Partner with us!
Stay connected and make an impact!
We partner with alumni for events, mentoring, and student engagement opportunities that help shape the next generation of professionals. Whether you’re interested in sharing your expertise, hosting an event, or building connections with students, there are many ways to get involved.
Want to collaborate? Reach out a CPDC@NIchols.edu
Are you looking for Career Resources?
CPDC isn’t just for undergraduate students – Alumni can utilize our services…for LIFE! Welcome, this community was created to support Nichols College Alumni. Our goal in CPDC is to support all Bison in navigating career development; this community aims to provide specific resources geared towards navigating the job search, the workplace and overall career development. Use this page to:
- Explore career options
- Search Job boards to find exciting opportunities
- Read articles and success stories
- Explore career resources
- Discover professional organizations
- Execute and enrich your career development
Your Guide to Growing, Pivoting, or Restarting Your Career
Career paths aren’t linear; many professionals change direction. Some more than once!
Reassess Your Career Direction | It’s okay to pivot or level up
- Reflect on your skills, interests, and values; have they changed?
- Identify what’s changed since graduation
- Explore new paths, industries, or roles based on those changed.
Are you:
- Advancing in your field?
- Switching industries?
- Returning after time away?
Define your target role + industry
- A clear goal makes your search more effective
Job searching looks different now.
- Focus on targeted applications, not mass applying
- Tap into alumni networks and referrals
- Use platforms like:
- mba.com for career insights
- MBA Exchange for experienced-level roles
Many professional roles are filled through connections—not job boards
Your network is your greatest asset.
- Reconnect with:
- Classmates
- Alumni
- Former colleagues
- Use LinkedIn to:
- Share updates
- Engage with content
- Reach out intentionally
A large percentage of roles are filled through networking. Start with people who already know you.
Tell your career story clearly.
- Highlight progression, impact, and results
- Translate past experience into relevant skills
- Address career changes confidently
Remember you have career services for life as a Nichols Alumni – make an appointment with CPDC to review your resume.
You bring experience, now show your value.
- Be ready to explain:
- Your career path
- Why you’re making a change
- What you bring to the role
Mid-Career Changer Resources
Your career is evolving—and so are your goals. Thinking about a change? Start here:
Reframe your experience.
- Focus on transferable skills.
- Connect past roles to your future direction.
Fill the gaps.
- Identify what you need to learn.
- Pursue targeted certifications or experiences.
Gain relevant experience.
- Freelance, project work, or micro-internships.
- Volunteer or consulting opportunities.
Build credibility in a new field.
- Network with industry professionals.
- Join professional groups or associations.
A successful pivot = preparation + positioning
Start here—these tools help users identify strengths, interests, and new career options.
- CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Career Changer Toolkit- Guided career change process
- Skills matcher (“mySkills myFuture”)
- Career exploration tools
- O*NET Online + Interest Profiler
- Free government database for job info, skills, salaries
- Career Assessment Tools (Forbes list)
- Includes Holland Code, O*NET, and more
- Google Career Dreamer
- Coursera Career Change Guide
Step-by-Step Career Change Guide - Springboard Career Change Guide
Midlife Career Change Guide
- CareerOneStop Skills Matcher
- Matches current job → new career paths
- Career Pivot Skill Mapper
Skill Mapping Tool- Identifies transferable skills
- Shows skill gaps + action steps
- AI Career Change Tools (VirtualInterview.ai)
AI Career Pivot Guide- Resume reframing
- Interview prep
- Skill gap analysis
- LinkedIn (critical for pivots)
- Rebrand your profile for your target role, not past job [mindsetonline.com]
- Career Shifters
- Workshops + coaching for career transitions
Career change resumes require strategic repositioning—not starting over
Key strategies:
- Focus on transferable skills
- Reframe experience in new industry language
- Use hybrid/skills-based formats
- Career Profiles – Career Change Center
- Articles, planning guides, and transition strategies
- Midlife Career Change Resource Hub
- Practical guides, motivation, and real stories
If you have questions, are looking for advice or want to talk through your career related thoughts, we would love to meet with you! Click HERE to schedule an appointment!
