Career Success Tools

The Career Success Center is your essential resource for job searching, whether it’s a part-time role, full-time position, or an internship. Create a strong impression with a polished resume and impactful cover letter. Elevate your application by downloading our Resume Guide, checking out examples, or scheduling a resume review.

1. Self-Assess

   Unlock your future with our exciting online assessments designed to guide you in selecting a major or career path. By scheduling an appointment and exploring the dynamic resources provided, you can seamlessly connect your unique results to the diverse majors and career opportunities offered at APSU.

   Take the Career One Stop Assessment

2. Research

   Research Majors and Careers

   Govs Guide to Choosing a Major

   Choosing a major can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. The Govs Guide helps you navigate your journey to find a path that aligns with your passions.

    

   What can I do with this major?

   Discover typical employers and innovative strategies in over 22 fields to help you embark on exciting careers

    

   Occupational Outlook Handbook

   Explore job responsibilities, diverse career paths, job market insights, and related occupations that might be of interest

    

   ONet

   Explore various job categories to compare tasks, skills, education, and training needed for each role

    

   Informational Interview Guide

   Conduct an informational interview with a professional, employer, or alum to learn more about a career or industry.

3. Experience

   Explore and Assess Various Possibilities

   Experiential Learning

   Find creative ways to build skills and gain experience before entering your desired industry.

    

   Forage Job Simulations

   Build valuable career skills and get a taste of industry experience via job simulation created by top companies across the globe on the Forage platform.

    

   Find an Internship

   • Handshake - Exciting internship opportunities are posted daily on our APSU Handshake platform. Upload your resume and start applying!

   • Parker Dewey Micro Internships - Students and recent graduates from all majors can gain real-world experience by completing short-term, paid, typically-remote, professional projects for companies of all sizes.

   • Intern Nashville Employer List - Visit the employers’ websites directly for more information on possible internship opportunities.

   • Internjobs.com - Global database of internships and entry-level positions for students, recent graduates and career changers.

   • Internqueen.com - Allows students access to apply for any internship they want free of charge. The site also features daily content on how to make the most of high school, college, and post-grad experiences.

   • LinkedIn - Internship opportunities posted on daily.

    

   Career Readiness Competencies & Behavioral Interview Questions

   Toggle Career & Self-Development

   Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation ofcareer opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.

    

   Behavioral Interview Questions:

   • Tell me about a time when you have received feedback from others. What did you learn and how have you utilized it?

   • Give an example of a time when you have acted with integrity in a job or organization.

   • Tell me about a professional accomplishment you are proud of.

   Toggle Communication

   Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with personsinside and outside of an organization.

    

   Behavioral Interview Questions:

   • Describe a time in which you were able to influence someone’s opinion.

   • Tell me about a time when you successfully delivered a presentation; what made it successful?

   • Discuss an effective written document or report you completed; what made it effective and why are you particularly proud of it?

   Toggle Critical Thinking

   Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.

    

   Behavioral Interview Questions:

   • Give an example of a time when you used good judgement and logic to solve a problem.

   • Tell me about a situation where you had to deal with an upset customer, co-worker, or group member.

   • Tell me about a difficult decision you have had to make and the reasoning you used to make the decision.

   Toggle Leadership

   Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.

    

   Behavioral Interview Questions:

   • Give me an example of a time you showed initiative and took the lead on a project.

   • Give an example of a time when you motivated others.

   • Tell me about a time when you delegated tasks to others; how did you decide what to delegate to different individuals?

   Toggle Professionalism

   Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.

    

   Behavioral Interview Questions:

   • Give me an example of a time you set a goal and the steps you took to achieve it.

   • Tell me about a time when you had several obligations and had to prioritize. Were you successful?

   • Give me an example of a time when you tried to accomplish something and failed. How did you handle the situation?

   Toggle Teamwork

   Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.

    

   Behavioral Interview Questions:

   • Tell me about a situation where you had to deal with an upset customer, co-worker, or group member.

   • Tell me about a difficult decision you have had to make and the reasoning you used to make the decision.

   • Tell me about a time when you did not communicate well. What did you learn from it?

   Toggle Technology

   Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.

    

   Behavioral Interview Questions:

   • Tell me about a time when you sought to develop technical skills with a software or tool; what was your learning process?

   • Provide an example of a time when you had to change how you work and adapt to a new technology.

   • Have you ever had to introduce a new process or technology to a group of people? If so, please explain your method.

4. Transition

   Create a Plan and Track Your Progress

   Four-Year Career Success Plan

   Meet with a career success coach to discuss a four-year career success plan for guidance on your academic journeys and future pursuits

    

   Govs Guide to Salary Negotiation

   Salary negotiation isn't a confrontation—it's a conversation. With the right preparation, you can advocate for compensation that reflects your value while maintaining a positive, professional relationship with your future employer.

   The key is going in informed. Research your market rate, know which benefits matter most to you, and practice your delivery before the conversation. As the discussion wraps up, confirm agreed-upon terms in writing and be clear on next steps. Every negotiation you have, successful or not, sharpens this skill. Approach each one with confidence, preparation, and a willingness to advocate for yourself.

   Toggle 1. Know Your Worth

   Research Your Market Value
   Dive into salary calculators, industry reports, and databases to uncover a fair salary range that matches
   your skills and experience.

    

   Quantify Your Achievements
   Numbers speak volumes, so highlight your successes - whether it’s boosting sales by X% or slashing costs by Y% - to showcase your value.

   Toggle 2. Prepare Thoughtful Questions

   Benefits Beyond Salary
   What can they offer in terms of health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off?

    

   Future Growth
   Ask about opportunities for promotions, training programs, and potential career paths.

    

   Flexibility Matters
   Discuss options for remote work or flexible arrangements that enhance your work-life balance.

   Toggle 3. Practice Your Pitch

   Own Your Value
   Rehearse your pitch until it sounds assertive and persuasive.

    

   Highlight Key Points
   Clearly express why you’re the perfect fit for the role and the unique value you bring to the table.

    

   Be Ready for the Tough Questions
   Anticipate inquiries like “What’s your salary expectation?” or “Why should we hire you?” and have your answers polished.

   Toggle 4. Master Negotiation Tactics

   The Anchoring Technique
   Start with a higher than desired salary expectation to set the stage for negotiation.

    

   Silence is Golden
   Use pauses to your advantage. A moment of silence can prompt employers to sweeten the deal.

    

   The “If - Then" Approach
   Frame your offers conditionally: “If you can offer X, then I can consider Y.”

   Toggle 5. Post-Negotiation Steps

   Confirm in Writing
   Follow up with an email summarizing the agreed terms - salary, benefits, and start date - to ensure everyone is on the same page.

    

   Know When to Walk Away
   If the offer doesn’t meet your standards, don’t hesitate to respectfully decline.

Meet Your Career Success Support Team

Whether you’re looking for insightful assessment feedback, exploring exciting academic and career paths, or need support with decision-making and goal-setting, we have the resources to help you shine. Don’t wait any longer—book your one-on-one appointment today and take the next step toward your future!

Meet the Team

Career Success Resources

Take charge of your career journey today! Dive into our dynamic resource list, packed with the essential tools and information to help you thrive. It’s time to unleash your full potential! Our all-in-one resource collection has all the keys to your success. Let’s make your career dreams a reality!

Explore Career Success Resources