Career Services for CGS Students
Your go-to support for career planning, resume reviews, and more.
At the College of General Studies, your success, both in the classroom and beyond, is our top priority. Career counseling is a vital part of that commitment. Whether you're exploring career options, planning your next steps, or navigating a career transition, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Carol Balk, Career Consultant for CGS students, along with a team of specialists in career and internship planning, are here to provide personalized guidance and help you make informed decisions about your future.
How We Can Help
Explore Your Direction
Use self-assessments to understand your interests, values, workstyle, and potential career paths.
Connect Your Skills to Careers
Identify the transferable skills you've developed through work, education, and life experiences—and learn how they connect to employment opportunities.
Explore Opportunities
Find internships, jobs, volunteering opportunities, job-shadowing experiences, and other ways to explore your fields of interest.
Build Your Professional Materials
Develop and refine your resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letters, thank-you letters, and other professional correspondence.
Prepare for Interviews
Learn and practice interview techniques for both virtual and in-person interviews.
Plan Your Next Step
Develop job-search strategies, explore graduate school options, and learn techniques for negotiating salary and employment offers.
You Already Have a Lot Going for You
Your career development starts with the strengths and experiences you already bring with you.
- Your life experiences have helped you become a mature and goal-oriented student.
- Your transferable skills are valuable in both academic and professional settings.
- Your work and other responsibilities have helped you develop accountability, resilience, and productivity.
- Your drive to achieve meaningful professional goals can help guide your next steps.
These strengths are a powerful foundation for your career development. We're here to help you build on them.
Career Resources
Handshake
Pitt's online career platform connects you with career resources, internships, jobs, events, and employers. You can also use Handshake to schedule an appointment with Carol Balk.
Career Central
Explore resources and information to support your career development, from career exploration and job searches to professional preparation.
Adult Student Resources
Find career resources and information specifically designed to support adult students.
Career Closet
Borrow professional clothing for interviews, career fairs, and other professional events.
Meet Carol Balk, MS
Career Consultant for CGS students, psychology, urban studies, veterans, and alumni.
Office: Career Center, 200 WPU
Email: Carol.balk@pitt.edu
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or aren't sure where to begin, you don't have to figure it out alone. Connect with Carol or the Career Center to take your next step.