Many people enroll in an online degree program to earn more money, advance in their careers, or change careers altogether. While enrolled in one of ETSU’s 85+ online programs, you can benefit from the career resources and support available through the ETSU Career Services office. While you are creating or strengthening your academic foundation, this office can help you prepare for post-graduation professional opportunities.
Conversation with a Career Services Expert
We talked with Jenny Lockmiller, director of ETSU Career Services, to gather her advice for students enrolled in online programs.
What is one ETSU Career Services resource that I should use?
Of the many online career services resources, one that offers a multi-layered approach to career support is an online platform called Quinncia. Quinncia is an AI-powered resumé review and mock interview program. It can also scan and evaluate your LinkedIn profile. Lockmiller explained that employers are increasingly using AI bots to conduct initial interviews. Quinncia offers online students an opportunity to practice these types of interactions.
“Quinncia has mock interviews where it [the AI bot] looks like a person sitting in front of you via Zoom, and they ask the questions,” Lockmiller said. “It will ask you a question, and then it'll let you see yourself and review [your answer], and then it will give you a score on how well you did.”
This resource is available to you 24/7, whenever and wherever you are working on your resumé, online presence, or interview skills.
“You can always set up an appointment with our staff to do a resumé review via Zoom, but if it's 3 a.m., Quinncia allows you to build a resumé and review it, then have an AI platform review it online any time of the day or night,” Lockmiller said.
Can Career Services help me translate my coursework and projects into resumé-worthy experience?
There are several sample resumés, cover letter examples, and templates available for viewing and downloading. You can also schedule a virtual appointment for 1-on-1 attention or use Quinncia’s tools. Lockmiller recommends multiple options to get this type of support.
“We definitely can help! There are a couple of ways to do that. One is with the Resumé Builder in Quinncia, where you put your information in, and it'll help you spice that up a little bit,” said Lockmiller.“We also really like having those conversations with students via Zoom to say, ‘Hey, tell me all the things you did, and let's try to build resumé items out of that.’ We spend a lot of time doing that with students.”
The resumé review resources within Quinncia can help you build, edit, format and optimize your resumé. This not only helps you best present your qualifications, but it also prepares your resumé to remain competitive within Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which is software that screens job applications for things such as relevant keywords, work experience, and proper formatting.
“It goes through your resumé and really pulls out all those things that might trigger an applicant tracking system to kick your application out...With so many people, so many organizations using Applicant Tracking Systems, that can be really important,” said Lockmiller.
Can online students participate in internships or experiential learning opportunities?
At ETSU, some majors require internships or field work, while others do not. Internships and field work can be a great way to get hands-on or on-the-job experience and skills application that builds upon what you learn in classes. Opportunities like this can also open the door for networking and making professional connections.
“Can online students participate? 100% yes. On our internships page, we have a couple of different options for students. We have Parker Dewey, which is a platform we use that provides students with opportunities for short, paid micro-internships, and those are almost always remote,” said Lockmiller. “Internships are something that can also happen for students...we can help establish those internships for students wherever they are."
Additional Online Career Services for ETSU Students
- On the Career Services home page, you can explore majors, career planning, resumé-building tools, internship opportunities, and even get help with your job search.
- College to Career Pathway Guide. This guide features recommended and suggested career-preparing activities. Examples include documenting new skills, creating and uploading your resumé, building a LinkedIn profile, and practicing interview skills.
- Forage Account. ETSU Career Services offers a free online resource that helps students develop a stronger understanding of different roles and sectors by working through modules at your own pace! Module content includes video instructions and supporting materials developed by leading companies and aims to replicate the types of work you might experience on the job.
- Career Fairs and Networking Events. Networking can feel overwhelming as an online student. Career Services offers tips and tricks to help you get started. They also post networking opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, or career fairs.
Not sure where to start?
Schedule a virtual appointment with the Career Services team. They can offer guidance and coaching on several career-related topics, such as:
- Career and major exploration
- Resumé review
- Internship development and opportunities
- Mock interviews
- Personal statement or cover letter review
- Job search assistance
