Cougar Academy

The CDERC offers a series of professional and personal development opportunities to educate and enhance individuals.  We believe that by investing in yourself, you are able to manage more effectively regardless of the situation.  Taking a proactive versus a reactive approach can help alleviate confusion and frustration.

Cubs to Cougars

The CDERC will be offering the program, Cubs to Cougars, to ensure the career readiness of Chicago State University graduates. We will provide many opportunities to develop the skills associated with the workforce competencies through self-exploration, meetings with CDERC staff, and workshops.

Workshops

Throughout the year, the CDERC will offer various workshops focused on empowering students and alumni with tools towards success.  Click here for a list of the workshops that are scheduled for this semester.

University Student Professional Development

The CDEREC values our student workers and graduate students.  It is our goal to prepare our university student employees by teaching them some basic professional workplace skills to flourish in an office environment.  The professional development training sessions are offered at the beginning of each semester.  Please contact the Work-study office by clicking here for more information.

Experiential Resources

Career and Internship Fairs- Students will speak to representatives from various organizations about internships, entry-level positions, company culture, and benefits.

Competency Series- The Competency Series is based on the career readiness competencies formulates by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. We will bring in professionals to speak on each competency and how they relate to their industry and experience. These competencies include Leadership, Professionalism and Work Ethic, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication, Career Management, Teamwork, Global and Intercultural Fluency and Digital Technology.

Industry Insights- Industry Insights give students an opportunity to hear from a panel of professionals as they discuss their career journey. This will also serve the purpose of showing what potential careers students may get intro with their chosen major and what skills employers look for in college graduates.

Job Location and Development

The Job Location and Development (JLD) Program is part of the FWS Program.  The JLD Program locates and develops off-campus job opportunities for students who are currently enrolled in the school that want jobs regardless of financial need.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact the JLD Specialists: