Cleveland State University students preparing to graduate gathered at the Student Center Innerlink April 14-16 for the "I'm Graduating, Now What?” event, hosted by Career Development and Exploration, to gain career guidance, resources and connections for life after college.

Throughout the three-day tabling event, students had the opportunity to meet with organizations such as Global Cleveland and Cleveland Talent Alliance, which provided resources and support for job seekers in the Cleveland area.

For some students, the event offered reassurance during a stressful time.

“I’m scared, feeling like it’s too much,” said a communication major who attended the event. “I feel like it’s hard to get a job nowadays. I have a good resume, but I stopped by to check if I met all the expectations.”

The event was designed to help students navigate the transition into the workforce by offering resume support, job-search advice and connections to local organizations.

“This is coming close to graduation time, and we want to try to reach as many people as we can,” said Ellen Rooney, career specialist in Career Development and Exploration. “We decided to table and inform people about our services and what we can do for them after they graduate.”

Rooney said her office focuses on helping students succeed in the job-search process by reviewing resumes and preparing them for modern hiring systems. Staff like Rooney aim to give students practical tools and confidence as they enter the workforce, especially in a competitive job market where preparation and networking can make a difference.

“We review resumes. We talk about how resumes need to pass AI now,” she said. “We also talk about job boards in Cleveland that students can use to find employment.”

The Innerlink event also highlighted opportunities to stay local after graduation. According to Rooney, many CSU students build their careers in the city.

“Most Cleveland State graduates – almost 80% – stay in Cleveland and work here,” she said. “We’re trying to connect the dots and be a stepping stone for the next steps in their careers.”

The event was open to all students, whether they are actively applying for jobs or still exploring their options. Organizers encouraged students to stop by career services, ask questions and take advantage of available resources.

“Well, I’m not graduating, but I want to learn how to build a good resume,” said a business major. “Especially now, with AI checks, it’s definitely hard to pass that.”

For more information about career services, students can visit the Cleveland State University Career Development and Exploration website.