12 May ASI Career Week: 5 Tips Every Student Should Know (from Industry Professionals)
Cover letters, resumes, portfolios- oh my!
In partnership with the Cal State Fullerton Career Center and Alumni Association, Associated Students Inc. hosted its first “Career Week: Pathways to Profession” in April, a week-long series designed to empower students to prepare for professional life after graduation.
Originally pitched by ASI President Haneefah Syed, “Career Week: Pathways to Profession” hosted a plethora of panels, workshops and networking events to bring real-world industry insights from diverse career fields.
“I wanted students to focus on the intersectionality of their major and their identity and use this week as a one-stop shop,” said Syed. “It was basically just bringing people together and making sure that this is a program that we could build framework for that could be long lasting.”
View this post on Instagram
From honoring women in STEM and men in humanities, to exploring career burnout or religion in the workplace, the sessions tackled topics in every phase of the career pipeline.
Didn’t get to attend? We compiled some of the best career advice from recruiters and alumni.
1. Don’t Box Yourself In; Explore First
Attendees at ASI’s Career Week collaborate during a group discussion regarding career readiness, exchanging ideas and developing strategies throughout the week’s workshops. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Design & Communications
Even with ample experience and career preparation, many students still feel uncertain about their future. Questions about making the “right” decision or committing to a single path can lead to hesitation, said many “Career Week” panelists.
“Don’t pigeonhole yourself in one area,” said CSUF Alumnus VyVy Vu, business director at Unreasonable Studios. “My resume is not a straight line, and I have the role I have today because I have a full knowledge of the whole spectrum of [my field].”
According to CSUF’s Career Center, the career development process includes four stages: self-discovery, exploration, skill development and job searching, which can be explored nonlinearly.
“Are you someone who will enjoy talking to a lot of people at the same time for hours? Or are you someone who will enjoy space where you need to be alone and reflect? Because all of that’s going to weigh in the type of job you get,” said Gaby Montes, CSUF Career Center specialist. “You also want to know your values. Do you value making as much money as possible, or do you value having the time to be at work and time with family? Do you have a specific societal value, or do you have a specific family and personal value that you want to develop? Neither is wrong. You just have to know which it is.”
In this process, CSUF’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Faculty Counselor Jacqueln Gerali, talked about the importance of honoring emotions in uncertainty.
“Feelings are not facts. They’re more like spices. Feelings can help us feel motivated to take action,” said Gerali. “Feelings are important. I do encourage using the terminology ‘pleasant’ and ‘unpleasant’ versus ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ emotions.”
In categorizing emotions into pleasant and unpleasant, we give ourselves permission to feel and process emotions that could spur growth and action, said Gerali.
Gerali helped students recognize the importance of stress management and honoring our feelings. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
Looking for more resources to help with career exploration? Check out the following resources:
O*NET OnLine: used to explore careers by providing detailed information about different jobs, including required skills, tasks, education and job outlook
Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center: career database that helps students explore different careers by providing detailed information on job options, required education, skills and industry insights
Titan Takeover: a career exploration program that allows CSUF students to shadow professionals and gain firsthand insight into different careers, workplace environments and required skills
I Am First Program: a career development and mentorship program designed to support first-generation college students by building confidence, career readiness skills and professional networks to help them succeed in their academic and career journeys.
2. Start Early. Build Skills Now.
Titans connect with recruiters at ASI’s Career Week Internship Fair, networking with employers and exploring career opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
As Titans move from the classroom to the workforce, “Career Week” speakers commented on the effect of gaps in career readiness.
“Many students feel stressed and behind during career exploration, which is a common experience,” said Gerali. “I spent 14 years as a hairdresser before transitioning into academia to teach a career and life planning class. That shift felt unfamiliar, and I often experienced imposter syndrome, questioning whether I belonged in such a different environment.”
Uncertainty doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially with campus resources like CAPS, offering options to help Titans prepare for this next step.
CSUF students of all majors and backgrounds attended the workshops and panels to gain real-world career advice. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
“Wellness workshops cover topics such as stress, mood, thoughts, sleep and academics, and students can attend without a reservation,” said Montes. “Led by mental wellness educators, these sessions are designed to address the most common concerns students bring to counseling.”
Career preparation extends beyond academics; it also requires experience. Internships, volunteer work, networking and part-time jobs offer students opportunities to build essential skills while in college.
According to the World Economic Forum, soft skills like communication, teamwork, organization and time management have become more sought out in the current workplace.
3. Network Like a Human, Not a Resume
A recruiter networks with a student at ASI’s Career Week, discussing career opportunities and strengthening professional readiness through industry connections. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
Networking is often presented as career advice for students seeking industry opportunities, though many find it unclear or uncomfortable.
Networking involves building professional connections and maintaining relationships to support professional development.
To combat feeling awkward with communication while networking, CSUF alumnus Melanie Nhan, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) advisory senior associate, said to approach networking as a conversation that both professionals and students can benefit from.
“Networking is important because it’s a two-way street,” said Nhan. “For me, it’s important that not only am I gaining something but I’m also giving them something back too.”
Organic networking took place over “Career Week” between students, staff and professionals. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
Walgreens Recruiter Jasmine La said networking is a skill that students strengthen by building their people skills and taking the opportunity to network wherever they go.
“People skills are the most important,” said La. “I’ve come across a few students here who’ve been very enthusiastic to talk to us, and I think that stands out, like those are the most memorable students or applicants.”
Beyond conversations, developing and furthering your communication skills can help you build a network in any community you become apart of throughout your educational journey. Being open to receiving insight is a crucial key to strengthen connections in the professional realm.
“It’s getting to know the other person,” said Vu. “You definitely don’t want to come off transactional. I try to approach it from the lens of being genuinely curious about the other person versus making it about myself.”
4. Turn Internships Into Job Offers
Panelists at the ‘Religion in the Workplace’ workshop engage in discussions regarding the intersection of personal values in professional spaces, offering advice on how to break through traditional stereotypes. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
After navigating the networking and recruitment process, internships can serve as a bridge between academic life and full-time employment.
For students, internships aren’t just short-term opportunities, but stepping-stones that directly influence career outcomes.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), internships help students develop essential 21st-century skills, including reliability, communication and other career readiness qualities employers increasingly value.
Employers frequently seek candidates who bring not only academic knowledge within the classroom but also experience in professional settings.
“Tuffy’s Career Closet” is a CSUF resource offering free professional clothing to students. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
“Experience is key…apply for internships, join clubs and do what you can to build your experience,” said CSUF Alumnus Travis Kimbell, field application engineer at Amphenol CDI. “So, once you are interviewing and working with companies, you have a wealth of knowledge to draw from.”
Obtaining an internship is an essential first step, but the experience’s long-term value depends on how students engage with it. Learning from mentors and taking initiative expands the impact of an internship beyond its term.
Research shows paid interns receive more job offers before graduation than unpaid interns and students without internship experience.
To learn more about the steps on obtaining an internship, refer to the CSUF Career Center’s Career Guide, and secure that dream internship before graduation!
5. Show Up Early. Stand Out Fast.
During the Hospitality Careers Panel, alumni from the industry shared insights on the different sectors of hospitality, how to look for opportunities, and what season to consider applying for these jobs. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
As students prepare for graduation, one effective job search strategy is connecting directly with recruiters at events like the Internship & Career Fair and Recruiters’ Panel during “Career Week.”
During the panel, students heard from local recruiters and hiring managers about how to stand out in competitive job markets and what employers look for in candidates.
CSUF College of Business and Economics College Internship Advisor Jennifer Breneman noted that students who make a strong impression during the recruitment process often gain career-related experience before graduation.
“One piece of advice from the recruiter panel that stood out most was the importance of being proactive and starting early,” said Breneman. “Recruiters emphasized that students should not wait until junior or senior year to gain experience and instead begin exploring internships, projects, and involvement opportunities as early as possible.”
From free headshots to professional clothing, students could access practical resources to prepare for professional life. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
Sully-Miller Contracting Co. Recruiter Eric Lopez said the best way to stand out is to come to events prepared with the right materials.
“My most underrated recruiting tip is to create a business card,” said Lopez. “It gives recruiters an easy way to scan your resume and learn more about you, and bringing one to interviews demonstrates your professionalism and the effort you’ll bring to the role if selected.”
By being proactive in the job application and recruitment process, students can stand out in today’s job market using tailored professional development approaches.
Check out the following career fairs coming to the OC area soon: Diversity Career Group Career Fair in Santa Ana, OC Workforce Solutions Career Fair in Tustin and Orange County Career Fair in Irvine.
Building Futures Beyond CSUF
During the Spring Career & Internship Fair, students talked directly to recruiters and employers actively hiring across a variety of industries. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications, and Design
From hosting alumni networking mixers to promoting cross-collaboration with industry pioneers, ASI’s “Career Week” provided Titans with real-world advice to prepare them for life beyond college.
The week created spaces for connection and exploration, fostering educational curiosity beyond the classroom.
“Don’t limit yourself or put yourself in a singular box,” said Syed. “It doesn’t matter what you major in. It doesn’t matter what you do in your future, as long as you’re passionate about it.”
“Career Week: Pathways to Profession” showcases ASI’s commitment to support the emotional, occupational, financial and social well-being of students, as emphasized in the ASI Student Wellness Initiative.
To learn more about ASI professional development events like “Career Week: Pathways to Profession,” visit ASI’s Instagram page.