4-29-09

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - Mary Jo Campana has joined Lycoming College as its new director of career services. A 1987 graduate of the College, she has worked in various school settings as a school psychologist and mental health liaison. She most recently served in psychological services for an organization in Muncy, Pa.

Campana’s main priority in the office is to assist and advise seniors who are entering the job market. Whether it is to help improve resumes or critique interviewing styles, she says career services are aimed at helping to place students in the best job for them.

Campana says she also hopes to get across to students that even though they may be graduating with a particular major, that should not limit the type of job opportunities they pursue. “If you’re a marketing major, you don’t necessarily have to apply to just marketing firms,” she said. Campana urges students to look broadly at the career spectrum and related experience, personal level of creativity, communication skills and computer skills.

Even in an economy that is less than encouraging for new job seekers, she says it is important to find out about the organization’s culture and secure a position that is a good fit for your interests. She adds that highlighting your strengths and promoting all of your accomplishments, activities and community involvement will pay off in the end. Underclassmen need to think long-term and build a network with professional organizations.

According to Campana, the Career Services Office can help students in a variety of capacities and she encourages them to seek the office’s advice whether it’s about a job opportunity, job shadowing, internships, connecting with alumni in their field of interest and extracurricular activities that will allow students to express their unique interests and personal style.

“In career services, we would love to help more students explore the path that is right for them,” she said. She is also looking to discover what the best way to communicate with students is - through e-mail or other means. She’s considering creating a career services page on Facebook and Twitter.

Campana says she plans to assist with Lycoming’s study-abroad program so students in all disciplines have the opportunity to study abroad if they choose. She wants to work with faculty and the Student Affairs Office to expand the choices available for study and also what careers may develop from a student’s study abroad experience.

Campana earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lycoming and a master’s degree in school psychology from Bucknell University.

:: See More Lyco News :: See More Events ::