Career Center College of Charleston
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Frequently Asked Questions

1.
Whom does the Career Center assist?
2.
What is CISTERNonline and how do I use it?
3.
Will the Career Center help me with my resume?
4.
How can the Career Center help me find a job or internship?
5.
Can the Career Center help me choose my major?
6.
Do you give tests that will help me identify the career I should pursue?
7.
How do I find out which employers will be interviewing on campus and how do I participate?
8.
I’m graduating. How do I start looking for a job?
9.
Can I use the Career Center after I graduate?
10.
What types of documentation do I need when applying for an on or off-campus part-time job?





1. Whom does the Career Center assist?

We work with all admitted students, as well as with alumni – any major, any class year.

2. What is CISTERNonline and how do I use it?

CISTERNonline is an internet based resource that assists students in searching for job and internship opportunities, as well as on-campus interview opportunities. Your username for CISTERNonline is your full Edisto email address (example: doej@edisto.cofc.edu) and your password is the last four digits of your social security number. (Alumni should contact the Career Center to set up a username and password). You should log into CISTERNonline and complete the Profile section as soon as possible in order to be registered with the Career Center, which will allow your information to be included in searches and in email messages from our office.

3. Will the Career Center help me with my resume?

The Career Center has information to help you in writing your resume, and will provide feedback on your resume once you have it prepared. Strategies and tips for writing effective resumes are available on our website at http://www.cofc.edu/~career/tipsheets.html and additional samples are available in the Career Planning Guide, Job Choices magazine (free from the Career Center), and through other written resources in Career Resources Library. We provide resume critiques between 1-4 Monday – Friday (no appointment required, first come, first served) or by appointment.

4. How can the Career Center help me find a job or internship?

The Career Center receives hundreds of job and internship opportunities for students and recent graduates each year. Start by looking on CISTERNonline, then come by our office to explore the many resources in our Career Resources Library , and/or speak to a staff member or Peer Career Counselor to help you customize your job search.

 

5. Can the Career Center help me choose my major?

The Career Center doesn’t provide academic advising, but we can provide you with information and resources to help you in exploring majors and careers that may be a good match for you. Contact the Career Center to make an appointment to meet with a staff member to discuss your ideas and questions.

6. Do you give tests that will help me identify the career I should pursue?

The Career Center administers and interprets career assessment inventories, which may be useful in suggesting careers to explore. The Career Center administers the Strong Interest Inventory and Myers Briggs Type Indicator. An appointment with a Career Center staff member is required once you have taken one of these assessments in order that the results be interpreted and discussed with you. You may also utilize SIGI Plus, a computer program which takes you through an 8 step process of making a career choice. SIGI Plus is available in the Career Center (by appointment) or in the computer lab located on the 4th floor of the J.C. Long Building.

7. How do I find out which employers will be interviewing on campus and how do I participate?

Many employers conduct on-campus interviews during the Fall (October-November) semester and Spring (February – April) semesters. All opportunities are posted in CISTERNonline, and can be identified by the icon beside the job listing in the search results. Students who wish to participate in on-campus interviews must first have their resume reviewed and approved by the Career Center, and must sign a “Consent to Disclose Information” form to allow their resume to be released to participating employers. Once this is done, students may select employers with whom they wish to interview, and submit their resume to that organization via CISTERNonline.

8. I’m graduating. How do I start looking for a job?

A visit to the Career Center is a good place to start; our staff and resources can help you in formulating a good job search plan for your individual career area(s) of interest. Also, be sure to register in CISTERNonline so you will be able to utilize that resource and receive information on events sponsored by the Career Center throughout the year, such as Career Fairs, Information Sessions, Seminars, etc. In general, it is recommended that you first clarify and focus your career goals, use networking to uncover possible opportunities that may not be advertised; research industries and employers to better understand their needs; use a variety of resources to identify potential jobs openings; write a targeted resume and cover letter for each type of career opportunity you are seeking; polish your interview skills; and follow up on opportunities and interviews. The Career Center can provide more information and resources on all of these steps.

9. Can I use the Career Center after I graduate?

Yes, all of our services are available to alumni from the College of Charleston. However, on-campus interview privileges are only available for one semester after graduation. (For May graduates, your on-campus interview privileges extend through the following Fall semester.)

10. What types of documentation do I need when applying for an on or off-campus part-time job?

Once hired by an employer, you're required to complete an IRS form W-4 and USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) from I-9.  For the W-4 form, be sure you know your social security number.  For the I-9 form, you'll need to have proof of identification.  A complete list is provided on the back of the form and includes items such as your passport, driver's license, certified copy of your birth certificate, college ID card, U.S. Military and social security cards.

You must provide proof of identification for the I-9 to work in the United States.

 
 
   
 
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