Welcome Future Falcons and families! The Career Services and Advising Center is committed to providing comprehensive career development and planning support for all Fitchburg State students and alumni from day one. Whether you are exploring careers in the arts, education, healthcare, technology, business, or public service sectors, our professional advisors are here to guide you through every stage of your career journey.
Perspective Students
As you consider Fitchburg State as your future academic home, we invite you to explore the wealth of resources available on this page and across our campus. This is more than just a place to earn a degree; it is a space to discover who you are and who you want to become. We encourage you to look closely at the unique opportunities we offer—from hands-on internships to collaborative research—and consider how these experiences can help you gain the specialized knowledge and versatile skills needed for a changing world. Use this time to reflect on your passions and see how our community can support your journey of self-discovery and professional growth.
Falcon Families
We understand that you, as parents and family members, are key members of your student’s support system. Your encouragement is a powerful driver of their success! While we handle the advising, here are a few ways you can make an immediate, positive impact on your student’s career trajectory:
- Support Exploration: College is the ultimate time for personal and professional discovery. Since the professional landscape is constantly shifting, we strongly advocate for students to actively explore various fields through their coursework as well as real-world experiences. Encourage participation in high-impact opportunities like internships, faculty-led research, field placements, service learning, or campus leadership roles. These experiences are essential for developing career competencies and translating classroom learning into marketable skills. By championing this exploration, you help your student move from simply choosing a major to confidently choosing a career path.
- Become a Safe Sounding Board: Recognize that students often feel a tremendous amount of pressure when navigating the complex process of choosing a career path. Engage them in open, non-judgmental discussions about their career development, focusing on their interests and values rather than external expectations. Emphasize that it is perfectly okay to be unsure about their direction and that exploring options is a normal, healthy part of the college experience. Encourage them to actively seek out help from the Career Services and Advising Center, faculty, and mentors, reminding them that utilizing these resources is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Encourage them to get Involved in Career Programming: Our center offers a variety of workshops and events to support students wherever they might be in their career journey. These programs cover everything from mastering the art of the resume and sharpening interviewing techniques, to building a professional network on LinkedIn and strategizing for graduate school applications. We communicate frequently with students about these programs, but you can also check out our upcoming events and encourage your student to attend career fairs, industry panels, and professional development sessions. Furthermore, we invite you to share any job openings or internship opportunities at your own company, helping us build valuable pipelines for future Falcons!
Your guidance and support is a critical foundation for their future. Thank you for partnering with the Career Services and Advising Center to ensure your student graduates ready to succeed.
