Career Solutions for Students

Office of Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement

Madhavi KariDirector

Zoe MeyerAssociate Director

Rita Griffith Corporate Relations Coordinator

Shelly KachikAdministrative Support Coordinator

PREPARE NAVIGATE SUCCEED

Penn State University104 College of Information Sciences and Technology Building

careers@ist.psu.edu 814-865-4509

College of Information Sciences and Technology Managing Information, Powering Intelligence

The College of Information Sciences and Technology’s (IST) Career Solutions team provides students with a comprehensive, high-tech resource center specific to the needs of IST students.

We offer opportunities for self-initiated and/or one-on-one advising, career assessment, exploration, and planning. Students can make informed career decisions through tools that incorporate on-site learning, academic achievement, technical skills, and personal strengths and interests. The Office of Career Solutions also partners with employers to create opportunities for the employment of students in internship and professional, full-time positions.

Our Mission:

PREPARE.Enhancing professional development through career coaching, resume reviews, and career related workshops.

NAVIGATE. Connecting students with employers through career fairs, networking opportunities, and Compass, IST’s job posting system.

SUCCEED. Emphasizing the unlimited possibilities of the future.

Our Services include: • Career coaching and support • Executive mentoring • Corporate information sessions • Professional etiquette seminars • Corporate day trips • Interview preparation • Comprehensive job search tools • Corporate networking events • Student-led Career Assistance Team • Career-related workshops

College of Information Sciences and Technology Managing Information, Powering Intelligence

Office of Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement

Madhavi Kari, Director Zoe Meyer, Associate DirectorRita Griffith , Corporate Relations CoordinatorShelly Kachik, Administrative Support Coordinator

Penn State University104 College of Information Sciences and Technology Buildingcareers@ist.psu.edu | 814-865-4509

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. IST U.Ed. 13-05

Career CoachingFrom Freshman year through graduation we provide dedicated service to the undergraduate students in IST from assistance with the job-seeking process, to sharpening of professional skills, and access to connect with potential employers through a variety of networking opportunities, such as workshops, information sessions and on-site industry field trips.

Career Assistance TeamThe Career Assistance Team (C.A.T.) is a student-driven initiative to provide internship and career-related information to IST undergraduates. The C.A.T. consists of student volunteers who are chosen to provide peer support on developing résumés and career skills. These students are available at unique times throughout the week for consultation. The C.A.T is also responsible for meeting and greeting companies interested in hiring IST students that visit campus for various events. For more information, email careers@ist.psu.edu.

COMPASSIST students have access to COMPASS, a job posting system solely for IST students, which allows them to search for internships, co-ops, and full-time jobs. Additionally, students can schedule interviews, learn about events, and register for workshops and field trips.

InternshipsThe Office of Career Solutions is committed to providing comprehensive, high-tech resources designed to educate students in the areas of self-assessment, career exploration, and career planning. Nothing enhances your education, prepares you for professional life, or helps you make good career decisions like an internship experience. As a student intern, you set your professional development in motion and take charge of your future. With an internship, you can explore career opportunities, develop yourself professionally, enhance your maturity and self-confidence, improve your marketability, and further your education.

Corporate EmployersThe Office of Career Solutions builds relationships with many companies that are actively recruiting to hire IST students for full-time and internship positions. Students have the opportunity to network with these employers who can provide advice, tips, workshops, and mentoring opportunities.

Professional Networking EventsNetworking events, coordinated by the Office of Career Solutions are vital in establishing relationships with potential employers. The IST Pro Expo and Future Forum are two career fairs that enable students to talk first-hand with prospective employers and learn about emerging opportunities and trends in the fields of IST and SRA. These are the only career fairs on campus designed specifically for IST students and held in the IST Building.

Post-Graduate Career Success The Office of Career Solutions offers innovative services specific to the post-graduation transitioning of IST seniors. IST graduates have enjoyed an average employment rate of 85 percent for the past nine years. The average undergraduate salary is above $60,000. IST graduates have been hired in many industry sectors, including consulting, defense contracting, government agencies, manufacturing, financial services, and insurance.

Student OrganizationsIST’s student organizations are managed by the Office of Career Solutions who connect students with employers interested in working closely with student groups. By being involved in organizations, IST students can pursue their interests while developing leadership and teamwork skills. With a variety of opportunities, you can get involved in many ways, from serving as an officer to chairing a committee to attending events. Participating in organizations can help students develop relationships with faculty and staff, network with employers, understand and be a part of the IST community, and make new friends with similar interests.

Career Solutions for Students