USF Career Success Center earns recognition

The Career Success Center at the University of St. Francis in Joliet was named a 2019-20 Career Development College of Distinction office.

The center prepares students to couple their academic experiences with experiential learning so that they can contribute to the world through service and leadership, according to a news release.

“I believe we all have a calling,” director Maribeth Hearn said. “My mission is to help students find their calling and then make plans to live it.”

Students and alumni are offered the Strong Interest Inventory and Clifton StrengthsFinder for Students to assess what they enjoy and excel in, according to the release. The center also integrates degree and career exploration with personalized résumé reviews with a professional career advisor and the center’s peer review advisers.

The center also has a full-time internship and employer support specialist, Betty Kohl, who works with businesses and organizations seeking interns and job applicants with degrees. She also offers a comprehensive four-year plan for students to follow for optimal preparation for the workforce, including résumé preparation and informational interviews.

The accolade was one of several College of Distinction recognitions recently given to USF. Those included awards for its nursing, business and education programs and for the overall university.

Colleges of Distinction is a resource for parents, students and guidance counselors looking for the best colleges. The organization said it uses a novel approach that goes beyond traditional ranking models and takes into account four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes.