At the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, there are many resources available to foster students’ success for their time at college and after. The Chase Career Center within the Office of Career Success is unique to the Isenberg School of Management. The Chase Career Center offers resume guidance, interview prep and practice, social media profile tips, and more. Although I am only a freshman, it is never too early to begin enhancing my portfolio, researching future internships and jobs, and expanding my knowledge about opportunities after college. Since learning about the Chase Career Center, I feel inspired to make an appointment with a career coach and begin improving my resume in preparation for a successful professional life. But before then, I had the privilege of sitting down with Rachel Snyder, one of the dedicated career coaches, to discuss the purpose and goals of the Chase Career Center. 

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What is the purpose of the Chase Career Center?

The primary purpose of the Chase Career Center is to help students prepare for the workforce. Career coaches, like Rachel, work with students on their future career plans, resumes, and interview skills, as well as help with job and internship applications. In addition, the career center is the link between Isenberg Students and potential employers, recruiters, and the Isenberg Alumni Network. Multiple times a year, they organize career fairs and other opportunities for students to network and interview with top employers. 

Who can use the Chase Career Center?

As a first-year student at Isenberg, I was unsure whether I could begin discussing my career plans and strategies for success with the career coaches. I was happy to hear from Rachel that the Chase Career Center is available to all Isenberg students and alumni, on-campus and online, undergraduate and graduate. 

Are there any particular majors that frequently utilize the Chase Career Center?

It is also essential to know that the Chase Career Center is open to every Isenberg major. Rachel described that each major has different tactics and specialties to recognize when marketing yourself. Therefore, each career field is very different and requires unique guidance when it comes time to networking, interviewing, and building your portfolio. 

What is the most beneficial resource that the Chase Career Center provides?

According to Rachel, the most beneficial and unique resource offered is the Chase Career Peer Program, where Isenberg peers are available to help students with career exploration. These are trained students who do a lot more than simply take walk-in appointments. The Chase Career peers are there to review resumes before students’ appointments with a career coach, visit classes to share about the career center, work with transfer students, and provide a relatable, one-on-one resource. Rachel said that she loved how this was a connection point for students who may be feeling overwhelmed by the thought of entering the workforce after college. 

Why is the Chase Career Center so appealing to students?

As a career coach, Rachel said she believes what appeals most to students is how the relationship between coaches and students is not transactional. Each coach is dedicated and involved and applies personalized attention to each student. Students do not have to email someone and wait for a response to be helped; they can schedule an appointment on their own time, come to the career center, and be heard. In the end, the coaches care about Isenberg students and do their best to foster each students’ individual goals. 

I cannot wait to schedule my appointment at the Chase Career Center and begin exploring ways to reach my career goals. After meeting with Rachel, I really got an understanding of how committed the coaches are to prepare students for the workforce. It can be daunting to think about the future after college, but the Chase Career Center is there to guide students through networking, resume and portfolio developments, and, when it comes time, applying and interviewing for internships and jobs. Rachel, and all other career coaches, are here to help and recommend all students stop by and use this fantastic resource at Isenberg; I know I will be.