Cougar Academy
The CDERC offers a series of professional and personal development opportunities to
educate and enhance individuals. We believe that by investing in yourself, you are
able to manage more effectively regardless of the situation. Taking a proactive versus
a reactive approach can help alleviate confusion and frustration.
Cubs to Cougars
The CDERC will be offering the program, Cubs to Cougars, to ensure the career readiness
of Chicago State University graduates. We will provide many opportunities to develop
the skills associated with the workforce competencies through self-exploration, meetings
with CDERC staff, and workshops.
University Student Professional Development
The CDEREC values our student workers and graduate students. It is our goal to prepare
our university student employees by teaching them some basic professional workplace
skills to flourish in an office environment. The professional development training
sessions are offered at the beginning of each semester. Please contact the Work-study
office by clicking here for more information.
Experiential Resources
Career and Internship Fairs- Students will speak to representatives from various organizations
about internships, entry-level positions, company culture, and benefits.
Competency Series- The Competency Series is based on the career readiness competencies
formulates by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. We will bring in
professionals to speak on each competency and how they relate to their industry and
experience. These competencies include Leadership, Professionalism and Work Ethic,
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication, Career Management, Teamwork,
Global and Intercultural Fluency and Digital Technology.
Industry Insights- Industry Insights give students an opportunity to hear from a panel
of professionals as they discuss their career journey. This will also serve the purpose
of showing what potential careers students may get intro with their chosen major and
what skills employers look for in college graduates.
Career Development Center
The Career Development Center locates and develops off-campus job opportunities for
students, who are currently enrolled in CSU that want jobs regardless of financial
need.