Paulette Gonzalez-Sierchio is the executive director of New York University’s Wasserman Center for Career Development.
U.S. News: What kind of help should students look to career services for, and what does that help look like at NYU?
Gonzalez-Sierchio: Students should engage with their school’s career services early and often throughout their college journey, even if they are just beginning to explore their options.
- A proactive approach ensures students have ample opportunity to explore their purpose, build career readiness skills and bridge the gap to professional pathways.
As students are empowered to explore the possibilities, here at the Wasserman Center for Career Development, we invite them to join career communities that align with their interests. We also connect them with:
- Specialized one-on-one coaching
- Tailored career education and programming
- Connections to global employers and recruiting events
- Networking with alumni
- Mentorship programs
- Job and internship opportunities
- Market and industry insights
- Curated 24/7 resources
We want to meet students exactly where they are to help build their strategy as their interests evolve.
Get the admissions edge with ‘Getting In’!
Have the parent playbook for applying to college delivered to your inbox each Thursday.
By clicking “Sign Up”, you will receive the latest updates, including emails, from U.S. News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors, and you agree to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy.
U.S. News: How can prospective students evaluate what kind of career services a school will offer them and across which industries?
Gonzalez-Sierchio: At the Wasserman Center, the questions of our prospective students help shape our work. When evaluating a school, I suggest applicants consider how their career center is:
- Creating an inclusive culture that welcomes students at any point in their educational journey.
- Encouraging exploration through personalized coaching and industry-specific programming.
- Broadening horizons by introducing students to diverse roles and industries that align with their skills and values.
- Building bridges to global employers for internships and full-time employment.
- Increasing access to internships and experiential learning by removing barriers to participation.
- Leveraging their alumni network by facilitating connections through events and mentoring programs.
- Sharing outcomes that reveal the percentage of recent graduates who are working and/or continuing their education within six months of commencement.
- Investing in innovation through 24/7 digital resources and cutting-edge tools.
- Keeping families informed through newsletters and social media.
U.S. News: How do career centers adapt to the constantly changing work world?
Gonzalez-Sierchio: Career service centers, like the Wasserman Center, work best when they foster a holistic, adaptable approach to professional fulfillment.
- Centers should partner closely with faculty to help students showcase essential career readiness competencies – such as critical thinking, communication and teamwork – developed both in the classroom and through co-curricular activities.
- Efforts like these help students translate their campus experiences into the specific skills employers are seeking.
Career centers are uniquely positioned to understand employers’ needs, ensuring students don’t just graduate with a degree but with real-world readiness.
- Adaptation means cultivating a culture of continuous learning – empowering students to navigate everything from the ethical use of generative artificial intelligence to evolving industry trends.
- Career centers should also actively engage alumni, leaning on their expertise while providing dedicated resources for those looking to pivot careers.
This overall approach promotes lifelong professional agility in an ever-evolving global economy.
