Career and Professional Development
Career and Professional Development serves our students and alumni through expanding their knowledge and skills by providing them with comprehensive career related resources which empowers them to attain short and long term professional goals.
CLick here for the 2023-24 Dalton State Career Guide
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Students
We are passionate about helping our current students and alumni find success during college and after graduation.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Not sure you are in the right major? Still undecided? Let us help?
Dalton State students have access to a free career assessment called Focus 2. Simply follow these easy steps:
- Take Focus 2 by clicking the button below.
- Create a new user account and use the access code: roadrunner
- We encourage you to take all the sections of the assessment, however definitely take the "Work Interest Assessment" and the "Personality Assessment."
- Upon completion, schedule an appointment with the Career Advisor to go over your results, talk about your options, get your questions answered, and receive assistance with changing your major. To schedule an appointment, click the button below.
Schedule a Focus 2 Appointment
Check out these additional tools to help you decide the best career path for yourself:
Stepping Blocks
Learn from millions of real-world outcomes to get insight into the skills, trends, and education you need to make career decisions, reach your financial goals, and find your dream job!Occupational Outlook Handbook
(Find out about occupational growth, pay projections, and comparisons)O*Net Online
(Learn more about certain occupations and careers that will be around 10-20 years from now)MyPlan.com
(Learn what you can do with certain majors)Curious about what kind of salary you could earn with a certain degree at Dalton State?
The Georgia Higher Learning and Earnings (GHLE) dashboard provides comparisons of wages by degree type, program of study, and college 1 year and 5 years after graduation. Click below for more information:
Considering graduate school or medical school after completing your undergraduate degree?
Tackling the admissions requirements for each of the schools you are interested in can be daunting, especially while you are finishing up your last year of undergraduate work. Let us help you navigate the different requirements, gather all necessary documentation, and prep for graduate entrance exams. You are not alone in this process.
Schedule an appointment with the Dalton State Graduate School Advisor today.
RESUME REVIEW
Whether you are looking for an internship, part-time job, full-time position, work study opportunity, or simply need it for a class assignment, we are here to help you create and/or polish your resume, curriculum vitae (CV), cover letter, and/or career essays.
We will provide you with career resources, advice, tips, and more. The advisor will go over each section of your document with you to determine what is the best information to put forward. Meet with a Career Advisor by booking a one-on-one appointment.
INTERVIEWING 101
Do not let the stress of interviewing diminish your confidence and knowledge of the position.
If you are not sure how to present yourself, how to answer interview questions, or simply need a pep talk before the big day, we are here to help! We will sit down with you and go over general questions in your field and how you can prepare for those more tricky questions.
My Interview Practice
Students now have access to a FREE Virtual Mock Interview Simulator! My Interview Practice allows students to practice Technical and Behavioral/Scenario type questions from the comfort of their own home.
- Go to My Interview Practice.
- Create a free student account using your DSC email address.
- When you get the confirmation email, click the link in the email and login.
- Practice with two types of simulators:
- General Interview Simulator: This simulator allows you to practice general type questions that you may be asked in a real interview.
- Interview by Industry: This simulator allows you to choose the industry/major that you are pursuing and select an occupation to interview for. These include more specific questions related to the field you are interviewing for.
Not sure what to wear? No need to worry. We provide tips on proper professional wear and even have a Career Closet on campus where you can pick out an outfit at no cost.
Whether you are looking for an internship, part-time job, full-time position, or even an on campus work study opportunity, we have got you covered.
Handshake
Also, check the weekly "Job Alert" email that comes from career@daltonstate.edu for more opportunities and announcements.
Need help?
Whether you do not own any professional wear, are missing some pieces, or simply need a professional opinion on your upcoming interview attire, we have got you covered. LITERALLY!
Dalton State College has a Career Closet that is full of professional wear at no cost to our students. This resource is located in the The Nest in the lower part of the Pope Student Center and can be accessed Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Stop by today and check out the selection.
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Suits
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Button-ups
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Blouses
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Skirts/Dresses
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Shoes
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Belts
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Ties
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Blazers
For questions:
Have professional wear clothes you would like to donate to the Career Closet? Great, we'll take them! Drop them off in The Nest anytime Monday-Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Employers
Welcome, Employers! Dalton State College wants you to know that your partnership and support of our students is valuable. Our graduates are well equipped and prepared to be the next generation of leaders. See below how you can tap into their talent.
Did you know that Dalton State College has a Career Management System for all opportunities including internships, part-time jobs, full-time careers, and on campus work study positions. Dalton State's students are directed there for any and all opportunities available to them.
HANDSHAKE is "the #1 way college students get jobs!" Employers can connect with Dalton State via Handshake and post their opportunities, search for/recruit qualified candidates, and even register for upcoming career events.
Instructions for setting up your Free Employer Account
HANDSHAKE
As always, thank you for thinking of our students! For assistance or questions:
Dalton State College offers several degrees, including certificates, associates, and bachelors.
Our current students are always looking for internship opportunities and our graduates are ready to take on their careers at your company/organization. Wanna know what our students are educated and trained in? See all our majors and programs below by clicking on the school of choice:
School of Education
School of Health Professions
School of Arts & Sciences
Wright School of Business
Quick Facts Spring 2023
National Recognition for Dalton State
- Best Public Colleges in Georgia
- #10 - AcademicInfluence.com (2023)
- Top Public Colleges in South
- #16 (tie) - U.S. News & World Report (2022/23)
- Most Affordable Public Four-Year Colleges in U.S.
- Top 10% - U.S. Department of Education (2022)
Student Profile
- Total Students: 4,535
- Dual Enrollment: 241
- First Generation College Students: 52%
- Worldwide: 33 nations and 21 states
- Time Commitment:
- 61% Full Time Enrollment
- 39% Part Time Enrollment
- Average Age: 22
- Enrollment by County:
- Whitfield: 42%
- Gilmer: 3%
- Walker: 7%
- Gordon: 9%
- Catoosa: 11%
- Murray: 11%
- Other GA/Out of State: 17%
- Ethnicity:
- White: 55%
- Hispanic: 36%
- Black: 3%
- Other/Non Disclosed: 6%
- Classroom Profile:
- Student to Faculty Ration: 23 to 1
- Average Class Size: 20
- Faculty/Staff Profile:
- Total Faculty: 220
- Total Staff: 169
- Degree Profile:
- 840 Degrees Conferred 2019-2020
- Bachelor's: 61%
- Associates: 36%
- Certificates: 3%
- Degrees Conferred by School:
- Arts & Sciences - 42%
- Wright School of Business - 16%
- Education: 12%
- Health Professions: 29%
- Majors & Programs:
- 24 Bachelor's Degrees
- 21 Minors
- 8 Associate Degrees
- 2 Certificates
- 1 Mini-Certificate
- 7 Teacher Certification Programs
- 2 Education Endorsements
- Institutional Financial Profile:
- 32% State Appropriation
- 19% Tuition & Fees
- 42% Federal Grants/Contracts
- 6% Auxiliary
- 1% Other
- $29.7M Foundation Endowment
- Tuition & Fees: $1,962 for In-State/15hrs Per Semester
- Housing: $2,775-$3,375 per semester
- Meal Plans: $1,665 per semester
- Financial Student Profile:
- 79% Receiving Aid
- 55% Receiving Need Based Aid
- 76% Graduates completed degrees without taking out student loans
Did You Know?
1,800+ Hands-on learning opportunities outside the classroom each year
Georgia's first hispanic-serving institution
finance lab has real-time business information for students
Society '63 helps alumni with networking & professional development
Turtle assurance colony saves endangered turtle species
Roadrunner trail system has 3 miles of mountain hiking on campus
Information provided by Marketing & Communications March 2023
Come speak with companies/organizations who are looking to hire our students for internships and part/full time job opportunities. Don't miss these events!
Fall Internship & Career Fair
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Roberts Library | Second FloorGraduate School FAIR
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Roberts Library | Second FloorEmployers and students/alumni can register for these events on Handshake.
HANDSHAKE
Networking: If you know someone, your chances of getting your foot in the door just went up 80%! Come start making those connections at this event!
"SCHMOOZAPALOOZA" Networking Event
Thursday, October 26, 2023
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Roberts Library | Second FloorIf you want to participate in this event and help students network, then please contact us.
School of Health Professions Recruitment Fair
Thursday, November 2, 2023
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Health Professions AtriumRegister on Handshake
Dalton State College is focused on offering resources to our students to help them succeed in their education and career.
One of those resources is our Career Closet. Ran on donations, this resource offers students, who do not own or cannot otherwise afford to purchase, PROFESSIONAL WEAR clothing at no cost them. We are always looking for donations of professional wear to fill the closet. If you or anyone in your company, organization, church, family, etc. is willing to donate gently used or brand new professional wear to the Dalton State Career Closet, we will gladly take it. Any items not kept are donated to Providence Ministries in Dalton, GA.
With your help, our students will look and feel professional and ready for that big interview or business meeting/event. Thank you in advance for your donations!
We accept donations Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Dean of Students Office located in the Pope Student Center.
For questions:
Faculty
Career & Professional Development partners with our Faculty to ensure they have the proper resources to offer their students throughout their undergraduate degree.
Have you been approved to hire a work study student (or more) to assist you in the classroom, lab, and/or office?
If so, then here's what you need to know. All work study positions MUST be posted on Handshake to give equal opportunity to all students. All procedures for creating a free employer account and posting a work study position can be found on the Roadrunner Portal under "Departments" and "Student Work Study."
Handshake
Questions about using Handshake should be directed to:
career@daltonstate.eduQuestions about funding and financial aid eligibility should be directed to:
finaid@daltonstate.eduQuestions about new employee orientation and start date for your work study should be directed to:
humanresources@daltonstate.eduLooking for a class presenter?
Career & Professional Development is eager and happy to come to your class and present on such topics as:
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Creating a Competitive Resume
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Preparing for Graduate/Professional School
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Professionalism
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Salary Negotiating
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Social Media & Your Professional Development
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The Importance of Networking
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Interviewing 101
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and much more
If you'd like to set up a time for us to come and present to your class, please email us the date, time, location, and topic you wish to have presented.
Internships are a work-integrated learning experience that promotes academic, personal, and professional development. Students actively and reflectively engage in learning by applying theory and/or concepts specific to their program of study.
Why Intern?
- 80% of employers view recruiting as primary function of internships*
- 51% of new college hires completed an internship with their company*
- 64.8% of students who intern receive permanent job offers*
- 92.6% of employers prefer candidates with work experience*
Internships
- Allow students to gain skills and learn about a career field from the inside
- Help students establish professional contacts and begin networking
- Can be paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time, and/or for academic credit
- Generally related to your academic major or career objective
- Typically one semester in length
Students should begin their search early (3-6 months ahead), identify what they want from the experience, and prepare a resume geared toward seeking the internship. Faculty should assist in this search with the help of Career & Professional Development.
Some places where students can begin searching for an internship
- Talking to the dean or faculty members of their college
- Purple Briefcase
- Career Fair or Internship Fair
- www.internships.com
- www.indeed.com
- Company websites
Feel free to email or send students to see Career & Professional Development located in the Pope Student Center.
*Information from US News & National Association of Colleges and Employers
Unsure of your career path/major? Then this is the event for you! Come meet Faculty and learn more about their majors, as well as professionals from the community already working in the field.
Majors Fair
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pope Patio
Come speak with companies/organizations who are looking to hire our students for internships and part/full time job opportunities. Don't miss these events!
Fall Internship & Job Fair
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Roberts Library | Second FloorGraduate School FAIR
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Roberts Library | Second FloorEmployers and students/alumni can register for these events on Handshake.
HANDSHAKE
Other career-related topics and events to prepare students for their future careers and develop necessary professional skills.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
LinkedIn Workshop
1:00 p.m. | Location TBD
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Free Headshot Day
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Gignilliat Hall | Atrium
Photos taken by Bierkamp Photography
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
STARbucks & the Interview
12:30 p.m. | Gignilliat Hall | Goodroe Auditorium
School of Health Professions Recruitment Fair
Thursday, November 2, 2023
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Health Professions AtriumRegister on Handshake
Networking: If you know someone, your chances of getting your foot in the door just went up 80%! Come start making those connections at this event!
"SCHMOOZAPALOOZA" Networking Event
Thursday, November 2, 2023
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Roberts Library | Second FloorSponsored by Greater Dalton Chamber and Murray County Chamber of Commerce
Graduating in May 2023?
Then don't miss this amazing and FREE opportunity to get a beautiful portrait in your regalia in front of the Dalton State College Bell Tower.Graduate Portrait Day
Friday, April 28, 2023
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Quad | Belltower
Photos taken by Bierkamp PhotographyDalton State College is focused on offering resources to our students to help them succeed in their education and career.
One of those resources is our Career Closet. Ran on donations, this resource offers students, who do not own or cannot otherwise afford to purchase, PROFESSIONAL WEAR clothing at no cost them. We are always looking for donations of professional wear to fill the closet. If you or anyone in your organizations, clubs, church, family, etc. is willing to donate gently used or brand new professional wear to the Dalton State Career Closet, we will gladly take it. Any items not kept are donated to Providence Ministries in Dalton, GA.
With your help, our students will look and feel professional and ready for that big interview or business meeting/event. Thank you in advance for your donations!
We accept donations Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Dean of Students Office located in the Pope Student Center.
For questions:
Career Events for Fall 2023
Unsure of your career path/major? Then this is the event for you! Come meet Faculty and learn more about their majors, as well as professionals from the community already working in the field.
Majors Fair
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pope PatioCome speak with companies/organizations who are looking to hire our students for internships, graduate school programs, and part/full time job opportunities. Don't miss these events!
Fall Internship & Job Fair
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Roberts Library | Second FloorGraduate School Fair
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Roberts Library | Second FloorEmployers and students/alumni can register for these events on Handshake.
HANDSHAKE
We host lots of career-related topics and events to prepare students for their future careers and develop necessary professional skills.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
LinkedIn Workshop
1:00 p.m. | Gignilliat Hall, Room 101
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Free Headshot Day
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Gignilliat Hall Atrium
Photos taken by Bierkamp Photography
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
STARbucks & The Interview
12:30 p.m. | Gignilliat Hall AuditoriumSchool of Health Professions Recruitment Fair
Thursday, November 2, 2023
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Health Professions AtriumRegister on Handshake
Networking: If you know someone, your chances of getting your foot in the door just went up 80%! Come start making those connections at this event!
"SCHMOOZAPALOOZA" Networking Event
Thursday, October 26, 2023
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Gignilliat Hall | Room 101Sponsored by Greater Dalton Chamber & Murray County Chamber of Commerce
Graduating in December 2023?
Then don't miss this amazing and FREE opportunity to get a beautiful portrait in your regalia in front of the Dalton State College Bell Tower.Graduate Portrait Day
Friday, November 3, 2023
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Quad | Belltower
Photos taken by Bierkamp PhotographySpecial Group Picture with the College President at 11:00 a.m.
Refreshments provided.Graduate Data
Data collected from Graduate Surveys
- Total Graduates: 744
- Total Surveys Completed: 583 (78.4%)
- Grads Employed Before or Upon Graduation: 436 (75%)
- Full Time Employment: 347 (80%)
- Average Annual Salary of Full Time Employed Grads: $40,650
- Top Average Salaries
- Nursing (BSN): $60K+
- Management Information Systems: $55K+
- Respiratory Therapy: $64K+
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management: $52K+
- Top Average Salaries
- Grads Employed In Same Job: 161 (28%)
- Grads Employed In Field of Study: 226 (52%)
- State & Local Impact
- 67% employed in positions within Dalton & surrounding area
- 78% employed within Georgia
- Experiential Learning Experience
- 42% participated in at least one experiential learning experience
- 31% participated in paid experiential learning opportunities
- Average Annual Salary
- Participated in none: $35K
- Participated in one or more: $38K
- Average Annual Salary
- Top Majors (by full time employment)
- Nursing
- Education
- Organizational Leadership
- Business Management
- Continuing Education: 52%
- 35% Accepted to a graduate/professional school
- 26% Continuing bachelors at Dalton State College
- 9% Transferring to complete a bachelors degree
- 26% Plan to continue education at a later time
- Our Graduates Experience
- 86% worked while pursuing their degree
- 15% worked on campus in work study positions
- 39% participated in student life activities/clubs while pursuing their degree
- Why Our Graduates Chose DSC
- 34.9% Nearby Location
- 31.8% Low Cost of Attendance
- 12.4 % Offered the Program I Wanted
- 20.9% Good Academic Reputation
- Graduate School our Graduates are Accepted to:
- University of Georgia
- Emory University
- Clayton State University
- Medical College of Georgia
- Mercer University
- University of Alabama
- University of West Georgia
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of California
- Piedmont University
- Campbellsville University
- Liberty University
- Bethel University
- Shorter University
- Troy University
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Augusta University
- Georgia State University
- Valdosta State University
- Kennesaw State University
- Louisiana State University
- Georgia Southern University
- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Georgia Tech
- University of North Georgia
- Employers our Graduates are hired at:
- Engineered Floors
- Kroger
- Synovus
- Advent Health
- Floyd Medical Center
- Q CELLS
- Shaw Industries
- CHI Memorial Medical Group
- Hamilton Health Care System
- Amazon
- Whitfield County Schools
- FedEx
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Calhoun City Schools
- Dalton Utilities
- MFG Chemical
- The Dixie Group
- McKee Foods
- Tennessee Aquarium
- Erlanger Health System
- First Bank of Dalton
- HealthOne Alliant Plans
- Mohawk Industries
- Chick-fil-A
- Dalton Public Schools
- Dalton State College
- Volkswagen
- City of Dalton
Contact Us
Location: Dean of Students Office, Pope Student Center
Email: career@daltonstate.edu
Phone: 706-272-4428