Schedule time at the Career Center
What is an Appointment?
Appointments are a free service for students and alumni. An appointment is a 30- or 60-minute scheduled session with one of our Career Resources Specialists or Graduate Assistants covering a range of topics: career & major exploration, internship search, resume and cover letter writing, interview practice, post-graduation job search, and much more.
If you just need your resume or cover letter reviewed, visit our Drop-In Hours in Carrington Hall 309.
Who are Career Resources Specialists?
Career Resources Specialists (CRS) are trained professionals who provide career planning services to support students and alumni with specific career needs such as resume reviews, strategies for job searching, and career exploration research. CRSs follow professional guidelines set by the National Career Development Association (NCDA) and the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE). Each college has a dedicated Career Resources Specialist with unique expertise so students and alumni can have a consistent point of contact.
The Career Center supervises professionals-in-training called Graduate Assistants (GAs) who are held to the same high standards of delivery as our CRSs. GAs are available to meet with for certain career planning needs as well.
Types of appointments
The Career Center supports students and alumni through the various stages of career development, from exploring career options to preparing for and pursuing employment or graduate school.
Career Exploration
Explore the connection between your interests, personality, values, skills, majors,
and career options. Appointment categories include:
- Career Assessments: Learn about career assessment options and discuss results to support major and career exploration.
- What Can I Do with This Major?: Explore career pathways associated with different majors, conduct career research, and identify steps toward career goals.
In both types of appointments, you will learn strategies for researching occupations, industries, employers, and career pathways.
Career Preparation
Develop the skills, materials, and confidence needed to pursue internships, jobs,
and graduate school. Appointment categories include:
- Career Documents & LinkedIn: Receive assistance with resumes, CVs, cover letters, portfolios, LinkedIn profiles, and other application materials.
- Interview Preparation: Develop interviewing skills through strategy discussions, practice responses, and/or mock interviews.
- Graduate School Preparation: Learn how to research graduate programs and prepare for the application process.
(For personal statement assistance, visit the Writing Center.)
Career Connection
Put your career preparation into action by pursuing internships, jobs, and other professional
opportunities. This appointment category is:
- Job & Internship Search: Learn effective search strategies and discuss individual job or internship searches. Receive guidance on applying for positions and avenues for professional networking.
Making an appointment
Schedule an Appointment
Meet with a Career Resources Specialist or graduate student for individualized career guidance. Appointments are available 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, except when campus offices are closed, and typically last 30–60 minutes, depending on the appointment type.
How to Schedule
Online through Handshake
- Log in to Handshake through My Missouri State, the Career Center website, or the Handshake login page.
- Select Career Center → Appointments. On the mobile app, select your school and then Appointments.
- Choose the Category and Appointment Type that best match your needs. Each option includes a brief description.
- Select an available date and time. You may also select a specific staff member and appointment format, when available.
- Complete the appointment details and pre-appointment survey. In Help Requested, describe your specific needs so your Career Resources Specialist can prepare for your appointment.
You will receive an email from Handshake when your appointment is approved, along with appointment reminders.
By phone
If you are unable to schedule online, call the Career Center at 417-836-5636.
Before Your Appointment
You do not need to complete extensive preparation. Career Resources Specialists are happy to meet with you wherever you are in your career journey. However, a little preparation can help you get the most from your appointment.
- Complete the pre-appointment survey. When making the appointment in Handshake or over the phone, provide as much information as possible about your questions, goals, and specific needs.
- Think about what you want to discuss. Consider making a list of questions or topics you would like to address.
- Bring or send relevant materials. For document reviews, email your resume, cover letter, CV, personal statement, or other materials to your Career Resources Specialist before the appointment. Documents uploaded to Handshake may also be available to the staff member.
- For mock interviews, provide details. Include the type of position you are interviewing for or a link to the job description in your appointment request.
- Be prepared to participate and take notes. Career development is a collaborative process, so come ready to engage in the conversation and capture information that will be useful to you afterward.
Virtual appointments will be conducted through Handshake – just log in a few minutes before your appointment time. For phone appointments, the staff member will call you at the scheduled time.
If you have questions after your appointment, you are welcome to follow up with your Career Resources Specialist or schedule an additional appointment.
After your appointment, you will receive a post-appointment survey. We value your feedback and appreciate your taking the time to complete the survey.
Additional Information
Not all appointment requests can be accommodated, and students and alumni are asked to request no more than eight appointments per academic year.
If you have an accessibility concern or need an accommodation for your appointment, contact the Career Center at careercenter@missouristate.edu or 417-836-5636.
Appointment Information
Who We Serve
Career advising and coaching appointments are available to currently enrolled Missouri State University (Springfield campus) students and Missouri State alumni. Prospective students and individuals not affiliated with the Springfield campus are not eligible for career advising appointments. For questions, call 417-836-5636.
Your Role
Career development is a collaborative process. Students and alumni are expected to take ownership of their career development by scheduling and attending their own appointments and actively participating in the conversation. You are encouraged to discuss your career exploration and decisions with family members, mentors, faculty, and other important people in your life before or after your appointment.
Attendance & Cancellations
Please cancel your appointment in advance through Handshake or by contacting the Career Center if you are unable to attend. This professional courtesy allows another student or alumnus to use the appointment time.
An appointment may be considered a no-show if you do not attend or cancel only a few minutes before the scheduled start time. If you are more than 15 minutes late, your appointment may be canceled and recorded as a no-show.
Students and alumni are asked to request no more than eight appointments per academic year, and not all appointment requests can be, especially if they are made within 48 hours of the desired appointment time.
Guests
To support individual ownership of the career development process, students and alumni are expected to attend Career Center appointments independently. Students and alumni are encouraged to discuss their career exploration and decision-making with other key stakeholders in their lives before and/or after appointments. If students and alumni have a specific accessibility concern or need for accommodation during their appointment, please contact the Career Center at careercenter@missouristate.edu or 417-836-5636.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Information shared during career advising and coaching appointments is generally kept private. However, Career Center appointments are not subject to the same confidentiality standards as counseling services, and staff are required to follow university reporting policies and procedures. This may include reporting certain information related to Title IX, mandatory reporting requirements, or an intent to harm oneself or others.
For confidential support, contact the Missouri State Counseling Center.
Accessibility & Accommodations
If you have an accessibility concern or need an accommodation for your appointment, please contact the Career Center at careercenter@missouristate.edu or 417-836-5636.