In today's economy, students need more than a degree to get noticed.  Employers like students who have multiple internships and other experiences in addition to their degrees.  According to Dr. Phil Gardner (MSU, Collegiate Employment Research Institute, 2014), to be considered for positions in today's economy, students must "engage in a high stakes internship and fluently articulate skills developed through experiences."  Undergraduates are required to complete service-learning, internships, research or student teaching as real-world experiences as part of their degree programs.  What have you done today to make yourself stand out from the crowd?

Experience

Undergraduate Research

• Volunteer, paid and research opportunities at the Child Development Laboratories.  
• Practicum experience is available in the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic. Internship at the CFT
• Find additional opportunities for undergraduate research campus wide through Venture and the Office for Undergraduate Research.
• For more information on how to get involved in undergraduate research schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor, or e-mail hdfsadv@msu.edu.

Honors & Entrepreneurship and Innovation Options

• Students in the Honors College are encouraged and supported with opportunities for H-College options in HDFS courses. For more information and to see what courses qualify, review the H-College Authorizations webpage.
• If you are interested in learning more about owning your own business, freelancing for your career, or using entrepreneurship to devote your life to public service the entrepreneurship and innovation option may be right for you. E&I options are linked to courses and student initiated. For more information please visit the Entrepreneurship and Innovation website.

Student Clubs

• The HDFS Helping Hands Club is a registered student led organization that does community service, fundraising, and plans events for area children, youth, and families. Participation in the Helping Hands Clubs offers a place to network, participate in governance, and engage in community volunteering.
• For more information please contact hdfsclubmsu@gmail.com.

Study Abroad/Study Away

• Studying for one week, one semester or an entire year in another country will change your life. Programs are available on all continents and throughout the year. For more information visit the Office for Education Abroad.
• The College of Social Science offers internships and programs for students who want to develop as professionals with field experience and classroom learning in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, New York, New Orleans or Hawaii. For more information visit the College of Social Science Study Away Programs.

Professional Organizations

• Conference travel and presentations offer opportunities for growth outside of the classroom.  Through these experiences you are able to network with other professionals and programs, continue your professional develop, and add value to your resume.
• Consider joining a professional association.  Often professional associations offer student rates for their membership, taking advantage of these rates while in school allows you to: (a) participate in the organization, (b) keep up-to-date on research and publications, and (c) promote on your resume.  Check out these professional organizations related to the Human Development and Family Studies field:
  • National Council on Family Relations
  • Society for Research in Child Development
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children
  • Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children
  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

For more information about building your credentials and getting involved in your interest area, please schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor, or e-mail hdfsadv@msu.edu

Career

What Can I Do With A Degree In HDFS or Child Development?

• Explore the resources offered by Handshake and the MSU Career Services Network.
• Review the latest edition of the MSU Career Passport.
• Browse current job posting at the NCFR Jobs Center.
• Check out the NCFR Career Opportunities in Family Science Inforgraphic and Career Resources for Students.