"We're the difference between whether you just get a job, or the job you really want".
Russ Coughenour, Career Services DirectorThe University of Tennessee's Career Services office provides programs and services to students and alumni of all ages.

Career Services is located in Dunford Hall on campus, and is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The career services Web site, offers full descriptions of all of their programs.

Career services offers help for students who are trying to decide on what major would suit them best. A strong interest inventory is available for students to find out what majors and careers would best fit their talents and skills.  

Career Services Director Russ Coughenour says Career Services is not just for students looking for jobs.  He said, "Students should connect with career services during their freshman year because it is crucial for freshman to get experience in their career fields as soon as possible.  We want people on this campus to be confident in their choice of ... major."

Students can walk into Career Services to get help critiquing their resumes anytime between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Additional resume writing information is also available from their office.  Their Web site also offers steps you can take to apply for graduate schools and additional information about the graduate school process.  Additionally, Career Services has information about international internships, fulltime employment and other programs abroad.  One-on-one help with Career Services is available to ensure student success.

Coughenour said that Career Services is available to help UT students in three main ways:

1. Help undecided freshman learn more about majors and career opportunities that will help them decide on the major that is right for them.
2. Encourage students to get work experience in their field of study.
3. Help seniors make the transition into the world of work.

A program called Simplicity can help students find co-ops, internships and full time employment both internationally and in the United States.  Students can go to the career services website and create a profile on Simplicity, which will allow them to search for job opportunities that they are interested in and upload a resume for possible job interviews.  Many employers who post job opportunities on Simplicity actually come to Career Services on campus to interview students, which saves students time and travel expenses.  

Emily McKenzie, a senior in journalism and electronic media, said Simplicity has helped her learn more about job opportunities that she may not have considered if she hadn't created her Simplicity profile. 

"Career Services is very convenient because it is on campus, which makes it really easy for students to use.  It's always best to utilize any facility which may be helpful in preparing you or placing you with a job," she said.

Coughenour said that UT's Career Services programs are ranked in the top-25 in the country.  He also said that companies will pay a lot of money to recruit students here at UT, and that students can enjoy the convenience of employers coming here to meet with students and recruit them.  According to Coughenour, 270 employers came to the career fair in the fall, and 160 employers came to the career fair in the spring. 

"Many companies recruit in September and October for people they plan to hire in June", he said.