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The Career Center Mythbuster

Date 3/16/2006 12:00 AM | Topic: Letters to the Editor

In the March 2 edition of Chips, there was an article written about the Career Center titled "Career Center helpful for some." While the article made some interesting points, it failed to address, and in some ways perpetuated, a few myths about the Career Center.

Myth # 1: "Career fairs are for business majors ."

As the article stated, it is true that most of the organizations that recruit at career fairs are 'large' (Wells Fargo, Peace Corps, IBM, etc.). However, counter to what is stated in the article, all of these organizations are seeking liberal arts students. Otherwise they would not be on Luther's campus. They fully understand that we are a college of the liberal arts. While it is true that some companies prefer students with business coursework, it is not a universal requirement by any means. These organizations are looking for bright and motivated students who can think critically, communicate effectively and in many cases, work collaboratively. These skills are not inherent to any one particular major, and, therefore, employers are open to a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds. So, if you are interested in working in financial services, health care, retail or another industry that actively recruits college graduates, then please don't let your major deter you from attending these convenient networking events. We have confidence in you and your abilities and so should you.

Myth # 2: "If I don't want to work in business, the Career Center can't help me ."

This particular myth is absurd. Luther College is fortunate to have a very active on-campus recruiting program (more than 200 organizations visit Luther's campus annually). Even so, as the March 2 article stated, the Career Center assists more students through our one-on-one career counseling and advising program. These sessions are particularly helpful for students whose career objectives can't be met through career fairs and on-campus interviewing. For example, from pursuing an art-related internship in North Carolina, to identifying and applying for publishing jobs in New York, to researching law school admission profiles to ensure the student is competitive, the Career Center provides a rich array of resources that is as diverse as the career interests of the students at Luther.

Myth # 3: "The Career Center is helpful for some ."

Unfortunately, this myth was selected as the title for the article. The entire Career Center staff cares very deeply about each student with whom we work and we strive to bring the best services and resources to the students. In fact, in the spring of 2005, the Career Center administered a survey to a targeted group of students who visited the Career Center and when asked, "Would you recommend the Career Center to a friend," 95.2 percent replied "Yes."

So, is the Career Center helpful for "some?" Yes. And perhaps a few more .


Sincerely,
Mark R. Peltz
Director, The Career Center

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