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Division of Academic and Student Affairs
Career Development Center

Your Pack, Your Path: Career Readiness For First Years


The Copper Wolves at Wolf Plaza offer a gathering space for students near the Free Expression Tunnel. Photo by Becky Kirkland.
The Copper Wolves at Wolf Plaza offer a gathering space for students near the Free Expression Tunnel. Photo by Becky Kirkland.

Starting college is exciting—and sometimes overwhelming. That’s why the Career Development Center created Your Pack, Your Path: Career Readiness for First Years, a workshop series designed specifically for NC State first-year and transfer students.

This series includes both virtual workshops and in-person, hands-on Career Labs that will help you explore your options, build confidence, and set yourself up for success from day one.

Whether you’re still figuring out your major, curious about career paths, or ready to start building your professional brand, these sessions will give you the tools and support you need to navigate your first year with confidence.

What You’ll Learn

  • Learn the career tools you’ll use all year
  • Leave each session with 1–2 clear next steps
  • Get hands-on support to explore interests, polish your resume, practice networking, and more
  • Short, practical virtual workshops to learn the essentials + in-person labs to put skills into action

Who’s It For?

First-year and new transfer students from any major.

Spring 2026 Virtual Workshops

It’s easy to join! Simply complete the registration form to sign up for the workshops you’d like to attend.

A Zoom link will be sent to your NC State email before each workshop so you can join online.

  • Tues, Jan 27 | 12:00–12:30 PM — Career Fair Confidence: How to Talk to Employers (Even if You’re a First-Year)
  • Tues, Feb 10 | 12:00–12:30 PM — Resume from High School to College
  • Tues, Feb 24 | 12:00–12:30 PM — Interview Skills 101
  • Tues, March 10 | 12:00–12:30 PM — Finding & Applying for Summer Opportunities
  • Tues, March 24 | 12:00–12:30 PM — Creating LinkedIn Profiles & Networking
  • Tues, April 7 | 12:00–12:30 PM — Professional Communication: Email, Etiquette, & First Impressions

Format: 20-minute overview + 10-minute Q&A
Tip: Each session stands alone—attend any or all!

Spring 2026 In-Person Career Labs

Complete the registration form to sign up for the Career Labs you’d like to attend.

Hands-on help from professional staff and Career Ambassadors. Bring your laptop.

  • Wed, Feb 11| 1:30-3:00 PM — Resumes & Elevator Pitches | Talley Student Union 3210
  • Wed, March 4 | 1:30-3:00 PM — Interviewing Skills | Talley Student Union 3210
  • Wed, April 8 | 1:30-3:00 PM — Informational Interview Event | Talley Student Union 3210

Focus2 Workshops

This interactive, hands-on workshop is designed to help students make the most of the Focus2 Career Assessment. Participants will complete or review their Focus2 results, learn how to interpret their interests, values, skills, and personality, and explore how these insights connect to potential majors and career paths. Career professionals will guide students through the platform, answer questions in real time, and provide strategies for using Focus2 results in academic and career decision-making.

  • Thurs, Jan 29 | 1:30-3:00 PM — Talley Student Union 3285
  • Mon, March 23 | 1:30-3:00 PM — Talley Student Union 3222

Complete the registration form to sign up for the Focus2 Workshop you’d like to attend.

Accessibility

We’re committed to an inclusive experience. For accommodations, please email Rebekah Dunstan rrdunsta@ncsu.edu at least 72 hours before your session.