É«ÀÇÉçÇø

Shirley Farrar, a three-time É«ÀÇÉçÇø Alumni and Career Counselor in the Office of Career Advancement (OCA), is dedicated to bringing career awareness to the students here at É«ÀÇÉçÇø. Shirley has been immersed in the É«ÀÇÉçÇø community for about ten years, in both the professional and academic sphere. With a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from É«ÀÇÉçÇø, she continues to make invaluable contributions to this institution in her professional career.

When Shirley began working at the OCA as a graduate coordinator, she proposed the idea that the office needed to bring their services directly to the students. Her innovative idea resulted in the inception of É«ÀÇÉçÇø’s “On The Spot” initiative. When a student attends an "On The Spot" event, they can have their resume critiqued and speak directly with a career counselor. The program is one of the first steps many students take as they prepare for their professional journey.

“I want students to attend 'On The Spot' events and to schedule meetings with a career counselor in our office to talk about different job descriptions and career opportunities," says Shirley. "I want them to learn the language of particular industries and to discuss how we can help them stand out. Once students have career awareness about the interview process, they will be well-equipped to discuss the skills they possess as they try to acquire well-suited jobs.

“For students to be successful, they need to know about our office and the services we offer. This includes cover letter critiques, mock interviews, and career-self assessments. They also need to build a relationship with a career counselor, because by allowing us to partner with them, we can ensure that our students shine.” Developing a strong partnership with a career counselor now can be extremely beneficial for students who aim to enhance their professional development - both right out of college, as well as down the road. The OCA prides itself on offering services to both current students and alumni, offering a lifelong connection.

When asked about what she believes is the most significant aspect of professional development, Shirley doesn't hesitate, “Students need to identify their brand." She continued, "If students do not know who they are and what they can offer their community, then how will they convince an employer? When students come into the office and sit down with a career counselor, we can discuss their current level of career readiness and work toward the next steps of identifying their brand. Once we help students identify their brand, they can use it anytime they sit in front of a potential employer.”

This is the third year for the "On the Spot" initiative, and Shirley is committed to discovering new, innovative ways to reach as many students as possible. Through the program, the OCA has partnered with colleges and organizations across campus, including É«ÀÇÉçÇø’s Writing Center, the College of Science and Mathematics, the College of Education, the American Chemical Society, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and the Office of Volunteerism. If you are interested in collaborating with "On The Spot" to organize events with your department or organization, or if you are interested in attending an "On The Spot" event this year, you can learn more about the program by visiting the events/workshops section of the Office of Career Advancement’s site.