and interpretation
What can I do with my major?
Networking
Resumes and cover letters
Job searching techniques
Interviewing skills
Connect students with experiential education opportunities
Internship student and employer agreements as well as internship tracking
Informal mentoring/job shadowing with Calvin alumni
Co-sponsor workshops, events or panels
Whether coordinated by the Career Center or by an academic department, events are more effective when cross-promoted
Please contact the Career Center at (616) 526-6485 with questions about partnering. To use career assessments in your class or offer extra credit for specific activities, contact us to make arrangements.
× Tips for writing a letter of recommendation
If a student asks you to write a letter of recommendation, keep the following tips in mind:
- If you are uncertain about your ability to write a positive reference or if you do not know the individual well, explain your reservations and suggest that the student ask someone else.
- Ask the student for his/her resume or other materials that may help you.
- Provide specific examples that demonstrate the student's past performance. Examples give more credibility to strong, positive comments and also help protect you from legal action if including unfavorable information.
- Use language that is straightforward and to the point. Avoid using jargon or language that is too effusive.
Recommendation letter outline
Introduction
- Identify the candidate for whom you are writing the recommendation and the position to which he/she is applying.
- State the relationship between you and the student and the length of time you have known him/her.
- Provide a brief statement that will set the tone for the remainder of the letter, indicating your overall opinion of the student's potential.
Body
- Focus on two to three qualities that you observed, and provide specific examples to support your statements. Discuss only those traits that are directly related to the position for which the student is applying.
Conclusion
- Summarize the main points from the letter, and restate that you recommend the candidate for the position.
- Provide your contact information in case additional questions arise regarding the student's qualifications.
Sample letter of recommendation
Legal issues to consider when writing letters of recommendation
As you discuss career planning with students, use this reference guide to direct students to the appropriate resources. Also, check in with your advisees regarding their Four Year Career Plan.
Student questions and concerns |
Career development resources |
In need of direction or decision-making
- “I can’t decide what I want to pursue.”
- “I’m having a hard time narrowing down my interests.”
- “I don’t know what I feel called to do with my life.”
- “None of my classes interest me.”
|
Career assessments
- PathwayU (primary)
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
- Strong Interest Inventory
- StrengthsFinder
Career coaching workshops or appointments |
In need of career information
- “What can I do with my major?”
- “What do Calvin alumni do with this degree?”
- “What is the outlook for a career in _____?”
- “Do I need to go to graduate school?”
|
Explore Majors and Careers information on the career center website
Career Resource Center on the 2nd floor of the library
Career coaching workshops or appointments |
In need of experience
- “How do I find an internship?”
- “I know I need experience to get into this field. Where do I find opportunities?”
|
Handshake internship postings
Job fairs and networking events
Career coaching workshops or appointments |
In need of job search assistance
- “How do I write a resume or cover letter?”
- “How do I search for a job in my hometown?”
- “I’ve never interviewed before, and I don’t know what to expect.”
|
Handouts
Career coaching workshops or appointments, including resume critiques, practice interviews, and job search planning
Job fairs and networking events
Handshake job postings
Networking tools (such as LinkedIn) |
