“Once seniors graduate, how much access do we get to Career Services’ resources?”
– Diana Li ‘12

Great question, Diana! Have no fear, Career Services will still be here for you once you graduate. Career Services is here to help you as a new alum and even when you become an experienced professional in the process of redefining or changing your career. In this blog post, I’ll identify the key Career Services resources that will be available to you as a new alum once you graduate in 2013.

1. Career Services Appointments.  You will still be able to make Career Services appointments to meet with career counselors. You can either have an appointment in person or make an appointment to have a phone or Skype conversation with a counselor. Counselors are able to help you at whatever stage of your career.
2. Another great resource that is still available to alum is our great Pre- Law Advising.  Our prelaw advisor is available to help you with all your law school questions and needs. You can make an appointment to speak by phone or in the office.
3. Access to Tiger Tracks Alumni Portal.  As an alum, you still have access to Tiger Tracks, our online job-posting portal–however, you will now have access to the “alumni portal.” In fairness to each graduating class, the student portal is available only while you are an active student. This is why it is important to take advantage of the all of Career Services’ resources now, while you are still in school. After graduation, you will be allowed to access job postings that have been designated for alumni.
4. Alumni Careers Network.  All Princeton alum have access to the Alumni Careers Network. This is a great Internet database of alumni who volunteered to offer career advice for students and fellow alumni. It is actually one of the most popular resources used by students and alumni. There are over 4,600 alumni volunteers worldwide. In an email introduction, you should mention that you found their name on the ACN and ask if they would be available to answer a few questions you had about their industry, organization or role. Be sure to have specific questions and to thank them in advance for their time and consideration.
5. Credentials Files. Career Services offers a file storing service for your letters of recommendation and can send them out upon your request. This service is especially convenient for those applying to several schools with letters from multiple recommenders, or for those students and alumni who intend to apply in future years. Students and alumni who are interested in applying to any kind of graduate or professional school, as well as fellowships, scholarships, and special nominated internships should consider using this service. Please note,  The Credentials File Service is only for letters for graduate and professional schools—not employers. Your file will be maintained free of charge while you are a student at the University and for one year after graduation.
6. Website. One of the greatest resources Career Services provides is its fabulous website—chuck full of helpful advice and resources! Log on to  www.princeton.edu/career and explore the site. There is so much career- related advice and resources directly on the website that can help you answer any career question you have. You can access this site from anywhere, which is why it is so great. In particular, you should browse the career resources under “links by industry.”
7. Career Services Events.  If you are ever in the Princeton area, you are always welcome to come to any Career Services event or panel, including our annual career fairs.
8. Alumni Partnering. One of the greatest things about being a Princeton alum is the opportunity to give back to the Princeton community. Here are the ways that you can be involved with Career Services post graduation. Click here for more detailed information.

• Join the Alumni Careers Network to volunteer to help students and alumni with career advice and networking opportunities
• Host a Princeternship. Want to take a Tiger under your professional wing? Princeternships are a great way to partner with current students and help them figure out what career is right for them.
• Speak on Career Panels & Attend Networking Receptions. We actively seek alum to come back to campus and speak at our Career Services panels and networking events. Don’t forget about us when you graduate!

Diana, I hope I have answered your question. As a fellow senior, I think a lot of students might be wondering what happens after graduation. I would encourage you (and all seniors) to set up an appointment with a career counselor asap to review your job search strategy and make sure you are on track before we enter our final semester here at Princeton (if you haven’t already done so!).