FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Do I have to be a University of St. Thomas (UST) student or alumni/ae to use the Life/Work Center's services?
We invite you to browse our Web site for information and links to various resources, including the Life/Work Model, where you can find links to Vocational, Social, Emotional, Intellectual, Physical, and Spiritual resources. However, individual counseling services are only available to UST students and alumni/ae, at this time.
How do I arrange to meet with a counselor at the Life/Work Center?
Call the Life/Work Center at (651) 962-4763 to schedule an appointment with a personal counselor or career counselor.
I'm interested in learning about graduate programs offered at the University of St. Thomas. Where can I get information? Who should I contact?
Go to www.stthomas.edu/academics/programs a list of graduate programs. Click the programs of interest for contact information and phone numbers.
Graduate Students
Can I use the Career services at any time during my graduate studies?
Absolutely! You are welcome to take advantage of this value added service throughout your graduate program and afterwards when you're an alumni/ae. We invite you to use the confidential and professional services as needed.
Graduate and Professional School students in the College of Business and School of Law should seek career services and job/internship opportunity information from their respective graduate program.
Do you do phone or e-mail consultation around career and job search questions?
Yes! If you have a quick question or want your resume reviewed, you can e-mail or call one of our counselors for this assistance. We encourage those of you in transition who are doing serious career work to meet personally with one of our career professionals. All interpretations of assessment are done in person.
I'm a graduate student on the St. Paul campus. Where do I go for career services?
Since the Student Affairs Life/Work Center was designed to meet your needs as a graduate student, you will receive career assistance on the Minneapolis campus.
Alumni/ae
Is there a fee for your services?
With the exception of formal assessments, all services are available at no charge. Whether you are coming in for career counseling, e-mailing a resume for feedback, or meeting with a counselor to strategize your job search or career management efforts, you have open access to free and confidential services.
Does St. Thomas receive requests from employers to fill their professional positions?
Yes, employers contact both career offices (Mpls & St Paul), the Graduate Student Internships and Job Opportunities Program, and various professors, departments and programs to recruit UST graduate students and alumni/ae. To look at career office postings go to www.stthomas.edu/career. Counselors can help you network effectively and uncover hidden opportunities.
How can I connect with other UST alumni/ae to network?
We encourage you to visit the alumni/ae web page: www.stthomas.edu/alumni and also be active as an alumnus/a in ways that work for you. A database of alums who are willing to network is being created through the Counseling and Career Services office. Watch for more information coming soon!
How do I write a resume to search for a teaching job?
A teaching resume is very similar to any other resume, with two major differences:
- It requires a section that details your certification or licensure.
- It should highlight your teaching-related work experience before your other work experience. If you are a beginning teacher, the focus will be on your student teaching experience and your clinical observations.
These two modifications, along with a specific statement of objective, will ensure that the reader sees you as a qualified education professional. For more detailed instruction, pick up the pamphlet "Resume Development for Teachers" from the Life/Work Center.
What is a credential file?
A credential file is collection of materials that are required by virtually all school districts when they hire a teacher. It always includes a resume or a similar summary of background, an official transcript, and several letters of reference from people who have observed your work habits. In addition, it may include a copy of your teaching license, lesson plans, writing samples, and other materials.
Traditionally these files have been kept by Career Centers and sent out to school districts upon the student's request. The trend now is to create electronic credential files that districts can access online. See the section on Teacher Credential Files or stop by the Life/Work Center for more information.
I'm beginning to wonder whether teaching is the right career for me. What can I do?
Uncertainties are not unusual or unexpected. It's wise to spend some time sorting out your interests and preferences while you're still in school. Yet even experienced teachers can benefit from taking time to reflect on their career satisfaction. Career specialists in the Life/Work Center are available to meet individually with students and alumni/ae. Self-assessment inventories may be used to help clarify interests and preferences.
