In addition to providing services to students, the Career Services Office exists as a resource for COM faculty and staff. The links below can provide you information on the programs and services available to you and your students.

Presentation Requests

Career Services is happy to provide classroom presentations on a variety of topics. To request a presentation, simply submit the completed request form to Christie McCandless. To help ensure that we can accommodate your request, please make it at least one week prior to the desired date.

Writing Letters of Recommendation

If you haven't already, it is likely you will be asked by a student to write a letter of recommendation. Here are some tips to aid in the process:

  • If you cannot write a positive letter of recommendation or if you have not had enough contact with the student to accurately describe his or her qualities, decline to write the letter.
  • If you agree to write the letter, ask for any information from the student that can help you write it - résumé, transcripts, information specific to the reason for the letter (job description, scholarship information, etc.)
  • In the letter, indicate your relationship to the student, including how long and in what capacity you have known him or her.
  • If you taught the student in a class, compare the student's academic performance with that of his or her peers.
  • Connect the student's experience and characteristics to the position (or scholarship, college, etc.) for which the student is applying. When possible, include examples.
  • Indicate how you can be contacted for further information (list address, phone number, and e-mail address).
  • The letter should not be longer than one page, should be written on departmental stationary, and should include your title and signature.
  • Make sure you are aware of the deadline and where the finished letter needs to be sent.

Check out the NACE guidelines for additional information on writing letters of recommendation.

Job Placement for Students

An important function of Career Services is to help students find gainful employment, particularly as it relates to their chosen career field. Employers from throughout the region regularly request our assistance in filling their open positions and, often, they are looking for students in specific majors.

If you would like to be notified when positions are listed that are appropriate to your discipline, please contact Career Services at x124.

All positions submitted to Career Services are posted online and can be accessed by anyone at www.com.edu/careerservices Please encourage your students to check the site often as it is updated on an almost daily basis. Also, please remind them that we are available to help them with every step of the job search process.

Faculty Guide to Legal and Ethical Student Hiring

Contact

Ask a Career Counselor
Career Services Office
Student Center, Room 212
409-933-8520
888-258-8859 ext. 8520