Career Development Center, Samford University

Why Use the CDC?

Proven Results

Our mission is to equip students and alumni with tools for effective decision making, goal setting and personal development, direct individuals to resources for vocational exploration and professional development, and connect the Samford community with employers and career opportunities.

Watch the Video First Destinations

“I got into all six of the graduate programs I applied to—thank you so much for all your help with every aspect of my application process. I truly could not have done this without you!”

“I ended up getting accepted into several schools, which all commented on my impressive resume (thank you so much 😉). I am so thankful for all your help! I could not have done it without you!”

“I have heard back from everyone and ended up getting in everywhere! I could not have done it without you! Thank you for all your help and being such an intentional resource to me and so many others. You guys are amazing!”

“They have helped me with career exploration a ton. I had no direction when I walked in the door, and they have set a path out for me to help along my journey over the next few months of applying for new jobs.”

“They are amazing and I had the best experience. I have recommended the CDC to my peers! They are so helpful.”

“The Career Development Center helped me so much! I will forever be grateful that I decided to make an appointment. Since going I have recommended it to so many friends. I truly think this is one of the most amazing resources we have on campus that every student should use!”

“I had a phenomenal time reviewing the process of interviewing. My counselor was courteous, caring, and cooperative.”

“Thank you for your servant style of leadership, and I only hope more students are able to take advantage of the amazing services you offer.”

“She spent so much time with me and truly went above and beyond with helping me refine my resume and giving me recommendations for internships! The CDC is the hidden gem on Samford's campus!”

“This was SO helpful and I would recommend this to anyone even if they know what they want to major in!”

“The CDC was more helpful than I ever thought that it would be. I went hoping to find a place to apply and found at least 10! Would highly recommend!”

“She was so incredible and I could tell that she really cared about helping me find a major that suited me best and a place where I would enjoy learning all of the required content. I will definitely be visiting her again!”

“She was great and very helpful! I would totally recommend having a meeting with her if you need an internship or a job in the future.”

“My experience interviewing with her was amazing, without a doubt she helped me prepare for my preliminary residency interview.”

“She is AMAZING!!! She not only helped me with my resume and cover letter, but she also encouraged me throughout the whole process. She was so kind and even though it was my first time meeting with her, I could tell she cared so much.”

“She is such a gifted soul. I left our final appointment before the summer feeling completely prepared to continue the job search for the summer with a resume that I was proud of.”

“She was extremely helpful and kind. I really felt like she wanted to help me, and I did not feel rushed or pushed out the door. ”

“She was very knowledgeable about any question that I asked. I recommend meeting with her to all of my classmates and peers.”

“She is amazing! I came in with no resume, and no idea of how to start my personal statement, and she very quickly helped me get to where I need to be! She is so experienced and knows exactly how to word things so that it sound professional but still personable.”

“I recommend the CDC to everyone!”

Freshmen

Below is a list of career-related steps you can take during this year to prepare yourself for a successful journey ahead. The Career Development Center is here to help you every step of the way.

Visit a career counselor in the CDC to identify interests, values, & skills.
Explore academic majors.
Visit the CDC’s majors fair in fall semester.
Plan a tentative program of study for your undergrad years; include electives in additional areas.
Establish relationships with academic advisors and/or faculty members.
Research careers.
Conduct informational interviews by talking to people who work in your fields of interest.
Learn to balance schoolwork with social activities.
Keep records of all campus and work activities for resume development.
Participate in on- or off-campus work and find a summer job that interests you.

Sophomores

Below is a list of career-related steps you can take during this year to prepare yourself for a successful journey ahead. The Career Development Center is here to help you every step of the way.

Visit a career counselor to discuss career plans or major options.
Confirm your major and, if you are considering changing it, visit the CDC for major choice counseling; also talk with a representative from the academic department to learn more about degree requirements.
Declare your major if you haven’t already done so.
Consider the benefits of adding a minor field of study to your degree plan.
Research careers and conduct information interviews.
Continue on- or off-campus work.
Prepare a resume and have it reviewed by a career counselor.
Gain career-related work experience through campus organizations, volunteer work, internships, and/or summer jobs.
Register online at Hire Samford

Juniors

Below is a list of career-related steps you can take during this year to prepare yourself for a successful journey ahead. The Career Development Center is here to help you every step of the way.

Update your resume.
Continue gaining career-related work experience through campus organizations, volunteer work, internships, and/or summer jobs.
Join a student chapter of a professional organization related to your major.
Evaluate and explore possible graduate or professional school options.
Prepare for, or take, graduate school entrance exams.
Attend career fairs to talk to employers about attributes and skills they look for candidates; search for internships at the event.
Attend employer info sessions and visit employer info tables.
Begin to develop your professional wardrobe.
Consider a leadership role in a student organization or group.
Register online at Hire Samford

Seniors

Below is a list of career-related steps you can take during this year to prepare yourself for a successful journey ahead. The Career Development Center is here to help you every step of the way.

Verify completion of requirements for graduation, postgraduate studies & entrance exams.
Refine your resume and identify references.
Plan and follow through on job or graduate school campaigns, including identifying potential employers and graduate programs, taking entrance exams, etc.
Attend networking events such as career fairs and employer info sessions.
Stay in touch with the Career Development Center to find out the latest about job opportunities and job search assistance; check Hire Samford at least once a week.
Network with friends, relatives & Samford alumni.
Participate in a mock interview in the Career Development Center.
Search for graduate school financial assistance.