Julie Miranda, left and Lauren Oviatt show off the new Career Resource Center and a business attire display provided by JC Penney.

Eller College undergraduates now have a place to go to help jump-start their careers. Julie Miranda, director of student enrichment and career development, recently established the College's new Career Resource Center in McClelland Hall 203. The center's mission is to offer quality services to Eller students seeking employment. Providing broad exposure for both students and employers in an efficient, effective, and fair, manner is a primary goal of the center. The Career Resource Center cannot guarantee a job; but it can be of service to students and employers alike.

Miranda and her associate, Lauren Oviatt, program coordinator of internships and career development, are busy getting the Career Resource Center up and running! According to Miranda, employers want well-rounded students who have worked to enhance their education skills and career-related experience. To help students accomplish this, the center will focus on career exploration, obtaining experience, and developing job search and leadership skills.

The center will encourage students to begin investigating career options early. Miranda recommends some self-exploration. Interacting with alumni and recruiters and getting hands-on experience strengthens career possibilities for Eller students. In conjunction with UA Career Services, students have access to walk-in counseling and self-assessment programs, including the Strong Interest Inventory career-planning program. Eller students will have access to a variety of websites ranging from topics on government, search firms and headhunters to self-assessment and online job postings.

A student uses one of the Center's computers for conducting a job search.

Every fall and spring the Career Resource Center will conduct an annual Connections Program. The program invites local and national companies/ organizations to campus to recruit students. Students involved in the Connections Program can post resumes and schedule interviews with employers and agencies who interview on campus for internships and co-op positions.

The Career Resources Center will help undergraduate students network with individuals in different fields through job fairs, as guest speakers at student club meetings, and at Eller College special events. The center operates the Eller College listserv, which announces current career/networking activities in the College as well as information about internships and full-time career opportunities. The center also helps coordinate career events such as the Eller College Associates' networking luncheons and works with our National Board of Advisors by providing opportunities to meet and mentor our students.

The center will partner with the Eller BPA Student Council and the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity to host our 9th annual Career Showcase in February. Julie hopes to have over 80 companies represented in McClelland Hall during Career Showcase. This annual event enables students to interact with company representatives and educate themselves about career and internship prospects within participating organizations.

According to Oviatt, all Eller students will be encouraged to have at least two career-related experiences by the time they graduate. These activities provide exposure to individuals in their fields of interest and give students hands-on experience. Oviatt will be working throughout the year with area organizations to line up as many internships as possible.

The center contains career search-related reference materials.

For successful job searches, resumes and interviewing skills need to be perfected. The Career Resources Center will help in these areas, too. Julie Miranda is looking for individuals who can help critique resumes and help our students with interviewing tips. Frank Kramer, retired executive-in-residence, has volunteered his time during the fall semester to help students in these areas. As more students use the new center, Julie will be looking for more and more volunteers to help out.

The Eller College is very proud of its strong functional foundation but a focus on the development of the "whole person" is the distinguishing feature of the Eller Experience. The "whole person" concept is not a manufactured characteristic; it represents the traditional values and beliefs of Eller College alumni and students. Eller students are inherently team oriented, entrepreneurial, and driven by a desire to improve themselves and their community.

The Career Resource Center will help reinforce these values by encouraging students to join one of the many clubs affiliated with the Eller College. The center will work to get students actively involved with local charitable organizations. Our students recognize that proven leadership, communications, and organizational skills are the backbone of any individual achievement.

The College needs organizations and individuals who are willing to commit their time and resources to ensure the success of the Career Resource Center. While the Center is open for business, it is in the first of a multi-phase deveopment plan. The level of service provided will be further enhanced with additional resources. If you or your organization can help, please contact Julie Miranda at 520-621-2900, or you can email her at jmiranda@eller.arizona.edu.