By Larry B. Dendy
For UGA students trying to decide what to do with the rest of their lives, the Office of Career Planning and Placement can be as important as classrooms and labs.
Last year, more than 7,000 students visited the office to get career counseling, take tests and learn about job opportunities. Many also landed part-time jobs or internships, or signed up for cooperative programs that combine college and work.
And the office’s services aren’t limited to students: about 2,100 alumni received employment assistance. Students and alumni receive services free. Services are provided by a staff of 22 professional counselors, graduate assistants, interns and student workers.
“We are customer oriented, and students and alumni are our main customers,” says Glenn Rosenthal, director of the office. “We serve everyone from freshmen to alumni, but our primary mission is helping individuals make decisions about their futures.”
Two changes will occur on July 1 to help the office accomplish that mission. The office will be renamed the Career Services Center and will move from the Division of Student Affairs to the Division of External Affairs, which includes alumni relations.
That will better connect the office with thousands of UGA alumni, which should benefit both students and employers, says Kathryn Costello, senior vice president for external affairs.
“A life-long relationship with alumni begins the moment a student sets foot on campus,” says Costello. “Through our alumni, the external affairs division maintains strong relationships with corporations, government agencies, non-profit organizations and other employers. This is a resource that will be invaluable in job placement activities.”
While the change will mean a new administrative reporting line for the office, it won’t affect the services the office has provided since well before World War II, when it was part of student financial aid.
“Beyond the traditional education experience, one of a university’s most important roles is providing meaningful career planning advice and helping graduates find jobs,” Costello says. “This move will be a major step forward for the university.”
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