It is the mission of the Career Options Resource Center to complement the innovative academic program of Hampshire College by supporting the efforts of students and alumni/ae to take their knowledge and passionate integrity into the world. To know is not enough; therefore, we are dedicated to helping students and alumni develop the skills and confidence they need to apply the privilege of their education to constructive civic engagement; to shape opportunities for creative and responsible participation as citizens of a complex global community; and to advance the cause of social justice and the well being of others.

The Career Options Resource Center seeks to fulfill this commitment to students and alumni/ae by:

• helping them, through counseling, gain clarity about their career direction as well as greater understanding of how their skills, interests and personal values influence career satisfaction and efficacy;
• connecting them with options to learn experientially and evaluate career ideas through internship, volunteer, and short-term job opportunities;
• providing information about post-graduate job openings and opportunities to meet with recruiters in the Five College area;
• teaching them the skills and competencies necessary to plan and conduct an effective job search and create strong application materials such as a resume and cover letter;
• furnishing an extensive collection of high quality resources for researching career and graduate or professional school opportunities, career development techniques and job trends;
• assisting them with the process of evaluating and applying to graduate or professional schools; and
• creating an affirming, welcoming, and accessible environment in which they become active participants in their own career development and are empowered to make education and work decisions based upon their own priorities and values.