Career Services Fee

• 24/7 access to relevant career and life design support resources including best-in-class career exploration, resume development, interview preparation and job posting platforms and services
• Access to a 45,320+ employer network via Bullseye Powered by Handshake
• 221,835 job, internship and work-based learning opportunities posted in Bullseye powered by Handshake
• Pop-ups, skillshops and career design studio
• 6 industry-focused Career Communities
• Robust alumni networking platforms and programs
• Experiential Learning programs including Internships, On-Campus employment, Undergraduate Research Projects, the Internship Equity Fund and the Internship Support & Emergency Fund.
• Faculty and staff career influencers and champions across all campuses

2024-25:

• 4,251 individual student appointments
• 196 students completed Undergraduate Majors Explorers courses
• 22,465students logged into Bullseye powered by Handshake
• 221,835  jobs, internships and opportunities posted in Bullseye powered by Handshake
• 45,320 approved employers in Bullseye powered by Handshake
•  5,220 students representing 12 UB schools/units engaging with 173 companies at Career Design Center hosted Job & Internship Fairs representing a variety of industry and service spaces.
• 53,058 users of the Career Design Studio powered by uConnect
• 21,910 resumes analyzed and developed via Big Resume
• 21,983 videos recorded on Big Interview
• 8,700+ alumni and students registered members of the Connect-a-Bull networking platform

The Career Services Fee was charged for the first time in fall 2020. With a goal of increasing students’ access to career education, experiential learning opportunities and job search resources, the fee supports a career design studio in real life and online to so students can access resources 24/7, while also expanding students’ social capital and employer connections through expanded technologies.

Increased staffing and access to the interactive career design center office in Capen Hall on North campus for all students along with  presence for students with offices on UB South Campus. Most recent additions include Big Resume, the Connect-a-Bull alumni networking platform and Beyond the Professoriate supporting graduate students.

Provided career consultation appointments on a variety of topics relevant for undergraduate and graduate students.  Added Big Resume for AI-informed resume development and Beyond the Professoriate supporting career exploration and search for graduate students. Added tailored content for various identity-communities in the career section to the career design studio including for Students with Disabilities,  Held the first Design Your UB Experience retreat  as a collaborative pilot program with the Career Design Center and Orientation, Transition, and Parent Programs. The programming was aimed at easing the transition of first-year students into university life, and involved a two-day, overnight event off-site providinies opportunity to engage in design thinking workshops, connect with peers, explore campus resources and enhance problem-solving skills.Hosted UB’s first-event Faculty Career Champion event, which recognized faculty members across decanal units for their partnership in fostering career development within the student body. The event also featured a panel of Faculty Champions, where they shared their stories of successful collaboration with the Career Design Center including embedding career readiness competencies into their syllabi and utilizing multiple career preparation tools to support career awareness for students in their classes.

Significant employer participation engaging with students via the STEAM  and Rehab Sciences job/internship fairs in the fall,  Hiring Summit in the Spring, and employer information sessions and interviewing days throughout the year . Established participation by more than 4,000 alumni on Connect-a-Bull in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Engagement, hosted the Future of Work Summit with employers, Fast46 on-campus networking event for students with UB alumni anda career community connections carnival connecting students with alumni in industries of interest to build their network.

Established an Experiential Learning and Student Employment team for facilitating expanded access, funding support and learning opportunities from internships and other work-based experiences. t    Funded stipends for 53 students to work with faculty on 36 different research projects, 123 on-campus student employment jobs and 206 internships with more than 150 diferent non-profit and civic organizations. Led intern, student employee and supervisor professional development programs and provided life design resources in collaboration with a National student employment organization. Also hosted the first Experiential Learning Showcase & Celebration featuring students and partners who participated in programs facilitated by the Career Design Center including the Here to Career+ Student Employment program, the Internship Equity Fund and Undergraduate Research program (in partnership with the Experiential Learning Network and Office of Research & Economic Development.)

Steve Simpson
Director
Career Design Center
srsimpso@buffalo.edu

Who is charged the Career Services component of the Comprehensive Fee?

The Career Services component of the Comprehensive Fee is charged to all UB students except:

• students in the schools of management*, law, medicine, dental medicine
• externally funded students
• students in overseas major programs.

*School of Management students are charged a single fee that supports career-related services. This fee, called the School of Management Professional Development Career Services fee, supports the operation of the School of Management’s Career Resource Center, which is available exclusively to School of Management students, and UB’s central Career Design Center, which is available to all UB students. 

> Learn about the School of Management’s Professional Development Career Services fee

> Learn about the Career Design Center

> Learn about the School of Management’s Career Resource Center

When should I come to the Career Design Center?

The Center supports undergraduate, graduate, and professional students through each step of their career journey thru meaningful career exploration and education, access and growth from work-based learning experiences, job search strategy and support, and making meaningful connections to build social capital. The staff works closely with employers, alumni, campus partners, and the community to offer personalized guidance and real-world opportunities to help students build confidence, find direction, and reach their career goals. We believe that engaging in designing your life and career early in your UB experience is essential so that your choices can be intentional, thoughtful, and impactful. By starting early and then continuously accessing the resources your success is enhanced. We recommend engaging with us early and often.

What if I want to explore a major or change my major?

Many students change their major during their educational journey at UB. Exploration is a good thing. We are here to assist you as you discover options based on your values and evolving interests. In addition to Career coaches, there are a number of assessments that can inform your choices, your direction, and your design.

How can I get a job after graduation?

Your prospects for getting a job after graduation are enhanced by building a strong resume and experiences during your time at UB while building your network. Securing experiential learning opportunities including an internship while building meaningful connections with alumni contributes to your success.