University of Louisiana at Lafayette students have a one-stop shop for career guidance at UL Lafayette's Conference Center on Rex Street.
The building houses the Office of Career Services, which helps students find jobs during school and after graduation. It’s also home now to the Career Counseling Center, which helps some students choose their majors. It recently moved from Lee Hall, near the Quadrangle. The Center has two offices and a 24-station computer lab.
Lucy Gammon, director of the Career Counseling Center, said students use computer programs to examine their interests, values, skills and personality characteristics.
“These aren't just informational tools, they are assessment tools,” Gammon explained. “They can help students identify their own strengths and career goals, but they also offer information about the job outlook in a given field. That can be especially helpful when students are looking four or five years ahead.”
The Career Counseling Center is planning a Majors Fair on Oct. 8 to give students a chance to explore major and career options. The event will involve University deans and faculty members, as well as representatives of professional organizations.
Gammon said it’s also a way to draw students to the new Career Counseling Center.
Career counseling is offered to prospective students, enrolled students and alumni. "It's a walk-in service, no appointment needed," said Gammon. The lab is also being used by students enrolled in UNIV 100, a required course that introduces them to college life and career planning.
Kim Billeaudeau is director of the Office of Career Services. "We are very excited to provide students one central location for all of their career planning and job search needs,” she said.
The Office of Career Services offers students free job and internship listings, private interview rooms for employers to meet with students, Career Fairs and networking events.
For more information about career counseling, visit findyourmajor.louisiana.edu. For information about career services, go to career.louisiana.edu.