Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Office of Career Services have to offer?
CAREER PLANNING SERVICES AND RESOURCES
The Office of Career Services offers a wide variety of services and resources to students
and alumni/ae. Individual counseling and group workshops provide assistance to students
and graduates who are preparing for and engaging in the job search. Workshops on resume
preparation, job search and interviewing skills are held throughout the year along with
many other career related programming. Services and resources include our experienced and
dedicated counselors, a career resources library, access to selected on-line databases, a
mock interview program, a handbook for first-year career planning and judicial clerkships,
and handouts and brochures on many areas (such as non-traditional careers, judicial
clerkships, government careers, out-of-state job searches, etc.).
ONGOING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
A full slate of programs and events providing information from the perspectives of students,
alumni/ae, other experienced practitioners and nationally known authors and speakers is
offered throughout the academic year. Programs are designed to provide a wide breadth of
information on career planning and job search, legal career choices and options, and the
legal job market. More specialized programs, such as joint efforts with student
organizations, bar associations and other external groups, serve to address specific
concerns or areas of interest, such as corporate law programs, programs for law students
of color, programs targeting those interested in intellectual property, etc.
When should I start to work on my job search and access the resources that OCS
has to offer?
You should already be started! A big part of your job search is networking, so get to
know your classmates, professors, colleagues from former employment as well as religious
and social organizations that you belong to outside of school. Get involved!
Workshops for first year students are always scheduled the first week in November; this
is our first formal contact with 1L students. The workshops are designed to give first-year
day division and second-year evening division students a broad overview of career planning
for law students and general information on the legal job market. The workshops also
prepare students for possible first year employment opportunities, which commence over
the break with large law firms and are also available during OCI and other career days
held in the Spring.
All other students should schedule an appointment as soon as you can!
How are job opportunities found?
Seton Hall Law’s Office of Career Services vigorously pursues new employment opportunities
and resources for the benefit of SHU law students and graduates, working with them
throughout their law school careers and beyond. Alumni play an important role in these
efforts and offer continuing support through their participation in recruitment and hiring
activities and through their involvement in Career Services programs. And, of course,
the Internet plays an increasingly prominent role in the job search.
Quite a large number of students obtain employment by conducting their own research.
Through the use of Martindale-Hubbell (Lawyer/Law Firm Directory) and the other employment
guides in our office, OCS helps to provide each student with the skills necessary to assist
in the job research.
Fall and Spring On-Campus Interview programs and off-site interview programs
provide many interviewing opportunities. In addition, students and graduates
find full-time or part-time employment year-round through job listings received
by the Office. Such job listings are submitted to OCS by mail, e-mail, telephone
or fax, daily. The information may be accessed by students through the job
listing binders that are located in OCS.
Always keep in mind that networking is essential, and can often provide you with
information that our office does not have on positions and their availability, so contact
everyone that you know that might be able to give you a little help!
Can I only meet with one counselor? Am I assigned to one counselor?
You are
welcome to meet with more than one counselor. Your assigned counselor can serve as a
main resource for you and your job questions, and will also serve as a terrific support
system and will get to know you personally. Whether you have two or more areas of
interest, or you just feel more comfortable with a particular counselor, you can choose
to meet with whomever you wish. As long as you are being aggressive and keeping the
lines of communications open with our office, you will be able to take advantage of our
services to its greatest extent.
I have class all day. What are the OCS’ hours?
OCS is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm.
Our office is exceptionally accommodating to all of our students. If you cannot come in
during the designated hours, call and make an appointment with a counselor for another
time. Remember, that we do have a walk-in policy as well, so anytime you need help just
stop by.
Will OCS find me a job?
No, but we help by providing opportunities and teaching ways to find a job. Learning how
to look for a job or write a good resume is another part of your legal education. The
Office of Career Services works to educate students and graduates of Seton Hall about
the tools they can use in their job search, types of careers and opportunities, and
relevant job programs and deadlines. The best career counselor is someone who guides
you through things you have to do yourself while making the process as easy for you
as possible.
Do I need to attend OCS Programs?
It is crucial that you attend those programs that pertain to your areas of interest.
OCS brings in employers and experts in different fields to help you with your job
search. See the calendar of events and programs on the OCS website. Don’t miss out on
these opportunities to learn and network. Keep in mind that there are a few events
that you are required to attend, but most that are given are voluntary (but still
extremely important).
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