Preparing for graduation and getting through your last load of courses can be tough, but what’s even harder is figuring out how to deal with life after Western.

The Career Services Center offers many resources that will be helpful not only to seniors who are nearing graduation but also freshman who have not decided on a major, career specialist Becky Bennett said.

“Starting early allows time to research various employers and the positions available,” she said. “Getting a jump start gives us time to show you how to prepare a resume and portfolio full of materials that target a student’s skills.”

Bowling Green senior Lucas Davidson said using the Career Services Center has given him more confidence about giving out his resume to potential employers.

“The center was very helpful for me,” Davidson said. “My resume looks more organized and more effective.”

Getting help writing a resume is only one of several options available to students seeking a job.

In addition, Career Services also sponsors many career-related events, on-campus interviews and a Web-based job listing to help students learn about the employment market and prepare themselves for entering the workforce, Bennett said.

“I wish I had taken advantage of all the resources that the Career Service Center offers sooner,” Davidson said. “Any kind of experience you can get gives you an edge in the job world, and Career Services practically hands out in bulk a number of advantages students should take whether they are looking for a job or not.”

Carol White, associate director of Career Services, said students who use the center gain the skills necessary to be competitive in their desired market.

“We have more than 3,000 students and alumni on our database that we have helped or continue helping through Career Services,” White said.

Although many students are using the resources Career Services provides to them effectively, Bennett said she feels a little move down the Hill will make more students aware of the center.

“We hope with the move to the Student Success Center, which is being built in the addition to the Downing University Center, that more students will know what we offer and take advantage of those resources,” Bennett said.

“The way I see it,” Davidson said, “whether you are upon graduation or not, students should take every resource they can get while it’s free, because when you graduate and get a job, the advice Career Services gives for nothing could cost you some major money.”

Reach Abbey Shull at features@wkuherald.com.