Lasell’s Center for Career Readiness and Internship Programs is one of the University’s community resources designed to support students on their professional journeys. The Center offers more than just internships and job opportunities – the team also prepares students for interviews, edits resumes and cover letters, and provides networking opportunities, among many other services. Center Director Donnell Turner (pictured left) breaks down the ways in which he and his team can prepare students to meet their career goals. 

What services does your team provide?

We assist students to bridge the gap between their academic experience and professional goals. Our team provides career advising and coaching, networking events, on-campus recruiting, career and professional skills education, and much more. For incoming first-year students who are still weighing what majors will be a good fit, we provide resources to help with their planning. Specifically, we facilitate a course, “Designing Your Life & Career,”  which undeclared students find helpful in building their path. 

What are other steps that incoming students should take during their first year at Lasell? 

Students should get ready for graduation starting on day one. I recommend that in their first year, students do the following – all of which we can help with! 

• Identify values, interests, personality and skills by utilizing FOCUS 2 Career online.
• Draft a college-style resume
• Create a Handshake profile, Lasell’s hub to search for jobs and internships. 
• Join student organizations, volunteer in the community, or apply for an on- or off-campus job to begin building your experience
• Follow us on social media. 
• Consider taking IDS200X: Designing Your Life and Career, if you have questions about your future career and like working in groups. 

What is your hope for incoming students when it comes to preparing them for life at and after Lasell? 

Studies show that students who engage early and often in their college learning and career development have a greater likelihood of early and sustained career success. And so, it is my hope that incoming students will immediately connect with the Career Center and develop an action plan to help guide them through their college career. The earlier students start, the more aware they will be about the tools available to them and the better prepared they will be as they move toward their transition from college to career. I recommend incoming first-year students to also: 

• Get to know faculty 
• Join a student club or organization 
• Take advantage of Career Center workshops and job fairs 
• Develop a LinkedIn profile and build a social media presence 

We help students put their best foot forward as we are the epicenter for student professional development and career readiness at Lasell. 

How would you describe Connected Learning and the way it relates to your work? 

Our philosophy of Connected Learning provides every student with the opportunity to connect the theories and knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world situations through internships, practicums, study abroad, or service learning. As such, the Career Center serves as a bridge; connecting employers to campus in an effort to provide an array of Connected Learning opportunities. 

What is one way that your team's work impacts the Lasell community?

We have the opportunity to see students grow and develop. I have seen students transform from shy, undeclared first-years to confident seniors ready to make their mark on the world. 

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the Center for Career Readiness and Internship Programs, email careerdevelopment@lasell.edu.