Our Mission:

The mission of the Career Development Office is to help define the connection between a liberal arts education and life-work planning. We provide individual guidance to students and alumnae as they clarify their values, strengths, and interests so they can make informed career decisions. To become educated about career options and life choices, each Barnard woman is encouraged to participate in internships, community service, jobs, and career programming. Our goal is to develop and enhance the process of her learning to achieve a satisfying work life with an awareness of the implications of her work on the wider world.

Learn more about our resources:

• Visit the Career Development Office on the second floor of Elliott Hall on Claremont Avenue and 119th when you come to campus. We invite parents of first-year students to meet us during move-in and learn more about our services. Coming to campus for Family Weekend? Stop by the Career Development table at the Student Services Fair, or attend special sessions where Barnard interns and alumnae share their experiences.
• Take a look at our biweekly newsletter, which features internships, special programs and alumnae panels and lists workshops offered by Career Development. All Barnard students receive our newsletter in their mailboxes every two weeks during the academic year.
• Use this web site to learn more about Barnard's internship program, the BEST program for seniors, and the student employment program. We offer orientation sessions for each program at the beginning of each semester. 

How you can assist your daughter:

• Encourage your daughter to visit our office and register her interests on our web site. Counselors meet with students every weekday during drop-in hours for general career assistance and resume and cover letter review. During our office hours, career staff and peer interns introduce students to online and office resources.
• Encourage your daughter to explore career interests and develop her skills outside the classroom. We can assist your daughter in obtaining internships, part-time or summer employment, and community service opportunities in a wide variety of fields. Many students benefit from self assessment activities such as taking the Strong Interest and Skill Survey or meeting with a counselor. 
• Talk to your daughter about the importance of informational interviewing and networking. You can encourage her to connect with the many Barnard alumnae who participate in the Alumnae Mentor Database, available online (for students' use) and in our office. Help her connect with friends, neighbors, business associates and community contacts for additional informational interviews and career exploration. 
• Listen to your daughter as she talks about her academic coursework and experiences in the workplace. Initiate conversations about the transferable skills your daughter will acquire during her years at Barnard, regardless of her major.
• For more information on ways you can help your daughter during the career development process, visit the parents' page of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.