From Classroom to Career: How Georgia Southern’s OCPD is Shaping Student Success
For college students, the transition from classroom to career can feel daunting. But at Georgia Southern University, the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD) is ensuring students are not just prepared but poised to succeed. Their efforts, highlighted by events like the upcoming Career Showcase Week, are making a tangible difference in students’ lives and futures.
Career Services: A National Perspective
According to a recent survey from the research and analytics firm Gallop, only 50% of graduating students utilize the services of their college Career Office. Yet those graduating seniors who take advantage of career services reap the rewards, according to a study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Students who used at least one Career Center service received an average of 1.24 job offers compared to 1.0 for those with no interaction. Moreover, the benefits multiply with additional services, such as mock interviews, internship search assistance, and networking preparation.
Paid internships, in particular, are game-changers, and the Career and Internship Advisors at the OCPD are experts in helping students identify and secure professional internships. The NACE study revealed that students with paid internships received an average of 1.61 job offers—significantly more than their peers with unpaid or no internships. Those who used Career Center help to find internships were 2.2 times more likely to secure paid opportunities, paving the way for fulfilling careers.
And while many colleges and universities suffer from poorly staffed Career Centers, Georgia Southern boasts a Student to Career Advisor ratio that is double the national average.
Georgia Southern’s Impact
At Georgia Southern, the OCPD is taking these insights to heart. Through their innovative Ready Day 1 career readiness programming, the staff at the OCPD are creating pathways for success, as evidenced by the numbers. In calendar year 2024:
- 4,504 students reported completing professional experiences such as internships and co-ops
- 422 students earned Ready Day 1 Certification, equipping them with essential career readiness skills.
- 791 employers connected with students through on-site career fairs and networking events.
- 44,037 job and internship applications were submitted on Handshake, the university’s career platform.
- $130,000 was awarded to students through the OCPD’s Internship Scholarship Program.
Real Stories, Real Success
There are several reasons students might not visit the OCPD during their time at Georgia Southern. These reasons often stem from misconceptions, lack of awareness, or competing priorities. However, the confidence gained through OCPD’s services is written in the lives of students who have walked away with transformative opportunities.
One of these innovative services, the Internship Scholarship Program (ISP), has played an integral role in helping students complete experiential learning opportunities that can jumpstart personal and professional growth. The ISP was created in 2019 to help eliminate financial barriers that may prevent Georgia Southern students from completing a professional experience, and since that time over $500,000 has been awarded to Georgia Southern students. Jenna Smith, an Accounting major in the Parker College of Business, is one example. Jenna was able to land a prestigious summer accounting internship with Deloitte and Touche in Washington DC. While the experience was well-paid, the cost to travel to and from, and live in DC for the summer was prohibitive. With the help of the ISP Jenna was able to accept the offer and complete a world-class internship. “I was able to learn so much and work with a diverse team of professionals that only wanted for me to be my best. It was an invaluable experience. By receiving the scholarship, I was able to take an opportunity to work in Washington DC with the biggest accounting firm in the world – and to get a job offer! Without the scholarship I would have never been able to take the opportunity.”
Ready Day 1: Bridging the Gap
Despite these benefits and success stories, many students don’t fully utilize career services. Nationally, only 25.6% seek help with internships, and even fewer participate in mock interviews or networking preparation. Georgia Southern’s Ready Day 1 initiative is tackling this head-on. By integrating AI-based interview tools, faculty-provided career content, and the Ready Day 1 Certification program, the university ensures students engage with career development early and often.
Join Us at the Career and Internship Fair
This year’s Career Showcase Week is more than an event; it’s a launchpad for success. Whether students are seeking internships, full-time roles, or simply career advice, they’ll find opportunities to connect with top employers and sharpen their professional skills. The fair is open to all students and alumni, and it’s a chance to take that first, crucial step toward a bright future.
Career readiness isn’t just about finding a job – it’s about building a fulfilling career. Georgia Southern’s OCPD is leading the charge, equipping students with the tools, connections, and confidence to succeed. Don’t miss your chance to start your journey at the Career and Internship Fair. For more information, visit the OCPD website and see how you can get involved.