Online Student Services

Kickstart your career exploration journey by taking our career assessment, Career Explorer. Career Explorer is an interest-based career assessment so it will take into account what you like to do and tailor the results accordingly. The assessment report will outline your top three career traits that correlate with different jobs. Career Explorer will then match those traits for you to specific jobs. You can dig into each job and learn more about the day-to-day work that job entails, the job outlook, pay, and required degrees to pursue that job. Career Explorer is a great place to get started as you refine your career journey!

Tailoring your resume and cover letter for every internship or job to which you apply is important. Our Resume 101, Resume 201, and Cover Letter workshops provide step-by-step guidance that will empower you to present your best self to potential employers. Career Services has developed industry-specific resume samples you can follow to streamline your resume creation process.  You can also download an editable resume guide to help you get started with a well-formatted resume that will pass Applicant Tracking Systems.

Watch our workshops today to create standout application materials that catch the eye of potential employers!

Application Tracking Systems (ATS) is software many employers use to streamline the recruitment process. ATS automate the initial stages of resume screening, making it more efficient for employers to manage a large volume of job applications. ATS scan resumes for specific keywords and qualifications relevant to the job description.

Therefore, tailoring your resume to include relevant keywords and using a clean, well-formatted layout can enhance your ability to move through the application process.  You can download an editable resume guide to help you get started with a well-formatted resume that will pass ATS. While you will need to accommodate the specific ATS requirements you also want to maintain true and accurate information on your resume . 

TIP: JobScan is just one of many tools that exists to help job seekers evaluate how their resume measures up with ATS. JobScan and similar tools have free versions you can utilize so start with those! 

Handshake is your gateway to a world of career opportunities and professional connections specifically for our Liberty community. Employers wanting to hire Liberty students and alumni post available jobs on Handshake so check out the job postings for full-time and part-time positions, as well as internships! Claim your account on Handshake with your LU email address to access this incredible resource. 

Hundreds of employers come to Liberty’s campus in Lynchburg, VA to recruit each fall and spring. Check out our Career Fair schedule and Handshake to see the employers coming. This will help you assess whether dedicating time and resources to networking at a career fair best fits your goals. If you can’t make it to Lynchburg, don’t worry! We have a Virtual Career Fair each spring and fall facilitated for free through Handshake.

Embarking on an internship or job search can be both exciting and challenging. To navigate this journey successfully, check out our Internship/Job Search Workshop and tips below. 

• Define Your Goals
  • Where do you want to be in 5-10 years. Is it a specific title, company, location, or industry? 
• Career Research
  • Find people on LinkedIn who are doing what you want to do in 5-10 years and see what roles they have filled or the experience they have gained that makes them competitive. 
• Use Online Job Boards
  • Explore Handshake and other reputable job platforms, like LinkedIn, for diverse job opportunities. 
• Company Research
  • Investigate potential employers to understand their values, culture, and recent achievements to help you tailor each of your applications. 
• Optimize Your Resume and Customize Your Cover Letter
  • Tailor your documents for each job application. 

• Network Effectively
  • Before and throughout the application process, leverage your professional network to gain insight into the industry, obtain tips for the application process, and connect with recruiters. 
• Research Companies
  • Investigate potential employers to understand their values, culture, and recent achievements. 
• Stay Persistent
  • Internship/job searching can take time, so stay persistent and maintain a positive mindset throughout the process. Even when rejections may come, use those opportunities to identify if there are ways to strengthen your resume or more effectively network. 
• Enhance Skills
  • Take advantage of online courses from Liberty’s Continuing Education, EdX, Udemy, Coursera and others to gain training or certifications to enhance your skills and make your profile more appealing to employers. 

By incorporating these tips into your job search strategy, you’ll increase your chances of finding the right opportunity that aligns with your career goals. 

Congratulations!  You got through the application process and now you are prepping for an interview to help secure the job. Check out our Interview Preparation Workshop and the tips below for valuable preparation information.  

• Re-Research the Company 
  • Even if you researched the company during your application process, familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements.   
  • Understand the industry trends, news, latest advancements, and the organization’s position in the market. 
  • You can reference or ask questions about this content during the interview to help the interviewers see that you understand their company. 
• Know Your Resume
  • Be ready to discuss your experiences, skills, and achievements mentioned in your resume. 
  • Connect your past experiences to the job for which you’re interviewing. 
• Understand the Job Description 
  • Analyze the job requirements and tailor your responses to highlight relevant skills. 
  • Be prepared to discuss through examples and stories how your background aligns with the role. 
• Practice Common Interview Questions 
  • Rehearse answers to common questions to build confidence. 
  • Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.  
  • TIP: Whenever you can use a short and direct story, do! Stories resonate and stick with an individual. 
• Dress Appropriately 
  • Choose professional attire that aligns with the company culture. 
  • Not sure what the culture is? Check out the staff page photos, social media, or any press pictures! 
• Bring Necessary Documents 
  • Carry multiple copies of your resume in a folder. 
  • Bring a list of references and any other relevant documents. 
• Prepare Questions 
  • Have thoughtful questions for the interviewer to show your genuine interest. 
  • Inquire about company culture, team dynamics, future projects, and when you can expect to hear back.
• Practice Good Body Language 
  • Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit up straight. 
  • Smile, and be mindful of your tone and pace when speaking. 
• Follow-Up After the Interview 
  • Send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity on the day you interviewed. 
  • Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention key points from the interview. 

By incorporating these tips into your interview preparation, you’ll increase your chances of leaving a lasting impression on your potential employer.  

Learn the art of building and maintaining a professional network to boost your chances of securing a job or internship. Networking is a powerful tool for career growth and professional success. Check out some tips below.  

• Set Clear Goals 
  • Define your networking goals, whether it’s seeking career advice, mentorship, or job opportunities. 
  • Set clear and attainable goals for who you will contact and when. Don’t forget to follow-up and stay engaged! 
• Identify Your Current Network  
  • Often people don’t realize how big their network is! Outline who you already know in specific industries you want to pursue or doing the work you want to do. 
  • Don’t forget family! Often our best network are those related to us. 

• Start Networking Before You Have to 
  • One of the biggest mistakes people make is they wait till they are applying to jobs to network. Start today to build those relationships.
• Build an Online Presence 
  • Optimize your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo and a compelling headline.
  • Watch our LinkedIn Workshop. 
  • Engage in industry-related discussions and share relevant content. 
• Attend Networking Events 
  • Attend industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to meet professionals in your field. 
  • Prepare and practice a brief elevator pitch introducing yourself and your goals. 
• Join Professional Organizations 
  • Become a member of relevant professional organizations to expand your network. 
  • Attend their events and actively participate in discussions. 
• Volunteer 
  • Offer to volunteer at industry conferences or events related to your field to meet people and make a positive impression. 
  • Local volunteer opportunities can also expand your network while also showing future employers you give back to the community. 
• Follow Up 
  • After meeting someone, follow up with a personalized email expressing your gratitude for the connection. 
  • Stay in touch periodically with updates on your career and achievements. 
• Be Genuine and Authentic 
  • Be yourself and approach networking with authenticity. 
  • Building genuine connections is more effective than trying to impress with a façade. 
• Develop Strong Communication Skills 
  • Hone your communication skills, including active listening and the ability to articulate your thoughts clearly. 

Remember, networking is an ongoing process, and cultivating relationships takes time. Consistency and authenticity are key elements in building a robust professional network. 

Changing careers can be a transformative but challenging endeavor. Here are some career tips to guide you through a successful transition. 

• Self-Assessment 
  • Reflect on your skills, interests, values, and passions to identify transferable skills and align them with potential new career paths. 
  • Utilize professional personality and career assessment tools with a coach for additional insights. 
• Research and Explore 
  • Investigate industries and roles that pique your interest. Attend networking events, webinars, and informational interviews to gain insights. 
  • Document what has made the people in those roles successful. Was it a degree, experience, etc.? Then see if you can replicate what made them successful. 
• Professional & Skill Development 
  • Stay updated on industry trends, attend relevant workshops, and join professional associations to demonstrate your commitment to the new career. 
  • Identify the skills required in your desired field. 
  • Take advantage of online courses from Liberty’s Continuing Education, EdX, Udemy, Coursera and others to gain training or certifications to enhance your skills. 
• Gain Practical Experience 
  • Consider internships, volunteer work, or freelance opportunities to gain hands-on experience and enhance your credibility in the new field.  
  • TIP: A degree alone is often not enough. Experience is key so start getting experience today. 
• Network Strategically 
  • Leverage your existing network and build new connections in your target industry.  
  • Seek advice from professionals who have successfully transitioned between careers. 
  • Take advantage of the LU Alumni Community! 
• Showcase Your Story through a Targeted Resume and Compelling Cover Letter 
  • Craft a narrative that explains your career change journey. Emphasize how your past experiences uniquely position you for success in the new field. 
  • Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experiences and skills for the new career. Focus on showcasing transferable skills and achievements. 
  • Explain your career change in your cover letter, emphasizing your passion, motivation, skills, and how they align with the new role. 
• Financial Planning: 
  • Evaluate the financial implications of a career change. Plan for potential adjustments to your budget during the transition period. 
  • Often when moving between careers you have to take a slight pay cut, so anticipate that and plan accordingly. 
• Be Flexible, Patient, and Persistent: 
  • Be open to unexpected opportunities and stay adaptable. A willingness to learn and adapt is crucial in a career change. 
  • Career transitions take time. Be patient and stay persistent in pursuing opportunities and refining your approach.  

Remember, changing careers is a gradual process that requires careful planning and persistence. By following these tips, you can navigate the challenges and make a successful transition to a fulfilling new career.