Career and Professional Development

Dalton State bell tower

Welcome to Career & Professional Development!

Remember CPD is here for you! We are open, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Come see us for all your career needs!

August
September
  • 10th – LinkedIn Workshop, 12:30 p.m., Pope Student Center, Eddie Miller Room – Come learn what LinkedIn is, why you should use it, and how to use it to connect with employers and land your dream job.
  • 11th – Free Headshot Day, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Gignilliat Hall Atrium – Come have a free, professional headshot taken by a professional photographer.
  • 11th – How to Tie a Tie, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Gignilliat Hall Atrium – Do you know how to tie a tie? Come learn a easy way to tie a tie and enjoy refreshments.
  • 16th – Elevator Pitch & Handshake for a Cupcake, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Gignilliat Hall, Goodroe Auditorium & Atrium – Hear from the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce on how to deliver a 30-second elevator pitch, then join us afterwards for practicing your handshake and enjoy a cupcake.
  • 18th – STARbucks & The Interview Workshop, 12:30 p.m., Gignilliat Hall, Goodroe Auditorium – Hear from experts from Shaw Industries on how to use the S.T.A.R. Method when answering interview questions. All attendees will receive a Starbucks Drink Card while supplies last.
October
November
  • 8th – Graduate Portrait Day, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Quad/Bell Tower – Summer and Fall 2024 Graduates are invited to have their graduate portraits taken at no cost to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I’m looking for a job, where do I start?

Handshake! https://bit.ly/HandshakeDSC  This is the “Indeed” for Dalton State students and alumni!  Download the app and activate your account today!  On Handshake, you can search for jobs, apply to jobs/internships, and even register to attend events, webinars, and workshops.  Students can even contact employers directly to learn more about their companies and opportunities.  All jobs and internships, both on and off campus, are located on Handshake.

Where can I practice my interview skills?

You have lots of options!  One is My Interview Practice https://bit.ly/DSCmyinterviewpractice where you can use a virtual mock interview simulator to practice answering interview questions and using the S.T.A.R. Method from the comfort of your own space.  You can even share your recordings with a trusted mentor, professor, or even a Career Advisor.  Your other option is to meet with your Career Advisor and do a mock interview in person.  Schedule that appointment today! https://bit.ly/DSCareerAppt

What is the name of the book with information for interviewing?

That is the ever-popular Career Guide.  You can pick up a paper copy in the Dean of Students Office located in the Pope Student Center or access it virtually HERE! https://www.flipsnack.com/96F9B6CC5A8/official-dalton-state-career-guide-23-24/full-view.html

Do you have aptitude tests if I am not sure which major I want to student?

Yes, Focus2 Career is designed to help you explore your career options and can aid in decision making when it comes to selecting a major or career.  This assessment is self-guided and requires an access code that you can access on Handshake under “Library Resources” to complete. You are encouraged, however, to schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor to help you delve into the information and explore your options.  Schedule an appointment HERE! https://bit.ly/DSCareerAppt

When is a good time to start researching and applying to graduate school?

It’s never too early to talk about graduate school and what you need to be doing now to prepare.  Please schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor today to get started on that journey. https://bit.ly/DSCareerAppt

What is “Stepping Blocks?”

SteppingBlocks is a career exploration tool, like a digital Career Counselor.  Use your Single-Sign-On (SSO) to sign-in and start exploring today! https://daltonstate.steppingblocks.com

Internships: How do internships work?

Obtaining an internship is a great way to receive real-world, work experience while gaining a glimpse into your future profession.  Internships typically last for a short duration but can boost your resume and tip the scales in helping you secure a good job in the future.  Some departments on campus require internships, and credit is given just like a class. Regardless, all students can benefit from internship experience, and it can be independent of your school or department.  Some internships pay and others do not. To search for an internship, you can go to almost any job search and type in ‘internship’.  Want to increase your chances of landing an impressive internship?  Check out Handshake.  You can also plan to attend one of our upcoming Career Events (listed above) in the fall or spring.

Can you help me create and/or update my resume or cover letter?

Yes!  Take a look at the Career Guide for a starting place and then schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor to go over your documents and ensure you are targeting your documents to the career and/or graduate school you want. https://bit.ly/DSCareerAppt

How do I learn more about and apply for an undergraduate research opportunity?

Please contact Carole Shealy [email protected] to learn more about your options and how to apply.

If I want to work on campus, where do I start?

There are several work study (campus jobs) opportunities each fall and spring. Start on Handshake!  All work study positions will be posted there.  If you find one you like, apply for it.  The campus employer will reach out if they want to interview you.  Remember, in order to work on campus, you must be eligible through Financial Aid.  If you’re unsure, please contact Financial Aid.

About Us

Career & Professional Development Mission Statement

Career & Professional Development serves our students and alumni though expanding their knowledge and skills by providing them with comprehensive career related resources which empowers them to attain short and long term professional goals.

Meet the Staff

Mallory Safley

Assistant Director for Career and Professional Development

Have questions?

We’d be happy to answer your questions about our Career and Development services. Please reach out through the contact information listed above.

Schedule an Appointment

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