The Career and Professional Development office (CPD) is dedicated to supporting alumni throughout their professional journey. We recognize that career development is a lifelong, non-linear process and are committed to providing resources, guidance, and connections to help our alumni navigate their career paths.
Career Coaching Appointments
CPD Career Advisors offer year-round support for various career-related topics. Appointments can take place in person or virtually.
Topics for career advising appointments include:
- Self-assessment of skills, interests, values, and strengths
- Resume and cover letter development and review
- Job search strategies
- Interviewing strategies, questions, tips, and practice
- Professional networking strategies, including utilizing LinkedIn
- Graduate/Professional school research and application preparation
Note: Alumni who are seeking admission into graduate health professions programs can contact the Pre-Health Advisor for advising information. Additional resources for alumni pursuing careers in health professions can be found here.
To schedule a one-on-one career advising meeting:
- Log in to Handshake. To update your Handshake account from your Ursinus email to your personal email, please email career@ursinus.edu.
- Under “Career Center,” select “Appointments” and choose a date, time, and appointment modality that works best for you.
- If you are unable to access Handshake, please email career@ursinus.edu for assistance.
Appointment Expectations
Alumni are guaranteed at least one appointment with a career advisor per semester. This approach allows for meaningful check-ins while ensuring advisors remain available to other alumni and current students.
If needed, alumni can reach out to schedule a follow-up appointment which will be granted based on the availability of career advisors.
For those who are seeking more intensive and specialized career coaching support, we recommend engaging with external personal career coaches.
What to prepare for your appointment:
- Current resume and/or cover letter draft (if seeking review)
- LinkedIn profile account (if seeking guidance)
- Professional and career development goals
- List of questions you wish to address
Alumni Career Resources
- Curated website content: Our team of career advisors have developed a variety of online career resources, resume building tools, interview preparation guides, networking tips and more. Explore these tools through our website.
- Online job search portal: As an alum, you have access to Handshake, our online job search portal. Handshake is used by employers to post job opportunities for students and alumni across a range of experiences and industries and is free to join. Email the Career and Professional Development office or call 610-409-3599 for access to Handshake.
- Professional networking groups: Engaging with industry-specific networking groups and professional associations can provide excellent opportunities for job searching and career advice. LinkedIn groups, professional associations, and local networking events can be valuable resources.
- Career events and webinars: In addition to our networking events, alumni are welcome to attend the annual Career Fair on campus. Registration opens in late November; check our website for registration links and details. Additionally, Handshake hosts virtual webinars and workshops on various career-related topics. Check Handshake for upcoming sessions that might be beneficial for your career development.
- Mentorship Programs: Connecting with fellow alumni who are established in your field of interest can offer valuable insights and guidance. We suggest joining the Ursinus College Alumni group in LinkedIn and checking our website for on campus networking events open to current students and alumni.