A. CELS is the office of Career Enhancing Life Skills. On other campuses this might be the career office. Our philosophy is to help you begin planning for your future early in your college experience. CELS provides academic, internship, co-curricular and career advising through individual appointments, workshops and the e-Portfolio (on-line software).

Q: What is the e-Portfolio?

A. The e-Portfolio is an online interactive tool that you will use to build your resumé, complete workshops, document experiences and accomplishments, create effective cover letters and resumés and search for internships and jobs.

Q: Why should I use the e-Portfolio and not a different type of resumé software?

A. The ePortfolio is easy to use and will automatically format your resumé into a Word document once you input information on your experiences and skills. This creates an easy format to customize and personalize your resumé. Many software programs create cumbersome formats that are difficult to edit and customize. However, you are always welcome to use alternate software and upload the resumé into your e-Portfolio for archiving purposes.

Q: Why should I do the CELS Funded Internship Program?

A. The CELS process will provide you with all the tools you will need for pursuing a funded internship and makes you eligible for a stipend of up to $3000. The process begins in your freshman and sophomore years with a set of required workshops, appointments and assignments. I know you are thinking, WOW this is a lot, a big commitment. Every workshop is between 60-90 minutes long, but you will walk out of there having accomplished something: an exploded resumé, targeted resumés, interview skills, professional communication, cover letters, etc., The program goes through the Senior Year Transitions workshop, graduate school advising and post-baccalaureate plans.

Q: How many workshops do I have to go to?

A. All of them! There are a total of 8 workshops from Freshman to Senior year (2 Freshman year, 2 Sophomore year, 3 Junior year and 1 Senior year)

Q: What are the workshops I have to attend?

A. Ok, here we go!

Freshman Year
CELS 1 - Intro to CELS and the ePortfolio
CELS 2 - Intro to Personality Type
Sophomore Year
CELS 3 - Skills to Resumé
CELS 4 - Targeting Resumés/Exploration
Junior Year
CELS 5 - Professional Communication
CELS 6 - Interview Skills
CELS 7 - How to Get the Check
Senior Year
CELS 8 - Transitions

Q: What if I miss a workshop?

A. The CELS office works hard to provide students with different days and times for workshops. You should try your best to attend the workshop you sign up for. In case of emergency, please contact Chris at x2004 ASAP AND PRIOR TO THE WORKSHOP to reschedule so we may fit other students in your spot.

Q: If I apply to a CENTER (CAT, CCBES, CISLA, PICA) do I still have to do CELS?

A. YES! Any student wishing to complete any funded internship on campus through either CELS or any of the Centers must complete the CELS workshops and corresponding requirements without exception!

Q: What are the CELS requirements if I am in a center program such as CISLA, PICA, CAT, or CCBES?

A. Effectively the requirements are the same for all Center and CELS students. There are a few specific requirements depending on which Center you might be accepted to but those will be evident once you are in the Center.

Q: Do you think we'll get out of the workshop early?

A. Sometimes, but they aren't a huge commitment to begin with, so use the time wisely.

Q: If I can't make it to the workshop that I signed up for, can I just show up for another one?

A. No. There is a limited number of seats available, particularly in the computer classrooms. Call Chris at x2004 to discuss the possibility of attending another workshop.

Q: If I missed a workshop, why can't I make it up with a counselor?

A. While it would be nice to have the flexibility to offer workshops on a one-on-one basis, the number of students participating in the program prevents CELS from offering individual workshops.

Q: Does everyone in the CELS internship program receive funding?

A. No. Students must qualify for the funded internship program by attending all the workshops and by completing the necessary appointments and assignments. There are also a number of eligibility rules that state that students must be in good academic and social standing and that the internship must for a minimum of 320 hours and be under the direction of one supervisor. Students who fail to meet the mandatory requirements will lose their funding eligibility. The program guarantees up to $3,000 for your internship. Qualified students who are paid less than $3000 by their employers will receive the difference, and those that are paid more than $3000 will not receive additional funds. If you have questions, please contact your counselor. This is to optimize the internship funds available and include those students who would not otherwise be able to have this experience.

Q: Where is the best place to start searching for a job or internship? Should I focus on using the Internet job searches and apply electronically?

A. The e-Portfolio and the CELS website are great places to start your search. You may also search independently by doing a Google/Dogpile/Craigslist search of companies and organizations you are interested in. Applying electronically is widely accepted but make sure you read their instructions completely. However, networking is the recommended way to begin the search. A high percentage of all internships and jobs at all levels are found through networking. The bottom line is meet with your counselor to strategize about your search process!

Q: Can I split my internship between two different places?

A. No. All 320 hours must be done with one employer. Many times, the first few weeks of an internship are becoming familiar with the organization, structure, and your responsibilities. Most often the greatest learning, networking and contributing happens in the second half of the internship. Don't believe us, ask some seniors!!

Q: How long does my internship need to be?

A. The funded internship must be a minimum of 320 hours and completed in the summer following your Junior year.

Q: Will academic probation or disciplinary action affect my eligibility for the CELS internship?

A. Yes. You should notify your CELS counselor immediately to discuss your probation. You need to be a student in good standing to be eligible for the funding.

Q: I already have my internship so why do I need to attend the interview workshop?

A. The interview workshop teaches important interview skills and will be useful for future interviews during your job search. It is a requirement for the funding as well.

Q: Where do I find my sponsor confirmation form?

A. It is in the CELS Handout Folder on the right side. Also, it is in CamelWeb under Academic Resources, then CELS Resources.

Q: Will CELS help me get an internship after my freshman or sophomore years?

A. Yes! CELS will assist you in the internship search process after your freshman or sophomore year including developing a resume, etc. We have had both freshman and sophomore students find and successfully complete many internships, however these are often part time and unpaid.

Q: My CELS counselor hasn't found me an internship yet, what should I do?

A. The counselors and student staff teach students the process of finding your own internship. This prepares you for your future job search. Counselors will assist in your search but are not responsible for finding internships. CELS is not a placement service.

Q: Can I study away and do CELS?

A. Yes! Just be in contact with your counselor and make sure to do your required workshops and assignments before you leave.

Q: Can I study away the whole year and still do CELS?

A. Yes! You should be sure to meet and discuss all junior year requirements with your counselor during your sophomore year. Also, be sure to connect regularly with your CELS advisor if you are studying away!

Q: Other than job/internship stuff what else can CELS do for me?

A. We work with students to help them think about their course schedule, evaluate major and minor choices, and direct them to leadership and co-curricular involvements that can help them explore their interests. In addition, we do introduction and follow-up on personality/preference type (MBTI), Graduate, Law, Health, business school advising, to help you with the process and direct you to the experts (your faculty).

Q: What should I do if I need my resume tomorrow and the counselors are booked?

A. Attend drop-in hours or contact one of the student staff members to book an individual appointment. The drop-in hours are posted in CONNtact and on the e-Portfolio.

Q: Is it OK to switch counselors?

A. Yes. Contact Chris at ext. 2004 to schedule an appointment with another counselor.

Q: What if I don't want to do CELS?

A. Note that CELS will still assist you with your resumé, cover letter, job search, graduate school advice, etc.

Q: What if I drop out of CELS - will CELS still help me?

A. Yes!

Q: Who are CELS Fellows and Peer Advisers?

A. CELS Fellow and Peer Advisers are students who have been trained in the CELS program and provide assistance to the CELS counselors at workshops, resumé, cover letter and search assistance.

Q: How do I become a CELS Peer Adviser?

A. So glad you asked. The Selection process for CELS student staff is spring of sophomore year. You will start seeing information right as your return from Winter Break. Also, ask your counselor or a student staff for more information if you are interested.

Q: Where is CELS?

A. CELS is located at Vinal Cottage across the street from the main entrance to the college on Route 32.

Q: What percentages of students do CELS?

A. Approximately 64% of Conn students complete the CELS program.

Q: Why all the emails from CELS?

A. We know that Conn students are busy students! We email you to remind you of an upcoming workshop, to tell you about recruiters on campus, new internships and employment opportunities. We try hard to limit what we send. However, it is important to us that you get updates that may be an employment or internship opportunity for you.

Q: CELS has had many students go through their program. What has been the overall impression of the CELS program?

A. So pleased that you asked! Each year the CELS office surveys the students about our program so that we may continue to provide excellent services to our students. We do listen to your comments and suggestions and work hard to provide the tools and services you will need throughout your four years at Connecticut College. Listed below are some of the comments we have received:

The e-Portfolio and the one-on-one meetings with my CELS adviser were great!
Unique, rewarding opportunity, all my friends at other schools are jealous.
Overall I better understand the process of finding and obtaining a job. I feel I am more prepared for after college.
It was a great way to learn how to interview and make resumes.
It;s very helpful in guiding us through the process of finding out what you are interested in and how to choose what area to pursue.
It's such an amazing opportunit, it really puts you on the path.
Great! I think it makes our college really standout above the rest.

Remember, we have never had anyone come to CELS and say they were happy they either dropped out or didn't do CELS!! Don't miss out, talk to upperclassmen, the CELS counselors, and the student staff if you have questions. Our aim is to help support your interests, academic and career, in any way we can!

Need we say more?