A community of career support
TU’s Career Center offers targeted advising to boost student success
By Grace Hoggarth '22 on September 13, 2023
In a rapidly evolving job market, career readiness is more important than ever. Towson University’s Career Center provides a host of resources and opportunities to help students achieve their goals and foster professional growth.
Among those resources are career communities. Within each, a career coach and an assistant director of external relations offer industry-focused advising and a wide range of networking events, info sessions and more.
Since its implementation five years ago, the concept has grown to include five professional fields and is open to all students. The fields include:
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
- Media, Arts and Communication (MAC)
- Health and Wellness
- Liberal Arts
- Exploration
Career coaches provide individualized, one-on-one coaching sessions where students can receive resume support, conduct mock interviews, build connections with employers and locate internships and job opportunities.
Wil Preston, the inaugural director of career communities, says the initiative's primary goal is to help students develop greater career mobility and pursue what most interests them. “If you see any event you are interested in, sign up for it no matter your major.”
Students who are still deciding on a major need not panic. The Exploration Career Community utilizes short-term experiences like virtual work platform Forage, job shadowing, micro-internships and career conversations to connect students with experiential opportunities geared toward their interests.
TU students can access support and resources for free.
“Coaches are doing an incredible job helping students access information, experience, knowledge and connections with employers and alumni in a variety of ways,” says Glenda Henkel, assistant director of career education. “The number of events, activities and networking opportunities they have created is amazing.”
Get involved
TU’s Career Center highly encourages students to set up an appointment with a career coach to get started. Students can register for all one-on-one career coaching, events, networking sessions and site visits through Handshake.
Career Communities Events
Jobs in Media and Entertainment
September 13 | 4 p.m.| Virtual
Hear from media and entertainment professionals on finding an internship, career planning
and navigating the job market ahead. Get the inside scoop on day-to-day work, trends
in the field and how to best position yourself with skills and experiences to be competitive
for internship and full-time opportunities.
Learn More
Pathways to Federal Employment Panel Discussion
September 21 | 1 - 2:30 p.m. | University Union, Room 224
Enjoy a pizza lunch while meeting a team from the U.S. Department of Health & Human
Services (HHS), a large D.C.-based federal agency, interested in hiring students.
HHS will be helping TU students:
- See why starting a federal agency career can lead to professional development and
future growth opportunities with great benefits!
- Understand the application, internship and hiring process to start a federal career.
--Gain insights into the federal Pathways to Public Service Program.
- Learn how the Pathways Program provides internships to current and recent grads.
Liberal Arts Career Fair
Curious where you can launch your career as a Liberal Arts Major?
Come to TU's first ever Liberal Arts Career Fair - New this Fall 2023!!
Many employers seek Liberal Arts majors for their well-rounded knowledge base, critical thinking and analytical skills. Employers seeking to hire Liberal Arts majors are offering internships and entry-level jobs. Meet with employers interested in recruiting students majoring in the Liberal Arts.
Make a positive first impression by researching employers, updating your resume and dressing professionally on the day of the fair.
RSVP Now!
Site visit to Pompeian Olive Oil
Since 1906, Baltimore-based Pompeian has had a passion, expertise and dedication to helping bring the best-tasting, highest-quality olive oil to kitchens everywhere. Today, Pompeian also offers a line of gourmet vinegars.
Come tour their world-class bottling facility and learn about a variety of career paths and internship opportunities available, such as supply chain, sensory tasting, sales and marketing, and human resources. Free transportation will be provided.
2023 Arts Expo
Mini-fair style with employers and organizations tabling for performing and visual arts. Learn about internships, connect with a variety of arts and media organizations, and discover new opportunities in the arts.
Build your portfolio w/ Wix
Join Wix staff to learn more about creating your online portfolio website. We’ll cover how to plan a website, how to use the Wix platform and explore professional design features. Sign up to discover the basics in creating a Wix website as well as features to take your portfolio to the next level. And... a one-year FREE Wix premium plan to all attendees.
The 2023 Fall Career Fair
October 27 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | SECU Arena
The Career Center invites current TU students and alumni to meet over 200 employers for networking, internship and full-time opportunities! Plus, we will have the LinkedIn Photo Booth set up during the Fair so you can get a professional headshot taken for your LinkedIn/Handshake profiles. Remember to bring 15-20 copies of your resume, and please note that for security reasons, all items brought with you must stay with you while attending the fair.
Financial Literacy: Credit, Loans & Budgeting
November 3 | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | University Union
This professional development event is open to all TU on-campus student employees or others who would like to learn about financial wellness. We will discuss various important topics, including credit, loans and budgeting. Alex McArtor from SECU Credit Union will share information with us during this program.