New, drop-in program invites students to get career advice

Searching for an internship, creating a resume or exploring majors and career options are just some of the reasons students can visit CareerLab, a new program offered by Grand Valley's Career Center. 

The program invites students and alumni to drop-in to get career-related questions answered by trained professional staff members and student employees, called career connectors who provide peer-to-peer consultations.  

The interactive workspace runs Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in 206 of the Lubbers Student Services Center on the Allendale Campus, and in 101B of the DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.  

"In the past, students would visit us, get some advice and leave — not always remembering what was talked about or able to finish what they started," said Rachel Becklin, senior associate director of the Career Center. "With CareerLab, students can stay as long as they like to finish their resume, take our online career assessment or explore websites." 

Jenna Koelsch, a career connector who is majoring in medical laboratory science, has worked for the Career Center for more than three years. She said working for the center has been a highlight of her experience at Grand Valley. 

"I enjoy helping students explore majors and career options, and showing them how to properly build resumes and cover letters," she said. "The Career Center staff is dedicated to ensuring student workers gain transferable skills and grow as individuals." 

The Ionia native can also be found around campus promoting career-related events, like career fairs, and giving presentations to student groups. 

The Career Center also recently launched a tool that connects students and alumni with employers. The online program, called Handshake, provides career resources and links students to internship and job postings. The program replaces Laker Jobs. Learn more at www.gvsu.edu/careers/handshake.