Career Development Office FAQ

Why should I meet with a career development counselor?
When should I begin my career search with CDO?
I work full-time. When can I meet with a counselor?
What is reciprocity and how does the program work?
How can I obtain my transcript?

OCI AND JOB SEARCHING

What is OCI?
What is a typical writing sample?
Do I automatically have an interview when I submit my resume to a job fair or through OCI?
What exactly is networking and should I network? How do I get started?

CORE

What is CORE and how do I access it?
What types of jobs are posted to the CORE job bank?

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Why should I meet with a career development counselor?  

The CDO provides students with a unique opportunity to assess professional needs, learn about relevant job search resources, and receive continued support in refining career goals.

When should I begin my career search with CDO?  

Students should not wait until their last year to visit their career counselor. It often takes longer than students may think to launch a successful job search, so plan ahead and visit early (and often). First-year students are required to schedule an initial counseling appointment, and may do so beginning in October.

I work full-time. When can I meet with a counselor?  

Contact Dean Antos to schedule a mutually convenient time during evening hours. If preferred, a student may schedule counseling via zoom. Application materials can be reviewed electronically.

What is reciprocity and how does the program work?  

Reciprocity allows students and alumni to connect with career offices of participating law schools. Students get access to job search resources in accordance with each school's policies. Please note: Widener Law Commonwealth does not have reciprocity with area law schools.

How can I obtain my transcript?  

Most employers will accept a copy of your unofficial transcript, which is available on your myWidener page.  If you need a copy of your official transcript, contact the Registrar’s Office. Please note: it can take from 24 to 48 hours to receive an official transcript for a fee.

OCI and Job Searching

What is OCI?

OCI stands for "on-campus interviewing." We offer OCI in the fall and early spring, providing employers an opportunity to interview students from our campus. The OCI program is managed through CORE, our online career portal. An OCI round is divided into several periods:

• Employer Registration
• Student Application
• CDO Application Review
• Employer Decision Period
• Student Decision Period

The Summer / Fall round interviews are mostly held virtually, with more employers coming to campus for the Winter (early spring) round.  

What is a typical writing sample?

Often students use an assignment prepared and graded by a professor in Legal Methods as a typical writing sample. Unless students are directed to give an unedited writing sample, they may incorporate the professor's suggested revisions to the paper and submit a "clean" copy as their writing sample. Alternatively, students may use a substantive piece of writing prepared at the place of employment, such as a summary judgment motion, appellate brief, or memorandum of law. Students first must obtain permission from the employer before using any document prepared on the job as a writing sample. Suggested length for a writing sample is 5 – 10 pages, and you should include a cover page. See instructions and examples in the resource library in CORE.

Do I automatically have an interview when I submit my resume to a job fair or through OCI?  

Generally speaking, in the legal industry, a resume is first screened by employers who subsequently will decide with whom they will interview.

What exactly is networking and should I network? How do I get started?

Networking is crucial to career success and can serve as an invaluable opportunity for job leads, information gathering, or catching the attention of an employer. Students and alumni can immediately start networking by attending events such as campus information sessions, alumni meet-and-greets, or those hosted by bar associations, chambers of commerce, and other professional associations. Students can also network by volunteering to help a law-related cause, joining student groups on campus, or becoming involved in local or national bar association committees. Important steps in networking at social events include being prepared, arriving early, having a plan to convey strengths, connecting with a simple introduction, listening and focusing, asking questions, and following up.

CORE

What is CORE and how do I access it?

CORE is Widener Law Commonwealth's online job board and resume posting tool. CORE is also where the fall and spring OCI (on-campus interviewing) recruitment process is managed. First-year law students receive usernames and passwords to access CORE. If you forget your password, remember that usernames are the student’s Widener email address (unless you previously changed it in the system). If you need to reset your password, please contact our office.

What types of jobs are posted to the CORE job bank?

Each week, the Career Development Office receives a number of job openings for students and alumni. Primarily, we post legal and professional law-related positions. We periodically post a range of opportunities fitting the diverse needs and situations of the students and alumni we serve.