Welcome to our comprehensive campus recruiting program, where we provide extensive career resources and support to help your student prepare for their future career. Here are some ways we can assist your Aggie in making career decisions, learning necessary professional skills, and conducting the job search.
Researching Majors & Careers
Encourage your Aggie to begin researching possible majors and careers during their freshman year. Early research allows for greater flexibility in adjusting the degree plan and minimizing additional course hours to graduation. Our Career Center staff are available for individual career advising with students on a drop-in or appointment basis, and your student can schedule an appointment through our website. Additionally, our website offers My Major feature and Sigi3, an interactive career assessment program, for your student to evaluate their interests and potential career options.
Networking
As a parent or family member, you have connections to a network of individuals in a variety of careers and professions. Encourage your student to conduct informational interviews with business representatives or professionals in their field of interest to gain industry insights and establish professional connections. Our Find an Aggie feature on the Association of Former Student's website also provides additional connections to industry professionals.
Gaining Experience
Practical work experiences like internships, cooperative education (co-ops), volunteer experiences, and summer jobs are all valuable experiences for your Aggie. These experiences help students gain first-hand knowledge about their career choices, build a network of industry contacts, and demonstrate relevant work experience to future employers. Some students may also earn a substantial amount of money to help pay for their college expenses. To find experiential education opportunities, students can access our HireAggies system.
Employability
Employers are seeking students who have gained skills beyond the classroom. Writing and presentation skills, technical knowledge, leadership, teamwork abilities, interpersonal skills, and experience in diverse settings are just a few of the "soft skills" that employers look for in graduates. Students can enhance their employability by participating in campus clubs and professional organizations, adding minors or certificates, participating in academic research, community outreach, and study abroad programs. Our Career Center offers workshops to teach students about all phases of the job search process. For information on these programs, students can view our Events page or call our Career Center.
Career Fairs
Texas A&M University hosts an average of 12-16 career fairs every semester, providing a wealth of opportunities for your Aggie. Encourage your student to attend career fairs as early as their first year on campus to begin networking, exploring career options, and making professional connections. Students can attend any career fair on campus, even if it's not directly related to their major. A list of career fairs and all scheduled programs is available on our Career Fairs page.
Graduate or Professional School
If your Aggie is considering pursuing a graduate or professional school program, several factors should be taken into account. The first consideration is their career goals, as graduate school should not be used as a way to postpone finding a job. Other factors include deciding what terminal degree is necessary (Master, Doctorate), what criteria are most important in choosing a program, and assessing the time and financial investment required. For students considering law, medical, dental, or health-related graduate or professional schools, we recommend they visit with our Professional School Advisors for more information.
How does the Career Center help my student find a job?
The Career Center provides various resources and professional skills training to help students find jobs. These resources include career exploration guidance, resume writing, networking, interview preparation, and finding internships and full-time jobs. HireAggies, an online career resource, offers career assessment tools, interview preparation resources, and professional networking opportunities. Additionally, the center offers advising for professional and graduate school applications.
When should my student visit the Career Center?
Students are encouraged to visit the Career Center as early as their freshman year and continue meeting with their career advisor each year on campus. Career fairs usually start as early as the second week of school each semester. The center also offers advisors specifically for first and second-year students to guide them through the career exploration process. Starting early gives students more time to gain experience through internships or co-op programs, which can make them more competitive candidates in the future.
Can I accompany my student to their Career Advising appointment?
Students have the right to privacy under FERPA, which means that the Career Center cannot allow or dismiss your attendance. However, if your student provides consent, you may attend their advising appointment with them.
Does the Career Center only invite employers for engineering and business majors to Texas A&M?
The Career Center actively seeks potential employers for all academic majors and disciplines. They provide seminars, programs, and resources aimed at helping students explore various career options, and career advisors who serve specific populations across campus.
How can my student find salary information?
The Career Center recommends that students visit the center to discuss earning potential and salary negotiation strategies. They also collect and publish salary survey outcomes each semester.
At what rate and at what salary are Aggies hired?
Aggies are successful in the job search process for various reasons, including the Aggie Core Values and the Aggie Network. However, job opportunities and salaries vary significantly by major, experience gained while in college, technical and soft skill development, and preparation for the job search process.
