Events and programs make up a huge part of how we support students and alumni. They include both virtual and in-person sessions, are led by CCD staff and by recruiters, and are a chance to discuss and connect.
Presentations and Workshops
Every semester, we host presentations and workshops on a wide range of topics for students and alumni at any and all stages of their career development. These sessions are offered both in-person and virtually. Check our calendar for upcoming sessions or (for some topics) watch recordings (links included with descriptions below).
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Center for Career Development Overview (30 minutes)
From choosing a major to landing a job, the Center for Career Development provides valuable resources for students and alumni to succeed. Learn more about the many services and resources available from this useful campus unit.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, students will be able to:
Access and utilize resources and services offered by the CCD
Identify opportunities to connect directly with employers
List ways to gain experience and improve the marketability of skills
Career Beginnings for Undergraduate Students (1 hour)
Learn to visualize the big picture of your career development and then to articulate next steps. Attendees often find Career Beginnings for Undergraduate Students to be most helpful as they are beginning their journey at BU and thinking ahead to what they’d like to get out of their BU experience. This is a great way to get started with the CCD.
This session is for UNDERGRADUATE students. If you are a graduate student interested in learning more about CCD services and how to navigate your career journey, we offer two sessions: “Graduate Students: Start Your Career” and “Graduate Students: Find a Career in a New Field.”
How To Start Your Career as a Graduate Students (30 minutes)
Learn how the Center for Career Development (CCD) can help you – whether that means moving from academia to industry, continuing in your academic pathway, or using your new graduate degree to pivot to a different career.
This session is for GRADUATE students. If you are an undergraduate student interested in learning more about CCD services and how to navigate your career journey, we offer “Career Beginnings for Undergraduate Students.”
Graduate Students: Find a Career in a New Field (1 hour)
Learn to market your graduate school experience to pivot your career path to a new industry or role.
Build Skills
How To Format Your Resume (30 minutes)
In 30 minutes, you will learn formatting tips and fundamentals to pass the applicant tracking software and get noticed by people making hiring decisions.
How To Tailor Your Resume to Your Audience (30 minutes)
In 30 minutes, you will learn techniques to market yourself effectively to your audience. You will be able to create targeted bullets to demonstrate your skills and experience
In 30 minutes, you will learn how to connect your experiences with the duties of a job description to craft a great cover letter. In this session, we discuss the purpose of a cover letter, the three main components of a cover letter, and some professional tips.
In 30 minutes, you will learn about the key features of this comprehensive career platform, tips for completing your profile, and be prepared to take the next step by using Handshake in your job or internship search.
How To Use Handshake in Your Search (30 minutes)
In 30 minutes, you will learn how to use this comprehensive career platform to search for internships, jobs, and employers, as well as opportunities to network with BU students, alumni, and other users in the Handshake community.
How To Build an Effective LinkedIn Profile (30 minutes)
In 30 minutes, you will learn how to create an engaging LinkedIn profile and write a summary that will catch the attention of employers.
How To Use LinkedIn to Network and Research (30 minutes)
Now that you have a profile, learn how to use LinkedIn to research employers, search for a job, and communicate effectively to connect with alumni and other professionals.
Learn how to use networking to your advantage, including identifying goals, utilizing your networking plan, and creating an elevator pitch. Tap into your alumni network using BU Connects, Handshake, LinkedIn, and CareerShift.
Learn the purpose and stages of an interview and ways to prepare in order to best answer any interview question and make yourself shine virtually or in person.
Learn how to research salary benchmarks, identify a target salary, create a value statement, and utilize effective techniques to negotiate a salary package that works for you.
Faculty, staff, and student organizations are welcome to request an in-person or virtual presentation for their group meeting or class session. The session can cover standard topics (from the list above), something customized for the group (such as career exploration for a specific major), and more.
A minimum of two weeks’ notice is required. While not all requests can be accommodated, we will work with you to support you and your students. Submit a presentation request.
Please Note
If your inquiry is related to academic skills and related topics, please contact the Educational Resource Center.
If you are a current student and are seeking individual counseling/guidance, please make an appointment in Handshake to meet with a member of our career education team one-on-one.
If you are a prospective student and are seeking individual counseling/guidance, please contact BU Admissions and/or the academic department or school/college you are considering applying to.
Every semester, we host a series of sessions focused on the career-related topics of interest to international students. Topics include: job or internship search, networking, and interviewing. Find upcoming sessions on the calendar.
In addition, BU international students are welcome to attend any of the events and presentations listed on the calendar.
Graduate Coaching Group Series
The Graduate Coaching Group Series will equip you with the career readiness skills you need to achieve your professional goals during your BU graduate program and beyond. Find upcoming sessions on the calendar.
In addition, BU graduate students are welcome to attend any of the events and presentations listed on the calendar.
Career fairs offer you the chance to meet with a variety of employers in one day, either in person or virtually depending on the event. Some career fairs are industry focused, others include all industries. The CCD also organizes a variety of events where you can connect with employers, such as employer panels, networking events, mock interviewing events, and employer visits.
Check our calendar and Handshake for upcoming events. Check our blog for tips and advice on interacting with employers at career fairs and other events.
Information Sessions and Other Employer-Hosted Events
In addition to CCD recruiting events, employers also host a wide range of opportunities, both on campus and virtually, to learn about organizations and roles. Some of the most common types of events are:
Information Sessions: Held by most employers and typically will include information about the organization overall as well as specific positions, requirements, and career paths
Meet and Greets: A more informal event and a good opportunity to ask questions and have a conversation with the recruiter about the organization and roles
Topical Knowledge Sessions: Less common and can vary depending on the employer, but generally is an opportunity to connect with an employer around a discussion topic rather than specific positions
In addition, some employers conduct interviews on campus. These positions are posted in Handshake and designated as having an on-campus interview. The employer will review applicants, set up an interview schedule for a specific day, and then invite selected candidates to choose an interview slot.
A number of graduate degree programs from institutions around the country recruit at BU, hosting both in-person and virtual events. Check our calendar and Handshake for upcoming events.
Local and National Service Program Events
The Peace Corps and City Year are among the service programs that recruit at BU, similarly to employers. They participate in recruiting events organized by the CCD as well as information sessions, meet and greets, and others. Check our calendar and Handshake for upcoming events.
