Launch Your Future with Confidence

  • Get actual experience

    Land internships and real-world opportunities that build your resume while you're still in school.

    Students complete an average of 2.3 internships
  • Start your career sooner

    Receive job offers before graduation through our extensive employer network and career preparation.

    Most students get offers within 3 months of job searching
  • Earn a higher starting salary

    Negotiate better offers with confidence and market knowledge from our career specialists.

    CCPD graduates earn 18% more than the average
  • Earn more 10 years later

    Build the network and skills for long-term career advancement and leadership opportunities.

    Alumni report 67% salary increase by year 10

#1 Career Services in Texas

The Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) offers personalized support to help you turn your passions into purpose and your degree into a fulfilling career. Through one-on-one coaching, professional skill-building workshops, internship and job placement, and a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate with momentum.

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Ready to Get Started?

  • Plan Your Future

    Start your journey with a personalized career roadmap. Whether you’re choosing a major or planning for grad school, CCPD helps you set goals, explore paths, and map out a future that excites you.

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  • SU Student Intern Working in Lab

    Gain Experience

    Build skills and boost your résumé with real-world experience. From internships and on-campus jobs to summer research and fieldwork, we’ll help you apply your learning beyond the classroom.

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  • Make Connections

    Tap into Southwestern’s powerful alumni network. Through mentorship, shadowing opportunities, and industry insights, you’ll make connections that open doors and inspire your next move.

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  • Job Search

    Ready to find that first job or internship? CCPD connects you with top employers through platforms like HireSU and the Indeed Job Search Academy, plus expert tips to stand out in the market.

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  • Resources

    Explore a full library of resources designed to support your career journey, from résumé guides and mock interview tools to salary research and grad school prep.

    Resources
  • Events

    Attend career fairs, info sessions, and workshops year-round. Whether you're looking to connect with employers or sharpen your skills, our events help you stay a step ahead.

    Find Events
  • Employer Relations and Recruiting

    Want to hire a Pirate? We welcome employers to partner with us through job postings, internships, info sessions, and on-campus recruiting opportunities.

    For Employers

Where Are They Now?

What Pirates Are Saying

Real outcomes from internships, mentorship, and the alumni network.

Faith Adams

The Career Center, specifically Adrian Ramirez, met with me almost weekly over the summer. During our meetings, he provided me with a list of companies to reach out to and apply to, while also helping me refine my resume. He offered guidance on how to approach specific companies and coached me on my interviewing skills. 

Marisol Mendoza Valverde

CCPD played a significant role in helping me prepare for and secure my internships. They assisted me in building a strong, professional resume by providing personalized feedback and guidance on how to effectively advertise my skills and experiences. Additionally, CCPD gave me valuable tools and resources for interview preparation, including mock interviews and tips on how to confidently communicate my qualifications. 

Max Pipkin

CCPD Helped me find possible internship opportunities, draft initial emails to possible employers, and improve my already existing resume. 

Miranda Garcia

CCPD was incredibly helpful in preparing me for a major transition between industries. They guided me through how to make a lasting impression during final-round interviews and helped me present my strengths with clarity and confidence. When I received two job offers, CCPD supported me in evaluating both opportunities and deciding which one aligned best with my goals. Also in navigating salary negotiations to ensure I made an informed and empowered decision. Their insight made a real difference in helping me secure the right next step in my career.

Career Stories