CEAE COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

The CEAE is open to virtually meet with you. You can find our contact information by visiting our contact page. We have collected CEAE resources for you and they are available on the CEAE SharePoint page. If you are an alumnus, please contact the CEAE at CEAE@lycoming.edu for these resources.

As a senior or new graduate, it is important to do an audit of all your career search documents and have them reviewed by a Career Advisor. Clean up your social media, develop and practice your elevator pitch, practice interviewing, and schedule time for job searching. Be flexible, adaptable, and stay positive!

Carefully read each job posting. Evaluate your top skills, e.g., technology, communication, problem-solving, and analytical thinking and how they can be transferable for each position you apply for. Hiring needs are changing rapidly. Be sure you have updated all the content and proofread, proofread, and proofread.

Be creative and don't rely on one source! Networking is still an effective way to find opportunities, although you may need to request a virtual meeting or coffee date rather than in-person. Virtual job fairs, job boards, and social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are also good resources. You can also share your resume with employers by using the "Promote Me" feature in I AM LAUNCHING. There are sites that post real-time company hiring updates. Check out https://candor.co/hiring-freezes/.

The Career Advisors are able to connect with you for a mock interview to help you prepare via phone/video chat in Zoom or Microsoft Teams. (Please refer to the contact information in the FAQ "How can I get assistance from CEAE Career Advisors while I am off campus?") You can also find tips for phone and video interviewing on the Career Advising section of the CEAE SharePoint page.

Be aware that employers may also be adapting to remote/virtual working conditions and their timeline may have gotten changed as a result. Consider sending a polite email message to touch base and get back on their radar. Please contact your Career Advisor for assistance with wording your email, as each student’s particular situation may be different.

Networking can be an incredibly powerful tool for finding a job, and although you cannot meet others face-to-face right now, it is still possible to effectively network while social distancing. Reach out to people in your current network, such as family, friends, professors, and former job and internship supervisors, to let them know you are searching for a job. Update your LinkedIn and other social media profiles and review how you are presenting yourself to future employers. You can also invite new contacts to have a phone/virtual conversation, or make plans to meet in person when you are able to do so.

You can use this time to create or update your LinkedIn profile. Research and follow prospective organizations to stay connected to industry trends. Capitalize on this time to network virtually. Log on to I AM LAUNCHING with your Lycoming credentials to update your profile and take the Career Finder survey. Plan for a virtual interview by becoming familiar with interview platforms and creating an interview space. Be conscious of your setting, your appearance and your demeanor. Take care of yourself and treat yourself with self-compassion. This is a challenging situation for everyone. Reach out to us to talk through more ideas specific to your interests and goals CEAE@lycoming.edu.

Students interested in pursuing a future study abroad program should visit the CEAE Study Abroad SharePoint page to review the study abroad programs, FAQs, application materials, travel courses, approved programs, and study abroad scholarships. Also, students can set up an appointment to discuss studying abroad with Allison Holladay, Associate Director of Global Education by contacting her by email at holladay@lycoming.edu. Students can apply to study abroad and have their application ready on file for when the travel restrictions and quarantine measures are lifted.

At this time, 2021 travel courses are still under review and travel course applications are suspended. Please watch your student emails for updates about travel courses and previews of future travel programs.