Cal State Fullerton’s Career Center is ensuring that the class of 2020 stays career ready, and their advice has been of help not only to Fullerton business grads, but also young professionals globally, thanks to an appearance on ABC 7 on May 11, which was also featured on MSN’s news feed.

Like most institutions of higher education, Cal State Fullerton has gone virtual, and Elizabeth Zavala ’02 (human services), director of the university-wide career center, points to the remote assistance available to CSUF students, including events such as the upcoming May 22 virtual career fair, one of the opportunities available to students and grads.

“College students should definitely turn to their career services professionals to help them because we’re still operating remotely and employers still want to hire,” she says, noting that about 43 companies and organizations are scheduled to participate in the May 22 event. “[Hiring] might be a little slower than before, but we’re still seeing a need in various industries.”

Zavala is pleased to report that Cal State Fullerton and other universities have generally had success in transferring their career services programs into virtual formats – and even reaching more students and alumni in the process due to the greater accessibility of services.

“It’s different, but at the same time, we’re also reaching students that we may not have prior to COVID-19,” she says.

Global search engine and media giant MSN highlights Cal State Fullerton’s Career Center on May 11, 2020.

Launching Your Career in the COVID-19 Age

Some members of the class of 2020 are in a particularly challenging spot, having secured a post-graduation job in another part of the United States, but now grappling with the challenges of a move amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

“College students are negotiating their start dates and are working remotely first until they feel comfortable making the move across the country or starting the search for an apartment,” she says. “Organizations who are hiring are understanding of the situation. Safety is a priority for everyone, but the work still needs to get done. The reality is that most of this work can be accomplished remotely.”

Landing Internships

For seniors or others seeking a summer internship, coronavirus may have upended their plans, but Zavala holds out hope that remote internships and later start dates can rescue the opportunity in many cases.

In the meantime, she suggests students work on establishing a strong social media footprint, including LinkedIn, creating a strong résumé, and obtaining advanced Zoom interviewing skills – all skills that the Career Center stands ready to support students in.

For More Information

Watch the full interview or read the full article on ABC 7.

Find out more about the career resources available specifically to Cal State Fullerton’s business students through Mihaylo Career Services.