It’s almost time to head home for Thanksgiving break, special time with family and friends who might pepper you with questions like “What are you going to do this summer?” or “After you’ve finished your bachelor's degree, what’s next?”
They seem like simple questions, but like most career paths, the answers are not so straightforward. Everyone’s journey is unique, and the pace, the twists, and the turns you take are entirely yours—and entirely normal.
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Debunking Common Career Progress Delusions: |
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"Major=Career." Your major is what you want to study, while your career is what you want to do. The truth is they don’t have to be exactly aligned.
- "Everyone knows that they want to do." Facts: There are some people who seem to have it all figured out (and good for them!), but many people aren’t 100% sure all the time. And, that is perfectly okay.
Each of us is a work in progress. Your unique experiences and interests can lead you in surprisingly gratifying directions. Trust the process and embrace the wonder of open-minded, wide-eyed exploration. - "There is a perfect match for me." Perfect, schmerfect! Some people have so many interests and skills that a “perfect” match simply isn’t possible.
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"I need to discover my passion and make it into my career." Um, no. Also, whoa. Putting pressure on yourself to figure that all out is hard. Instead of searching for that one big "aha!" moment, follow the little ones along the way. Notice: What are the things that give you energy? When you're faced with a "to do" list for class, which do you find yourself diving into first? Do you frequently get positive feedback on certain types of projects? These could be clues to what makes you tick, what your strengths are, and qualities that can set you apart in the workplace.
- "Failure is always a bad thing." While in the moment failure can feel really bad, the truth is that the experience of failing teaches us valuable lessons. Reflecting on and learning from the things that went sideways can help prepare us for a better outcome the next time a challenge comes around. Failing makes us stronger and incrementally better every time.
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At the College of Liberal Arts and Career Services, we believe there are fundamental “truths” that lead to a productive career journey and a meaningful life:
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Take advantage of all that RIT has to offer. |
Keep exploring and trying different things. Get involved, get out of your comfort zone, and experience things you have never done before. All of these experiences help to create a compelling story and will help you along your career journey.
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Be curious, ask a lot of questions. |
This seems simple, but one of the best ways to learn about possibilities and what inspires you is to talk to people—other students, alumni, faculty, staff, family, employers, even the folks around your table at Thanksgiving dinner. Ask good questions, and then just listen and take it in. You might discover opportunities that you may never have thought of.
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Volunteer, start a project, go to a club meeting, hatch an idea with a friend, work on campus, create something, intern, conduct research. The ways to try new experiences at RIT are virtually limitless. So, why wait? Jump into something now and let the extra learning and new connections begin!
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Tell your own unique story. |
How do explain what you do and what you value? How do you share what inspires you or the cool stuff you’re learning at RIT? Your professional story is who you are and what you’re all about. Your task is to define it, translate it to a professional audience, and present it in the most effective way possible.
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Not sure where to begin? COLA and Career Services are here to help!
Connect with Career Coordinator Eric Dixon, either by scheduling an appointment directly with him, or stopping into the COLA lounge (second floor Liberal Arts Hall), every Thursday from 11:30-12:30.
Best wishes for a great week,
Brad Rosenbaum, Assistant Dean, Office of Student Services
Eric Dixon, Career Services Coordinator
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Thursday, Nov. 13, 5–6:30 p.m.
WAL-3560
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A focused space to work on your job applications and make real progress in your co-op and full-time job search. Career Services coordinators are available for hands-on support.
For more information, visit RIT Career Connect under Events.
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Feeling overwhelmed by the co-op application process? You're not alone. Co-Op Connections offers a supportive drop-in space where students can share their experiences, get guidance from peers and career professionals, and access helpful resources. We’re here to help you manage stress, feel validated, and navigate your co-op journey with confidence.
For more information, visit RIT Career Connect under Events.
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ACE Hardware, ChicagoCommunity & Employee Engagement Intern: Summer 2026, Full Time, Paid, 12 Weeks |
Compensation: $22.00 per hour
Your Responsibilities: In this role, you will take on a high-impact position assisting with the planning and execution of employee engagement and fundraising events, programs and projects. You'll gain hands-on experience supporting Ace's corporate employees and contributing to the success of our award-winning Ace Foundation Team. This opportunity provides exposure to our Ace store owners, CMN Hospital teams, internal Ace teams, event planning, communications, and relationship management-all while making a meaningful impact to the culture that makes Ace so special.
This intern will be involved with the following:
• Assist with planning and executing multiple large-scale events, celebrations, fundraising programs and volunteer opportunities
• Coordinate event logistics working with internal teams, retailers, vendors and volunteer partners
•Draft and edit communications (internal and external) promoting and recapping events and programs
Apply now on the ACE website >
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Aerotek Sales Internship, Florida. Ascend at Aerotek Internship Program, Sales (10-week paid internship*) |
The Sales Intern is responsible for learning the three phases of business that Aerotek supports within a local operation. This includes Recruiting, Account Management and Field Support with a heavy emphasis on sales. The sales intern must have strong business acumen as they will be interfacing with not only Aerotek employees but candidates, contractors and clients as well. Successful completion of the program could potentially lead to a full-time job offer into our Sales Development Representative program that will accelerate your sales career!
Why Aerotek?
Aerotek is an operating company within Allegis Group, a global leader in talent solutions. We are a privately held organization with over 200+ offices nationwide. We work with 95% of Fortune 500 companies and specialize in staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance.
Compensation: $22.00 per hour
Apply now on the Aerotek website >
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Human-Centered. Tech-Forward.
Contemporary Liberal Arts for a Complex Digital Age.
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