Center for Career Opportunities urges students to register early

All students, even those who registered with the center last year, will need to reregister because a new software platform that powers CCO Express is being used for on-campus recruiting and job listings. When students register and upload their resumes, they will be able to see job listings, apply for positions and participate in on-campus interviews.

"We have noticed that more and more companies visit campus in the fall and extend employment offers before the end of the calendar year," said Tim Luzader, director of the Center for Career Opportunities. "We estimate that 700 employers will come this year to interview students, and that number may well go even higher. Many of these companies may only recruit on campus in the fall. That's why we chose 'Go Active Early' as our theme this year.

"We want students to know that a job search can take six to nine months. If they wait until spring to begin looking, they will miss a lot of good opportunities."

A number of job fairs have been scheduled in September, including the Industrial Roundtable on Sept. 12-13, the Krannert Employers Forum on Sept. 14 and the Computer Roundtable on Sept. 18.

"Many of the companies attending the job fairs are posting their openings and asking to review student resumes before the events," Luzader said. "Students who want to be considered for interviews must apply to positions they are interested in through CCO Express."

Students registered through the software system also will have access to a number of online resources beyond on-campus recruiting opportunities, including NACElink Network Jobs, the Talk with a Pro alumni networking system and the Vault online career library system.

"The new CCO Express offers thousands more internship and job opportunities than the previous system," said Susan Hychka, Center for Career Opportunities career services consultant. "The software also is better organized and easier to use. Now students can refer to resumes, manage job applications, research employers, and check for information sessions and workshops by clicking the appropriate tabs on the desktop. They can also set up job search agents and schedule them to report on a daily, weekly or monthly basis."

In addition, the new system will alert students to items that need their attention, such as signing up for on-campus interviews, Hychka said.

The Center for Career Opportunities helps Purdue students and alumni explore career options, develop effective job search skills and connect with employers. Drop-in hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in Stewart Center, Room 194. To make an appointment or request more information, call the center at (765) 494-3981 or e-mail askcco@purdue.edu. Information about career-related events and job search clinics is available online.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Sources: Tim Luzader, (765) 494-3981, tluzader@purdue.edu

Susan Hychka, Center for Career Opportunities career services consultant, (765) 494-3986, susanhychka@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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