There are several things students don’t think about when going into the career force, said Val Perkins, a career counselor at Wichita State’s Career Services.

When students apply for jobs, they sometimes put on a façade, displaying only what they want people to see.

However, “Be yourself,” Perkins said.

She said she thinks of this as unconventional advice, because many times we think we need to be who someone else wants us to be.

Perkins said this tool will come in handy, since finding a satisfying career involves really understanding oneself and what natural talents one can bring to an employer, as well as what things you can do to help make those talents even stronger.

“They aren’t expecting you to have perfect interview skills or already know everything,” she said.

Perkins said to let the employer get to know the individual.

This is important when meeting them informally or in a job interview.

They want to get to know you, so they can see what you can bring to their organization.

“Get to know people,” she said.

Even if it’s hard for some students, networking is much more effective in finding a job and advancing a career than sitting in front of a computer and searching for jobs, Perkins said.

In addition, Perkins said not to worry about finding the perfect career.

Focus on developing skills that will gain employment in an area that is of interest to you — that’s a great starting place, Perkins said.

“Career develops over a lifetime, and one element of success is how you can roll with things as they change.”

Career Services also offers career counseling and assessments to help students get to know themselves.

Even if you think you know yourself pretty well, Perkins said this will apply to the world of work.

She said that getting some assistance can be very helpful to others.

Career Services has been relocated on the second floor of Brennan Hall II.