At a glance
“Employers are looking for talent with the right skills and they are finding it here. Our students are consistently hired by great companies, choose to continue their education, or start their own businesses. We are proud of the college’s 98% employment and continuing education rate."
Maureen Sibble
Director of Career Planning & Development
In the current economy, employers are highly competitive when looking for good talent. The Career Development Center at Alfred State College (ASC) works like a matchmaker with eager employers ready to hire and students who are learning the needed career skills. With instructors who have real-world experience in their professions and more than 200 labs for gaining hands-on experience, Alfred State prepares students to become professionals ready to launch new careers.
“Employers are looking for talent with the right skills and they are finding it here,” commented Director of Career Planning & Development Maureen Sibble. “Our students are consistently hired by great companies, choose to continue their education, or start their own businesses. We are proud of the college’s 98% employment and continuing education rate. In classrooms, labs, and through internships, our students know that the goal is more than a diploma at Alfred State. They are here to secure their future in the working world.”
Alfred State was the very first State University of New York (SUNY) school to include applied learning and hands-on experience in every major. Professors also assist students in securing internships. Businesses throughout Western New York and in student hometowns benefit from ASC pioneers joining their workforce as internships that often lead to job offers.
Employers from across the northeastern US also make the journey to Alfred State in search of skilled professional talent. In the most recent semester, over 1,100 ASC students attended on-campus career fairs to network with over 250 employers. The center also has various resources available like JobLink, Skills First, Candid Career, and PathwayU for students to use as they build resumes, write cover letters and create LinkedIn profiles. Visit the Career Development webpage to access these resources.
Career readiness as defined by NACE (The National Association of Colleges and Employers) is the demonstration of eight core competencies that prepare college students for success in the workplace.
“In order to help students prepare for their future, We have created an easy-to-follow checklist that provides specific examples of ways to build those skills during their time on campus,” stated Senior Career Planning and Development Associate Valerie Daciw.
Sibble continued, “It is never too early for a student to use our services. We are here to work with both our students and the companies looking to fill their openings. Surveys by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) show that students who use career services receive an increase in job offers.”
The Career Development Center has also partnered with student organizations to put together what is known as the Professional Pioneers Place. Students can borrow professional clothing for career fairs and/or interviews. Students can also practice their interview skills through mock interviews with several employer partners. Preparing students for answering interview questions and presenting themselves well is all an essential part of the services at ASC.