Taking the Next Step, With a Little Help from HSU
Jarad Petroske
Hello, I'm Jarad Petroske, an HSU alum ('06, German). I'll be taking over as editor of Letter Home From Humboldt for a while. I want to give a fond farewell to Desiree, who recently had the opportunity to take the next step in her career. We wish her the best.
Now that it's May and commencement is just behind us, many students are thinking about taking their next steps, too. Below are some ways HSU can help with life after college.
Career Planning
This is the time that many students will get ready to enter the job market. If your student hasn't already taken advantage of the services provided by HSU's Career Center, it's not too late. New alumni are able to use the Career Center until Dec. 31 after graduating (students who graduate at the end of the fall semester have until the following May). The center has a full list of its services for alumni online
The Humboldt Alumni Association offers alumni and current students access to its Career Network, with valuable online tools like CareerBeam and Interview Stream. CareerBeam lets users evaluate strengths and interests, refine resumes and cover letters, and review job search strategies. Interview Stream allows users to practice interviewing with a webcam. Videos can even be shared so friends and family can offer feedback. To find out more, visit the HSU Alumni Career Network website.
Continuing Education
Many students will want to continue their education, and Humboldt State can help with that too. "Once a student graduates with a bachelor's degree, their post baccalaureate options are to continue study in a certificate, credential or graduate program," says Romi Hitchcock-Tinseth, one of HSU's admissions counselors.
Humboldt State offers 12 certificates of study in everything from Museum and Gallery Practices to Geospatial Sciences. Certificates typically take less time to complete than other programs and can really add to a resume. HSU also offers 12 graduate and 13 credential programs. Check out HSU's Graduate Studies page for all the options
To apply to a graduate program, your student will need to submit an application to CSUmentor.edu. Each academic department has its own filing period and some have specific requirements, so it's a good idea to check in with the department first.
Another thing to keep in mind is prerequisites. Many post-baccalaureate programs require students to complete a number of undergraduate courses before being admitted. "Students can enroll in any course HSU offers through Extended Education's 'Open University' program with instructor and departmental signatures," says Hitchcock-Tinseth. To learn more about Open University, visit the Extended Education website.
Almost all certificate, graduate and credential programs will require official transcripts, which are available through the Office of the Registrar. Students can easily download the request form and submit payment online. It usually takes seven to 15 business days to receive the transcripts, so be sure to plan for the turn-around time. Unofficial transcripts are free and can be downloaded anytime by logging into Student Center.
It's also useful to think about professors, staff, or administrators your student may have worked closely with during their time at HSU. These individuals will be the best sources to write letters of recommendation.
Keeping in touch
This year, students who purchased their caps and gowns at the HSU Bookstore received a coupon for a free membership in the Humboldt Alumni Association. Joining is a great way to stay in touch after graduation.
The Humboldt Alumni Association offers discounted memberships for new grads—but hurry, the discounted memberships are only available for the first six weeks after graduation—that's May 12 to June 23. For more information, visit Humboldt Alumni.
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