Career Development at Iona University
Build a Bridge From Academic Success to a Rewarding Career
Iona University’s Career Development sets you up for success by providing career planning and career development tools and resources. Through our innovative curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and the support of our faculty and staff, you emerge at the forefront of the workforce, ready to excel in the career field of your choice.
Career Stats for Iona Graduates
- Iona University proudly ranks in the top six percent among 4,500 institutions based on long-term return on investment (ROI).
- According to Payscale, the average salary of Iona graduates is $78,000.
- 91% of Iona undergraduate students find employment or pursue graduate school within six months of earning their bachelor’s.
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Why is Career Development important?
Why Is Career Development Important?
Your college education extends beyond what you learn in the classroom. Career development builds broader, experience-based competencies, such as résumé writing, interviewing, interpersonal skills, time management, self-assessment of strengths and areas of improvement, and other soft skills. Equipped with this knowledge, you enter the job market as a savvy, insightful and competitive candidate.
At Iona, we believe that the knowledge gained through your degree program is only part of your education. Providing ample opportunities to polish your professional skills and carefully plan your career trajectory enhances your academic learning and empowers you to make well-informed decisions about your future.
The Center for Career Development has been extremely beneficial to my education and future. They assisted me in perfecting my career readiness skills with resume writing, cover letters, mock interviews, and professional email correspondence.
- Herolinda Dacaj ‘25
Career Development Steps
1. Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Your career development begins with understanding who you are and what you have to offer. Through self-assessment and reflecting upon your previous experiences, you gain a clearer picture of your strengths, values, skills and growth areas. This essential step then informs and directs the rest of your career planning.
2. Explore Career Paths
Next, discover the many possibilities that await you! You can partner with a career coach or counselor to uncover new industries and roles that align with your education, interests and personal strengths. Additionally, it may be beneficial to job shadow, volunteer, or intern in fields that interest you so you can experience the profession first-hand and see if it suits you.
3. Craft Your Résumé
Since your résumé creates the first impression with an employer, it should be well-crafted and persuasive. It offers a comprehensive overview of your accomplishments, experience and education and informs recruiters why you are the applicant best suited for the job. Tailoring your résumé and cover letter to each position you apply to ensures you lead with your strengths and establish yourself as a competitive candidate.
4. Job Search and Application
Embarking on the job search and application journey requires strategy and time management. Make the most of networking opportunities to form relationships in your local job market, find career openings through your university’s job fairs or career platforms like Handshake, and leverage online resources to find and apply for new positions.
5. Interview Preparation
Once you land an interview, your preparation continues. Before meeting with a recruiter, research the company, rehearse your answers to frequently asked interview questions, formulate your questions about the position, and boost your confidence by reviewing all your accomplishments and why you will succeed in this role. Your preparedness calms any pre-interview nerves and creates a good first impression with the interviewer.
Connect With Iona’s Career Coaches
Iona’s Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development serves our student and alumni population by offering expert guidance and valuable resources to refine your skills and advance your professional growth.
Our career coaches work with you while studying at Iona — and beyond — to ensure your post-graduate success. Iona’s career development team helps you:
- Discover your strengths
- Choose a major
- Explore available career paths
- Craft résumés and cover letters
- Prepare for interviews
- Find and apply for internships
- Create an effective job search strategy
- Networking
- Apply for graduate school
Iona's career and counseling center…helped prepare me for my winter internship with Ernst & Young and ultimately a full-time job upon graduation.
-Mike Testa '04, CFO of Trinity Capital Inc.
Read More about Mike's Journey from Iona to CFO
Prepare for Graduate School
For many, career development may include continuing their education and earning a graduate degree. From finding the right program to drafting a focused personal statement, our Guide to Graduate School provides insight into each step in the graduate school application process.
Additional Career Resources
Career Fair
Iona hosts a career fair each fall and spring, bringing employers to campus to connect with our outstanding students. Join us for the exciting opportunity to network, meet with recruiters, learn about employment opportunities, and forge valuable career connections!
Special Populations
Each career path is unique. To support the diverse career needs of our student body, we offer institutional and external resources and networking groups to the following groups:
- International students
- LGBTQA+
- Multicultural Identities
- Veterans
- Women
Alumni Career Resources
Although your time studying at Iona may be complete, you can still impact the next generation of Iona graduates. We welcome alumni to participate in our Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program or recruit our students for available positions at your organization.
Iona University Honored as 2023-2024 College of Distinction for Commitment to Student Success
“We believe that engaged students are successful students. Iona’s dedication to experiential learning shows us that each of its students has the opportunity to play an active role in their education.”
-Tyson Schritter, CEO, Colleges of Distinction
Iona's career development resources have provided me with the support needed to have a successful career. Between resume workshops and career fairs, Career Development offers endless tools that help students get career ready.
Brianna Buck ’22, ’23MBA, Business Analytics & Information Systems
Read More About Brianna
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