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About the Academic & Career Success Center
What is the Academic and Career Success Center?
The Academic and Career Success Center (ACSC) is an integrated student support hub that combines freshmen academic advising, academic support, and career services to help students connect their education to meaningful career pathways from their first semester through graduation.
The Center offers services such as:
- Academic advising, degree planning, and class registration support
- Career exploration, major selection, skill development, and career readiness coaching
- Resume, cover letter, interview, and job search support
- Internship guidance, experiential learning, employer connections, and networking opportunities
- Tutoring, academic support, and student success coaching
Where is the Academic and Career Success Center located, and how can I contact it?
The Academic and Career Success Center is located in Conn Library, Room 232.
- Phone: 402-375-7496
- Email: [email protected]
What happened to the Holland Academic Success Center?
The Holland Academic Success Center is now part of the Academic and Career Success Center. Students can still access the same academic support services, including tutoring, writing help, academic coaching, and advising, while also benefitting from expanded career development services.
What happened to Career Services?
Career Services is now part of the Academic and Career Success Center. Career coaching, internship support, resume assistance, employer connections, and job search resources are now integrated alongside academic advising and support services in one centralized location.
Why did Holland and Career Services merge?
By creating the new Academic and Career Success Center, you can now integrate career conversations into your academic advising appointments right from the start. The Success Center will help you connect your academic pathway to your career outcomes and build a journey through your time at WSC that sets you up for long term success. You no longer have to choose the right office or repeat conversations if you are looking for additional academic support, career exploration, or wondering how to maximize your career readiness. You will receive support from the advisors you’ve known from the beginning.
Do I need to pay to use the Academic and Career Success Center services?
No. All Academic and Career Success Center services are free for current Wayne State College students.
Academic advising and support
Who advises students?
- First-year students: Centralized advisors provide academic advising and career coaching for students outside of Career Scholars, Honors, RHOP, and RLOP.
- Sophomore year and beyond: Faculty continue academic advising while Academic and Career Success Center staff provide ongoing career coaching and support.
What is an advisor, academic coach, career coach, or success coach?
These roles are often used interchangeably at the Academic and Career Success Center. While staff are formally known as advisors, they also provide academic coaching, career guidance, and student success support to help students achieve their goals.
Who is my advisor, and how do I contact them?
You can contact the Academic and Career Success Center to find your assigned advisor and receive contact information:
- Phone: 402-375-7496
- Email: [email protected]
How can I schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be scheduled online through Handshake, by visiting us in the Conn Library, Room 232, or by contacting us by phone or email.
Can I change my advisor?
You may request a different advisor by contacting the academic department for your major, or the Academic and Career Success Center if your major is undeclared.
How can I get help with course and degree planning?
Your advisor can help you select courses, build your class schedule, and stay on track toward graduation and degree requirements.
How do I find a tutor?
You can browse available peer tutors online through the Peer Tutors page or the Academic Resource Schedule in myWSC.
How do I schedule tutoring?
Tutoring sessions can be scheduled through the Academic Resource Scheduling platform using your WSC username and password, or through the Academic Resource Scheduling app in myWSC.
Career exploration and career coaching
I don’t know what career I want. How can I explore different majors or career paths?
Start by scheduling an appointment with an advisor or career coach. The Academic and Career Success Center offers career assessments, career exploration resources, job shadowing guidance, and informational interview support to help you identify majors and career paths that align with your interests and strengths. Appointments can be scheduled online through Handshake or by contacting the Academic and Career Success Center.
Additional career assessment tools include:
- What Can I Do with This Major? - Use this tool to learn about different majors and jobs available in those fields.
- WSC programs and majors - Explore our 130+ programs of study.
- OnetOnline - This database contains hundreds of job definitions to help students, jobseekers, businesses and workforce development professionals to understand today's world of work in the United States.
What should I bring to my first career advising appointment?
Bring a copy of your resume (if you have one), any job or internship postings you’re interested in, and your questions. If you’re starting from scratch, or still exploring majors and career paths, we’ll help you get started.
Does the Academic and Career Success Center help with graduate school applications?
Yes, we can help with all aspects of your graduate school planning. We can help you explore graduate programs, develop application timelines, prepare personal statements and CVs, and practice for graduate school interviews. Staff can also review application materials and help you highlight your academic experiences, skills, and career goals effectively.
Resumes, interviews, and career preparation
How do I get help with my resume?
You can schedule one-on-one resume review appointments through Handshake or visit the Academic and Career Success Center for assistance. Staff can help you review resumes for internships, jobs, graduate school, or more. Students can also find resume templates, samples, and career preparation resources through the Career Resources page.
Can I walk in for a quick resume review?
Yes. You’re always welcome to stop by the Academic and Career Success Center for quick questions and resume assistance. If your resume needs more in-depth support, we’ll schedule a coaching appointment at a time that works for you.
Are there resume templates or samples I can use?
Yes. The Career Resources page includes sample resumes, builder templates, and other materials designed for a variety of majors, industries, and experience levels. You can also access online templates and samples here.
Do you review cover letters?
Yes. We can help you draft, edit, or tailor your cover letter for specific job and internship postings.
Does the Academic and Career Success Center offer mock interviews?
Yes. The Center offers both in-person and virtual mock interviews to help you practice interview skills, build confidence, and get feedback before the real interview. Staff can also help you prepare for virtual interviews by reviewing technology setup, lighting, background, and presentation tips.
What is a career fair, and how do I prepare for one?
Career fairs allow students to connect with employers, learn about different industries, and explore job and internship opportunities.
To prepare:
- Research employers attending the event
- Bring copies of your resume
- Dress professionally
- Practice a brief introduction or elevator pitch
- Prepare questions for employers
You can find more preparation tips on our Career Events page.
How should I dress for interviews and career fairs?
Business professional attire is typically recommended for interviews and career fairs, though expectations may vary by industry. Students who need assistance finding professional clothing can explore resources at the WSC Career Closet, local thrift stores, or speak with the Academic and Career Success Center for guidance.
Do I need to register for a career fair?
No. Career and internship fairs do not require advanced registration. Students can register at the event using their WSC email address.
Can the Academic and Career Success Center help me evaluate job offers or negotiate salary?
Absolutely! We’re here to help you feel confident when reviewing job offers, benefits, and negotiating salary. We can walk you through what to look for, share tips and sample scripts, and point you to helpful resources, including our WSC Job & Internship Search Guide (PDF).
Jobs, internships, and Handshake
How can I find on-campus and off-campus jobs?
Many on-campus jobs are posted through Handshake. If you’re looking for off-campus jobs in Wayne or nearby, make an appointment with the Academic and Career Success Center and we can provide additional ideas, connections, and resources to expand your search. We can also help students strengthen resumes, prepare application materials, and develop job search strategies.
Where can I find job and internship listings?
Handshake is WSC’s career platform where employers post jobs and internship opportunities directly for students. Students already have access through their WSC login and myWSC account. Students can also explore employer websites, job boards, networking events, and career fairs for additional opportunities. Students can also review our internship and job search strategies for additional guidance.
When should I start looking for an internship or job?
We recommend starting your search at least 6–9 months before you want to begin working, especially in competitive fields.
Planning ahead is important because jobs and internships can be competitive and take time to secure. We recommend making an appointment with a career coach at least one semester before starting your internship. This allows us to help you develop an effective search strategy, prepare your application materials, and connect with potential opportunities to support your career goals.
How do I apply for internships?
Start by preparing a strong resume and cover letter. Students can search for internships through Handshake and other job boards and apply directly through the employer’s website or as directed in the posting. You can also review the WSC Internship Program page for information about internship requirements, academic credit, and guidelines.
Do I need an internship to graduate?
Some majors require an internship for graduation, while others strongly encourage them. Students should review program requirements with their advisor. Even when not required, internships provide valuable real-world experience, professional networking, and skill development. This experience can make you more competitive when applying for jobs after graduation. Students interested in completing an internship for credit can learn more about the requirements on the WSC Internship Program page.
What majors require internships?
Majors that require an internship include:
- Art / Graphic Design
- Chemical Sciences / Fermentation Science
- Engineering Technology
- Exercise Science
- Human Services
- Industrial Technology / Construction Management
- Industrial Technology / Manufacturing Management
- Industrial Technology / Safety Management
- Life Sciences / Plant Biology
- Mass Communication / Agricultural Communication and Leadership
- Mass Communication / Digital Film Production and Theory
- Mass Communication / Electronic Media
- Mass Communication / Journalism
- Mass Communication / Sports Media
- Music / Music Industry
- Sport Management
Additional programs may strongly encourage internships for elective credit. Students can learn more about internship expectations, registration, and academic credit through the Internship Program page.
What is the difference between paid and unpaid internships?
Both can be completed for academic credit. While unpaid internships do not provide wages, they still offer valuable professional experience in your field of study. Students are encouraged to evaluate opportunities carefully and discuss questions with the Academic and Career Success Center.
How do I register for an internship?
Students should first meet with their faculty advisor to determine internship eligibility, course requirements, and academic credit information.
To enroll in a credit-bearing internship, students must:
- Complete at least 24 credit hours
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA (or meet department requirements)
- Register before beginning internship work hours
Please reach out to the Academic and Career Success Center for registration instructions. Credit-bearing internships are charged tuition and fees for the credit being received.
What does an internship involve?
To receive credit or complete your internship, you may have short assignments or evaluations in addition to workplace responsibilities. Your faculty advisor will be able to provide specific criteria and expectations regarding these extra assignments.
Can I receive credit for an internship that I didn’t register for and already completed/started?
No, unfortunately the school has a strict policy about this. Just like any other class, you must register prior to starting or before you accumulate any work hours for your internship.
Does the Academic and Career Success Center help students connect with employers and alumni?
Yes! We host employer events, career fairs, on-campus recruiting, and networking opportunities to help students build connections with hiring companies. Students can also connect with alumni through Handshake, LinkedIn, networking events, by attending career fairs.
Does the Academic and Career Success Center offer job shadowing opportunities?
Yes. Our staff can help you identify professionals, employers, and alumni for job shadowing experiences and informational interviews related to career exploration. Schedule an appointment with us for more information.
International student career support
Does the Academic and Career Success Center help international students find jobs?
Yes, we offer tailored career coaching, job search strategies, and employer connections for international students. Staff can also help students navigate internship and employment opportunities connected to CPT and OPT authorization.
What are CPT or OPT?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are employment authorization options available to international students. The Academic and Career Success Center works closely with campus staff who support international students with their visas and immigration status to help guide you through these processes. You can learn more about CPT and OPT on our Practical Training for International Students page.
How can I find employers who hire international students?
Handshake allows you to filter opportunities by employers that accept OPT or CPT. We also provide employer lists and tips for targeting international-friendly companies. Additionally, we coach international students to start networking right away to build connections, which can open doors to more opportunities. We can help you craft a strong pitch to employers on why they should hire you.