Student Career Development

Student Career Development

Founded in 1889, the University of Pikeville remains steadfast in our commitment to preparing students for the future while creating intellectual, cultural and economic opportunities for Appalachia.

At the University of Pikeville, we are committed to preparing students for professional and personal success. We will ensure that by the time UPIKE students complete their college experience they will have had the opportunities and experiences in the areas of: 

• Career Choice – Identifying interests, skills and values, exploring career and post-graduate options.
• Internships – Obtaining, participating in and reflecting upon Internships, Community Service, Service Learning. 
• Employment – Cover letters, resumes, interview skills, identifying potential employers, developing an elevator pitch, utilizing resources (Alumni Network, LinkedIn.)
• Graduate/Professional School – Considering advanced education. Selecting and applying to graduate school, the application process, personal statements, assessment tests and ways to fund. 
• PEAK: Professional Exploration and Knowledge – UPIKE’s comprehensive four-year pathway program designed to allow students to explore career options throughout their time on campus.  

The Career & Professional Development Office offers a comprehensive career development and management service to students.  Services include academic classes, workshops, internship programs, job fairs, student employment and full-time job search and graduate/professional school assistance in both group and individual settings. 

Handshake Students

The University of Pikeville is a Handshake school! Handshake is a one-stop shop for students to find and secure jobs and internships; and for employers and organizations of all sizes to connect with UPIKE students and recent graduates. You’ll find opportunities in all 50 states, more than 150 countries and with employers of all shapes and sizes. All UPIKE students automatically have an account. You can access your account from the link above or at Handshake (joinhandshake.com). 

Helpful Links

Below you will find a listing of helpful links when planning your career decisions.

• Model for the process of Career and Life planning
• Career decision making
• Job Hunters Bible –  A guide for individuals looking to utilize the internet in their career/job search.
• Explore Health Careers – Interactive tools for exploring health career paths, and finding schooling and funding opportunities.
• HowToBecome – Detailed information on over 500 popular careers as a resource and starting point for people who are unsure how to get into a certain career.
• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• UC Berkeley Career Exploration
• Occupational Information Network
• Inside Career Info.
• KYCO Employment Portal

Career Readiness

Click on the following buttons to learn more about top Career Readiness skills and those most sought for by employers.

For additional information, please check out the LibGuide Button below provided by Allara Library and the department of Career and Professional Development