UNM Career Services launched its latest attempt to get students to use its resources by opening an Internet cafÇ offering Web access, career development options and food in a cafÇ-type setting.
The cafÇ, in room 220 of the Career Services Building, features free Internet access for students, and is meant to help them learn to use the Web for career exploration purposes, said Leslye Ellison, director of Career Services.
"I think this is a really important tool, especially for students," Ellison said. "It shows them how these types of resources can be used in a business setting."
The cafÇ has 12 workstations, which are set to the Career Services home page, where links to different areas of career development on the Web are provided. The links allow both undergraduate and graduate students access to a broad range of topics including career counseling, internships, full-time employment opportunities and assessment testing.
Alumni will have free access to the cafÇ for up to six months after graduation, and can pay a small fee after that. Community members can pay the same fee.
Once inside the center, students can register with Career Services first, or proceed straight into the cafÇ area, where they can work and get help from Career Development facilitators and student support technicians.
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"The really cool thing about what we've done here is that we have trained professionals, as well as students, helping students," Ellison said.
Jenna Sultemeier, the College of Arts and Sciences facilitator, said career development facilitators from each of UNM's colleges or schools have offices in the center, and are available to help students use the resources in the cafÇ.
Sultemeier said the center has a database that contains hundreds of jobs, and that using a resource like that can be tough for students if they don't have help.
The move to place career development in a casual environment seemed inviting to some students.
"Something like this is great because it seems friendly. Career Services was maybe a little daunting before," said Ashley Ray, a sophomore.
