Specificity matters - in resume skills, cover letter experiences, and references. Thoughtfulness reflection of what to connect to each job posting can elevate application documents.

I've learned more about the importance of networking and student outreach in the job search. I was surprised that 50% of available jobs are not advertised. I feel many students have a good handle on reading job postings and creating a supported application, but struggle with making the first contact to inquire about positions. Leaning on students' networks and focusing on professional communication can be helpful tips to share with students.

As a Career Advisor, the goal is to help the student recognize what goals are obtainable. It's easy for someone to become discouraged if they try to reach certain goals and they don't succeed. Sometimes it's best to help them start small or take the goals 1 goal at a time to ensure they reach them. 

The value of Work-Based Learning can be seen with student after student success stories about how it is a career path they will pursue or just as valuable a career they will no move on from. These authentic settings give insight to students not gained from research alone.

It is important to partner with businesses that have an understanding of what it means to be a part of WBL experiences and how to work with students successfully.  Having a mismatch of a mentor can be detrimental to a student's success.

It is important for all parties involved to be on the same page when it comes to the students goals and expectations.  Students should do a self evaluation prior to getting into the workplace and the adviser should be assessing the student throughout.

Veterans are becoming a more diverse group when compared to 20 years ago.

The WBL Coordinator plays a huge part in the success of the program.  The importance of getting feedback from your stakeholders each year, in order to improve your program.

I learned that building a strong group of community members that are on the same page is important in the success of your WBL program.

Honestly i find some of these suggestions shocking. the idea that cold calling a company, or walking in without an appointment is acceptable practice in 2026 is frankly bad advice. yes, networking, investigating, etc are good ideas, but if someone came to my office to talk about a job, even one that was publicly posted, without a scheduled meeting, we would be even less likely to hire them, for demonstrating unprofessional behavior