Q&A with Jan Mrozinski of the Office of Career Development and Calling

Jan Mrozinski works closely with Bethel alumni, undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them as they explore career paths, choose majors, and search for jobs and internships.  

Are there any parts of the career planning process that commonly get overlooked? How can Bethel's career coaches help?

One thing students sometimes overlook is the value of making connections in their field throughout their time at Bethel. Networking is the most effective way to find jobs in today's job market. Bethel has a growing network of alumni and supporters who want to help our students as they explore and begin their careers. Bethel's career coaches guide students on how to find and connect with individuals who want them to succeed. We assist students in knowing how to reach out, meet with people, and follow up to maintain new connections. 

What resources at Bethel's career development and calling office could help a student's job search?

One resource is resume preparation. We have an incredible platform called SkillsFirst that students and alumni can use to create resumes for free. Most employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) as a first screening of resumes, and using a platform like SkillsFirst—along with resume-writing tips from our career coaches—gives students the best chance of getting their resumes past ATS screening and into the hands of employers. Another area is interview preparation. We provide students with common questions to practice answering, and share effective strategies for answers that highlight their achievements and skills.

What should students do if they’re undecided on a major or career path?

We recommend self-exploration through interests and strengths assessments, and meeting with us to discuss their unique qualities. We also suggest exploring potential careers through informational interviews and job shadowing. 

What's your best advice for networking with confidence?

Remember that whoever you contact was also at the beginning of their career at one point. Bethel has amazing alumni who want to see Bethel students succeed. Tap into that network and prepare well for meetings, so you can ask thoughtful questions. Also, remember the Lord is with you and has given you incredible gifts and unique interests. Step out in confidence of the Lord's presence and timing.

How does faith influence career exploration at Bethel?

We believe God uniquely created each person on purpose, and whatever career they choose starts with growing in their relationship with God. Ephesians 1:11 (The Message) says, "It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for." Bethel encourages students to grow in their faith and realize that representing God in the world and serving others will happen in a wide variety of career fields.

What career skills are employers seeking, and how can students develop them at Bethel?

Employers are seeking soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. Students develop those skills through involvement in clubs, activities, coursework, investing in relationships, and trying new activities and leadership roles. Bethel's career coaches encourage students to reflect on the skills they are developing and show them how to communicate those skills on their resume and when answering interview questions.

Employers are also looking for candidates with real-world experience, which Bethel students can gain through internships, field placements, clinical work, and more. According to data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), about 70% of students who complete a paid internship are offered jobs by their internship employer. So doing a great job at an internship will give students valuable experience and often results in a job offer!

How can students find internships and stand out to employers?

We encourage students to build their network by requesting informational interviews, which often lead to hearing about opportunities. Students can also search our Handshake platform, a great place to find internships. A couple of ways to stand out to employers are to research the companies in order to enter interviews well-prepared, send thank you notes, and connect with the interviewers on LinkedIn.

What first steps should recent grads take in their job search, and how can they continue using Bethel's career services?

Set up a meeting for a resume review. When applying, customize your resume to fit each job position. Keep networking and initiating new contacts in your chosen fields. Meet with one of Bethel's career coaches via video, phone, or in-person. Contact us at career@bethel.edu or set up an appointment in Handshake.

Explore how the Office of Career Development and Calling can support you in achieving your career goals.

Whether you’re seeking career advice, building your resume, browsing internship opportunities, or looking for networking guidance, our team of career coaches is here to help you navigate every step of your journey. Get started today by scheduling an appointment or reaching out to career@bethel.edu.

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