Career Coaching

You don't have to figure this out alone. Whether you’re exploring career options, preparing to apply for a full-time job, or somewhere in between, we’re here to support you.

What is Career Coaching? 

Career coaching is a collaborative process that helps you navigate your career journey with confidence. Here's what to expect:

What it is:

  • Personalized: Tailored to your goals — whether you’re exploring, planning, or applying
  • Empowering: We provide strategies, tools, and support
  • Interactive: You’ll do the work, but we’ll guide you every step of the way

What it’s not:

  • A job placement service
  • A list of employers or grad programs
  • A resume writing service
  • A substitute for academic advising

Choose the format that suits your schedule:

  • Coaching by Appointment: Schedule a session for personalized guidance.
  • Drop-In Coaching: Drop by for immediate assistance.

Career Coaching by Appointment

Meet one-on-one with a full-time career coach for personalized support. These appointments are ideal when you want more time to talk through your goals or challenges. We can help you:

  • Choose a major
  • Explore career options
  • Identify your skills, interests, and values
  • Search for co-ops, internships, or jobs
  • Prepare for interviews
  • Plan for graduate school
  • Negotiate salary and benefits
  • Review resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles

About Appointments

Appointments are free for current students and recent alumni (within three years of graduation).
Schedule an Appointment in Handshake. 

Need help scheduling? Refer to the Handshake Help Center, contact us at HandshakeHelp@uc.edu, or visit the Career Studio in TUC 310.

Appointment Policies:

  • If you are more than 15 minutes late you will need to reschedule your appointment. Contact your career coach before the appointment if you anticipate being late.
  • Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance via Handshake.
  • Missing three appointments in a semester limits future access to professional coaching (walk-ins still available).

Drop-In Career Coaching

Quick question or need fast feedback? Stop by the Career Studio during drop-in hours, no appointment needed. Peer Career Coaches are trained UC students who understand your experience and can help with:

  • Resume and cover letter reviews
  • Navigating Handshake and LinkedIn
  • Career fair preparation
  • Finding jobs, internships, or research opportunities
  • Elevator pitches and interview practice

We offer in-person and virtual drop-in coaching at the same time – choose the option that works best for you.

Drop-In Hours (Fall & Spring Semesters)

  • In Person: TUC 310, Level 300 (next to PNC Bank)
  • Virtual: Microsoft Teams (see steps below)
  • Hours: Monday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    We prioritize supporting students and alumni who visit in person.

Closures: The Career Studio is closed on university holidays, Reading Days, Spring Break, and exam week.

How to Join Virtual Drop-Ins on Microsoft Teams

Current UC students can access virtual coaching during drop-in hours by joining our Microsoft Teams group:

  1. Open Teams on your desktop or browser
  2. Click “Teams” on the left-side menu
  3. Select “Join or create a team”
  4. Enter the code: 9a5i22b
  5. Start a new conversation using @Peer Career Coach and include:
    • Your name
    • UC email address
    • Your major and college
    • What you need help with

Meet the Team 

Professional Career Coaches

Our full-time staff specialize in helping students and recent grads think strategically about their next steps. 

Peer Career Coaches

Our student staff provide friendly, knowledgeable support on a wide range of career topics. 

We’re Here to Help 

Peer and professional career coaches are ready to assist you. You can drop by the Bearcat Promise Career Studio during walk-in hours or schedule an appointment for personalized guidance. Students at UC Blue Ash, UC Clermont, or the Lindner College of Business can also visit their respective career offices for additional resources.

Not Sure What You Need? 

Take a quick quiz to discover where you are in your career journey — and get personalized next steps.