The Career Center is here for you! We’re open regular hours during finals week and throughout winter break to support your career needs. Please note: winter break availability may vary; check back for updates.

Develop essential career skills through job shadowing, career programs and events, conferences, and job simulations. These experiences help students build professional connections, enhance their resume and interviewing skills, and prepare for successful careers.


Experience Examples

🎓 Career Exploration and Insight 

  • Observe professionals in your field to understand daily responsibilities and workplace culture. 
  • Engage in structured conversations to learn about career paths and industry insights. 
  • Visit companies to meet professionals and explore workplace environments. 

🛠️ Skill Development and Experience Building 

  • Complete short-term projects to gain hands-on experience and build skills. 
  • Participate in virtual programs that mimic real-world tasks. 
  • Join campus-run initiatives to prepare for internships through coaching and skill-building. 
  • Take courses and earn credentials in professional skills. 

🤝 Networking and Professional Engagement 

  • Connect with alumni or professionals for guidance and networking. 
  • Attend events to network, join workshops, and stay updated on industry trends. 
  • Join clubs aligned with your career interests for leadership and networking opportunities. 

🧭 Campus Career Resources 

  • Participate in resume workshops, practice interviews, networking events, and employer panels. 

How to Get Started

🎓 Career Exploration and Insight 

  • Visit the Career Center web site and schedule an appointment with your Career Coach to explore programs and services like resume reviews, career coaching, and internship or job search support. 
  • Search for virtual and in-person events via Handshake and attend to meet recruiters, learn about industries, and explore internship or job opportunities. 
  • Explore job shadowing opportunities by asking professors, advisors, or the career center to help you connect with professionals for a day-in-the-life experience. 
  • Conduct informational interviews by reaching out to alumni or professionals in your field of interest to learn about their career journeys. 
  • Participate in site visits by signing up for organized visits to companies or organizations to see different work environments firsthand.

🛠️ Skill Development and Experience Building 

  • Complete a micro-internship by looking for short-term, project-based internships through platforms like Parker Dewey to gain real-world experience. 
  • Try job simulations on Forage to explore virtual experiences that simulate tasks from real companies and help build skills and explore careers. 
  • Use LinkedIn Learning or online platforms to take courses and earn certifications in areas like communication, project management, or data analysis. 

🤝 Networking and Professional Engagement 

  • Participate in clubs related to your major or career goals and build leadership and networking skills. 
  • Attend professional conferences to network, attend workshops, and learn from industry leaders. 

View more resources below

PennWest Experiential Learning Resources

The Legal Clinic at PennWest provides students with a unique and valuable learning experience in the law, all under the …

Review scholarships available at PennWest and when/how to apply.

An informational interview is a casual conversation, typically lasting around 20-30 minutes, with someone employed in a career field in …

If you’ve completed a project you’re especially proud of, it’s natural to want to show it off on your resume …

Job Shadowing: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get Started

Career Exploration & Professional Development

Contact & Location

Phone
814-393-2323 (Career Center) 724-938-1578 (ELC)
Address

California: 138 Natali Student Center

Clarion: 419 Becht Hall

Edinboro: 241 Baron-Forness Library

California, Clarion, Edinboro, PA

Career Center & ELC Hours

Monday 8:00am-4:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am-4:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am-4:00pm
Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm
Friday 8:00am-4:00pm