COVID-19

With the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, our team at the Center for Career Development (CCD) wants you to know we value you and are here for you.

We look forward to continuing to educate, connect, and empower you as we transition to delivering our services online to meet your needs. You will continue to be able to receive support in all steps of your career exploration, from exploring major and career choices to finding, applying, and securing opportunities in internships, jobs, and/or pre-professional (ex. law or med) and graduate programs as we will be open during our normal operating hours.

Our number one priority will always be the health and safety of our students, alumni, employers, and staff. Although we must necessarily pause our in-person engagement, we have made the following career development services and resources for you including:

Career Counseling:

  • We have made the decision to halt in-person services. Students can continue scheduling appointments online via Handshake. Our career counseling team now provides appointments via Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom, by phone, and by email.
    • Based on recent anonymous survey feedback, students have found virtual advising to be effective and helpful! View this additional resource for Virtual Appointment Instructions.


Jobs & Internships:

  • Explore our step-by-step CCD Job & Internship Search Guide as well as additional guides that will help you prepare for all steps of the search process including resumes, cover letters, and interviews.
  • Handshake is the CCD’s job and internship database. Unlike other job search websites, employers who post in Handshake are specifically looking to recruit Rice students and alumni!
    • Review our career tools & resources available online to assist you with navigating your personal internship/job search.


On Campus Recruiting:

  • Interviews & Information Sessions: For those who have accepted an interview with a recruiter through our On-Campus Interviewing Program or were planning on attending an employer information session on-campus, know that we are working with employers to transition in-person meetings to virtual.
  • Currently Employed: Students presently working in an internship or job should check in with their employer to see if you should still report to work. For those earning credit for your internship, contact your academic coordinator for additional information.
  • Fill out your online Handshake and LinkedIn profiles: Did you know that 80% of students who fill out location preferences, job role preferences, and job type preferences receive a message from an employer? It’s a simple step, but a really effective way to start engaging with potential employers online.
  • Follow employers you’re interested in: By following an employer, you’ll be alerted when they post an upcoming online event. Many employers will be offering virtual sessions to meet with you and share information about their company and recruiting processes.
  • The CCD is committed to assisting ALL students in finding and making their place in this world. Learn more via the Special Populations webpage on the CCD website which includes information for student groups including international students, students with disabilities, and other members of minority groups.


Events:

  • Check the “Events” tab in Handshake to review upcoming Virtual Sessions and Workshops to engage with employers or learn more tips/tricks for your job search.


Still unsure of how the CCD can help you? Explore our CCD FAQs posted on our website at ccd.rice.edu.

While we are currently in uncertain times, please know that you have many resources at Rice to help answer your questions and provide guidance. We recommend that you:

  • Utilize caution and seek out confirmation of information from reliable sources, considering all possible options available to you in your professional development.
  • Consider preparing a backup plan for your career development opportunities if they were scheduled to take place in countries on the CDC's level 3 warning lists - we are happy to work with you on creating this plan.
  • Be mindful of your professional image and be cautious of your postings on social media
  • Seek out and utilize Rice resources including the CCD, the Counseling and Wellbeing Center, the Office of International Students, the Office of Academic Advising, your advisors, professors, and upperclassmen, and your academic school.


CCD staff members are ready to assist you in your career development. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility during this time.

We understand that Rice University is monitoring this very closely and will provide updates as necessary. Keep checking the FAQ’s posted on emergency.rice.edu for more information with university updates. If you have questions, feel free to contact our team at ccd@rice.edu.

With warm regards,
Center for Career Development Staff