CURRENT STUDENTS
Welcome, Students!
When it comes to planning your future, the Career Center is the place to start. Whether you need to choose a major, figure out what career to pursue, find an internship, or begin preparations for life after college, we have the services and resources to help!
To connect with the center about any of the resources below or to gain answers to questions not answered on this site, please call 318.257.4336 or email CareerCenter@LATech.edu. Our staff is here to assist you!
Need help getting focused?
Career decision making is something all students must do at some point in their college career. Regardless of where you fall on the decision making continuum: from having no career goals or major, to desiring confirmation of a chosen major, to uncovering certain careers you can pursue, this is the place to get help!
- Major/Career Exploration Appointments
With guidance and individualized conversations, learn how to use your personal characteristics (values, skills, personality, and interests) to see connections to majors and clarify career paths. You can request an appointment through Handshake, the Handshake app, or by contacting our office via email, phone, or walk-in.
- Online Resources
Not able to make an appointment? Check out a few of our online career resources that includes free access to career assessments, occupation research tools, and more. For more immediate assistance, view our Online Resources page that connect you with digital services available to you 24 hours a day.
- Resource Library and Print Station
The Career Library and Print Station contains directories, books, company literature reference materials, and online tools, which may be helpful in career planning, research, and job search activities. You can access the Resource Library & Print Station Monday through Friday 8am until 5pm.
Need help getting prepared?
Mapping out a path for career success can be difficult when done alone. The Career Center provides the following resources to help you be prepared to plot your journey and guide you along your way!
- Seminars & Events
Career Center staff offer hour-long seminars & workshops on professional development topics like resume writing, interviewing, LinkedIn, and other subjects. Consider attending the Career Prep & Career Closet Events prior to the large career fairs. Check out Handshake Events for the full schedule and consider attending to brush up on your skills.
- Resume Reviews
Students may have their resumes reviewed by a Career Center ambassador in as quick as 15 minutes. Resume Reviews are typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2pm to 5pm. No appointment needed!
- Career Planning Appointments
Gain insight about the types of search strategies that are best in today’s economic climate. You have the chance to discuss your specific career goals and learn about resources that will help you uncover opportunities that appeal to you. Request a consultation on handshake.
- Job Posting Boards
Handshake is the university’s centralized career management system. With this system, our employer partners regularly post internships, entry-level, mid-level, and experienced positions. To learn more about Handshake, check the calendar of LIVE seminars for a guided experience. Also, to schedule your next visit to the Career Center, go to latech.joinhandshake.com then log in with your single sign-on credentials. Click on “Career Center” then “Appointments” to see all appointment availabilities. Alumni have the opportunity to create accounts to use the system. Login in (or create) your account today: https://latech.joinhandshake.com/
Need help networking?
The importance of networking within your career search continues to grow. The Career Center is ready to help you make great lasting impressions with your futures colleagues. Below are the opportunities we provide to our students to gain networking connections.
- Career Fairs & Info Sessions
The Career Center sponsors career fairs & hosts info sessions for students and alumni to explore employment opportunities with employer and organization representatives. See who’s attending career fairs by going to Handshake’s Fairs. The primary career fairs are the Fall and Spring Career Fair, Graduate and Professional School Fair, Teacher Recruitment Day, and Health Sciences Career Event. Monitor Handshake Events for info sessions where recruiters want to connect in a smaller setting.
- On-Campus Interviews (OCIs)
Many employers wish to visit campus to conduct in-person interviews for their internship and full-time opportunities. Handshake is the interface through which OCIs are processed, including where you will find the positions, where you can submit your resume, and how you can select your interview time. OICs are a popular practice for after Career Fairs.
- Reserve an Interview Room
Need somewhere quiet to conduct a phone, Skype or online interview? The Career Center has interview rooms at your disposal. Come into the center to reserve your room today!
Information about On-campus employment
On-campus jobs are funded by two different resources. The Financial Aid office will determine what source of funding for which a student qualifies, Federal Work Study or Regular Funds. To become eligible for on-campus employment, students need to first visit the Financial Aid office or website to obtain more information.
Federal Work Study funds are limited, so it is important that students submit their financial aid files by the published priority deadline as those positions are given first consideration.
Regular Funds Job Postings are provided for students who do not have sufficient financial need to qualify for the Federal Work Study Program. To apply for a regular funds position on campus, the Career Center advises students to take the following steps:
- Prepare a strong cover letter and resume. The Career Center provides seminars quarterly.
- Contact various departments on campus to inquire about available regular funds positions.
- Dress professionally when visiting each department, submitting a cover letter and a resume.
- Follow-up with each department head regarding potential interviews with faculty or staff.