Career Development Center
At the Career Development Center, we help students make meaningful connections - between what they’re learning, who they’re becoming, and where they want to go. Whether it’s exploring career paths, landing an internship, applying to grad school, or figuring out your purpose. We’ll walk alongside you every step of the way.
Our team partners with faculty and staff to embed career readiness into the Alfred experience because preparing for life after graduation is about more than a job title; it’s about helping students find their purpose and take confident steps toward it.
Wherever your journey leads, we’re here to help you get there.
Are you graduating?
Graduation is just around the corner, and we’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished!
As you prepare for what’s next, we’d love to hear about your post-graduation plans. Whether you’ve accepted a job, are heading to grad school, or are still exploring options, we want to hear from you!
Please take a few minutes to complete the Outcomes Survey!
Claim your Handshake Account
If you are a current student, you already have a Handshake account created for you! To get started,
- Go to the Handshake website.
- Click the button Sign up, located in the upper-right corner or the bottom- center of the page.
- Enter your @alfred.edu email address, then click the blue button Next.
- Your account will be displayed on the screen, click the blue button Get Started to claim it.
Handshake's onboarding experience is designed to be both effective and efficient, helping you get the most out of your experience.
After logging in for the first time, you'll answer a series of questions about your experience, interests, skills, and goals. This helps personalize your profile and ensures you see the most relevant opportunities.
Note: You can update your information at any time! Additionally, every 6 months, you'll be prompted to "re-onboard" and will be able to update your selections at that time. To update your career interests, refer to Update Your Career Interests. To update your information, refer to Update Personal Information on Your Profile.
5 reasons you need Handshake
1. Competitive Advantage
Handshake is the only place that connects you, your school, and employers together. You’ll see jobs and internships posted specifically for students, and employers actively recruiting from your school.
2. Active Recruiters
Employers on Handshake message students with event invites, interview requests, and new job opportunities.
3. No Experience Required
The jobs on Handshake are meant for students like you, so you can get the work experience you need.
4. Curated Work Opportunities
When you fill our your profile, Handshake will show you jobs and internships that match your interests and skills. You may even discover a new career path.
5. Exciting Employers
All of the top employers are recruiting students on Handshake, including Fortune 500, startups, nonprofits, and more.
Not sure where to start? Let’s talk. Our career counselors are here to help you discover your strengths, explore options, and build a plan that makes sense for you. Whether you’re a first-year student or about to graduate, we’ve got your back.
Our Resources
Getting Started
Getting started with the Career Development Center (CDC) is an easy and important step toward achieving your professional goals. Meet with a CDC professional to discuss your career goals, assess your progress, and explore next steps.
Not sure what you would like to do after graduation? Check out What Can I Do With This Major? This website features 106 major profiles with information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and strategies to maximize opportunities.
Note: In order for the What Can I Do With This Major tool to work properly it must be accessed from the Partnership's website and not as a stand-alone link.
Professional Document Review
Get personalized feedback on your professional documents, including resume, cover letters, personal statements, and CVs. During your appointment, a career advisor will review your materials to ensure they effectively showcase your skills, experiences, and qualifications while aligning with industry standards and expectations.
What's the difference between a CV and a resume? Learn more on Handshake!
Your Search
Access a variety of specialized appointments to help you succeed in your professional journey, including personalized strategies for finding internships, jobs, or other opportunities tailored to your goals. Schedule a session to help you practice and refine your communication, showcase your qualifications confidently, or get guidance on understanding your worth and negotiating offers effectively.
Visit What Can I Do With This Major? to explore industries, types of organizations that want to hire you, and specialized job boards for your industry!
Career Assessments
Complete career assessments like the MBTI®, CliftonStrengths®, and the Strong Interest Inventory® to gain valuable insights into your personality, strengths, and interests, which are essential for making informed career decisions.
By understanding your natural preferences, unique talents, and areas of interest, you can align your academic and career paths with your personal attributes, increasing satisfaction and success in your chosen fields.
Schedule an appointment with our certified practitioners to complete an assessment!
Internship Support
The CDC offers comprehensive support to help you secure and succeed in internships. During your appointment, a career advisor will assist you with identifying opportunities that align with your goals, creating targeted application materials, and preparing for interviews. You’ll also receive guidance on leveraging your internship experience for career growth, including networking tips, setting professional goals, and translating your skills into future job opportunities.
Whether you’re exploring internships for the first time or looking to maximize the impact of your experience, we’re here to support every step of your journey.
Want to get credit for an internship? Learn more by reviewing the internship-for-credit guidelines!
Networking & LinkedIn
Get tailored guidance to help you build a strong professional network and an impactful LinkedIn presence. During your appointment, you’ll learn effective networking strategies, including approaching industry professionals, making meaningful connections, and leveraging alumni networks.
For LinkedIn, we’ll help you optimize your profile, showcase your skills and accomplishments, and use the platform to search for opportunities and connect with recruiters. Whether you’re new to networking or looking to refine your professional brand, this session is designed to empower you with tools to expand your reach and advance your career.
Join the Career Development Center LinkedIn Group!
Grad School
We're here to provide guidance and resources to help you navigate the graduate school application process. During your appointment, a career advisor can assist with researching programs, preparing application materials, and crafting compelling personal statements.
Show Off Your Career Skills with Digital Badges
Do you want to stand out to employers and feel more confident about your future? The Career Readiness Digital Badge Program is a great way to build real-world skills and show you’re ready for what comes after Alfred.
Through short, interactive modules, you’ll explore key career readiness competencies—like communication, leadership, and teamwork—and earn digital badges you can add to your résumé, LinkedIn, and other professional profiles. The more badges you stack, the closer you get to unlocking a Career-Ready level!
Every badge is verified through Credly, so employers can see exactly what you’ve learned and accomplished. It’s a simple, flexible way to boost your professional edge—on your own time.
Ready to get started? Explore the badges and start earning today!
FAQs
Why Should You Earn a Badge?
Because your future self will thank you. Earning a career readiness badge is a quick, easy way to prove you’ve got the skills employers are looking for - like leadership, communication, critical thinking, and professionalism. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re what help you stand out in interviews, land internships, and feel confident stepping into your career.
What Are Digital Badges?
Digital badges are online versions of the achievements and skills you’ve earned; kind of like a virtual credential or certificate. Instead of being a piece of paper you frame, it’s a clickable badge you can share on your LinkedIn, résumé, or digital portfolio. Each digital credential shows what you have learned or accomplished, who issued the credential, and what skills it represents.
They are verified, which means employers can click and see exactly what the badge means, so you don't just say you're career-ready, you prove it.
It's a simple way to build your personal brand and stand out to employers.
Do Employers Care About Digital Credentials?
Yes! More than you might think.
Employers are looking for more than just a degree. They want to know what you can do and how you’ve prepared for the workplace. Digital credentials help tell that story.
Unlike a resume line, digital badges show exactly what skills you’ve gained and who verified them. When employers see a badge on your LinkedIn or application, it shows you’ve gone above and beyond.
Career readiness badges reflect real-world skills, like communication, leadership, and professionalism, that employers value across every industry.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Badge?
Not long at all! Each badge is designed to be completed at your own pace, and most students finish a badge in 30 to 60 minutes. Some may take a little more time depending on the activities, but you can start, pause, and come back whenever it works for you.
Think of it as a low-stress, high-impact way to build your skills and boost your résumé, without adding a full class to your schedule.
Check out these awesome resources!
Big Interview
Big Interview is an online system that combines training AND practice to help improve interview skills and build confidence.
How to Get Started
- Register: Register for a free account with your school email address at alfred.biginterview.com.
- Learn: Dive into a comprehensive library of learning materials that cover everything from answering the most common interview questions to mastering best practices and managing interview anxiety.
- Practice: Take your preparation to the next level by practicing interview scenarios that are specific to your industry, key competencies, admissions processes, or general questions.
- Get Feedback: Improve your performance by sharing your recorded responses with peers, mentors, counselors, or instructors. Their feedback will be invaluable in refining your technique and boosting your confidence.
Nail It! Nail the interview and land the job of your dreams—then enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done as you ride off into the sunset of your successful career journey.
Internship-for-Credit 
Are you interested in completing an internship and receiving academic credit? Learn more about how to complete the internship-for-credit process by reviewing the guidelines before applying in Handshake.
Resume Samples
Everyone needs a resume! You should have a resume because it serves as a professional snapshot that highlights your skills, education, and experiences, making you stand out to employers, graduate schools, and other opportunities.VIEW OUR RESUME SAMPLES
Check out the Resource Library
Need help with your resume? Not sure how to network or negotiate a job offer? Our Resource Library has you covered! Explore easy-to-use guides, tips, and tools on everything from resume writing and interview prep to salary negotiation and professional networking.
Get Engaged
Looking to build skills, make connections, or explore your career options? Don’t miss out on our events!
From resume workshops and career fairs to alumni panels and networking nights, there’s always something happening through the Career Development Center. These events are a great way to meet professionals, learn something new, and take steps toward your future.
Check out our AU Connect page, follow us on Instagram, and join in! You never know who you’ll meet or what opportunity you’ll discover!