Career Services

Career development begins as soon as you enter school—It starts with exploring your interests and skills, discovering and narrowing your options, and finding the right fit. Every experience you have at Bethany College helps define where you want to go next. Let us help you plan your four-year path to graduation and career success!


Click here for Employer Information →

Where to begin?

Try the yearly checklist below for suggestions on how to get started on your career path. Be sure to visit the Career Services office in Pihlblad Memorial Union!

  • First Year Students: Discover your path!

    Now is the time to explore all of your questions about who you are and what you want out of the life ahead of you! 

    We can help you assess your skills, strengths, interests, values and personality as you make decisions about majors and careers. The more you know about your career-related interests and strengths, the better equipped you will be to identify an area of study and future career.


    Checklist for Success in Year 1: ASK QUESTIONS


    • Introduce yourself to the Director of Career Services at orientation or during Career Café Wednesdays at 11:00am in Levin Room.
    • Get involved on campus—student organizations, Greek Life, volunteer opportunities, athletics, musical groups, theater!
    • Take an interest self-assessment to examine your interests, skills, and values. Try this online assessment.
    • Examine short- and long-term goals, your mission, and your purpose. Not sure about your goals? Try this worksheet.
    • Do some fact-finding online. If you haven't chosen a major already, examine majors in the Catalog. Skim course descriptions and mark those that sound interesting. Examine requirements of academic departments.
    • Talk with faculty and your peers about different majors—start researching your interests and ASK QUESTIONS! Ask how they linked their education to a career.
    • Attend Career Services and academic department events on campus to gain insight from faculty. Talk with alumni and professionals about their own career paths and education. Check the Calendar for events.
    • Keep a record of who you’re meeting: faculty, department chairs, coaches, mentors, upperclass students, and alumni—these people can help you discuss majors and career paths. Always be broadening your network.
  • Sophomore Year: Explore your options!

    Career paths are rarely linear, and the exploration process is very similar. This year, research any remaining questions and get on the right career path. Use this roadmap and the tools around you to move deliberately toward a career identity—find the right “fit” for you!


    Checklist for Success in Year 2: DO RESEARCH


    • Continue meeting with Career Services, your faculty advisor, and other mentors until you solidify your major choice.
    • Attend Career Services events to learn about different majors and career paths. Get to know employers in your fields of interest.
    • Tour and visit companies and organizations to evaluate the work environment—do this either in the Lindsborg-area or back home during interterm or summer!
    • Shadow professionals in the field for maximum exposure to different occupations. Enroll in Experience Based Education to receive academic credit for shadowing experiences throughout the semester.
    • Conduct informational interviews with professionals in careers that interest you. Career Services can help you get connected with these people!
    • Get an on- or off-campus part-time job related to your field of study.
    • Connect majors to careers: Your major may be directly related to your career—or it may not be! Never feel restricted by your major, rather think about what beneficial skills your major provides.
    • Think about applying for leadership roles on campus.

    Can’t decide on a major? You can always double major, if you want to pursue multiple academic programs. Also, consider a minor or further education after a bachelor’s degree.


  • Junior Year: Intern and Lead!

    At this point, you’re applying classroom learning to a work setting, and you’re able to affirm your career decision. Preparation this year will make for a smooth transition into the workforce or graduate school.


    Checklist for Success in Year 3: MAKE DECISIONS


    • Consider what you have learned from self-assessment and research. Weigh the pros and cons. If you haven’t, narrow down to two or three options.
    • Check in with Career Services about your job search strategy.
    • Get a resume and cover letter review in Career Services.
    • Attend the Career Fair and other career events to obtain an internship and prepare for the job/graduate school search.
    • Participate in experiential learning to utilize classroom knowledge in a professional setting: EBE, departmental practicum, research, student teaching, etc.
    • Participate in service projects with employers—network and give back! Discover opportunities with Campus Activities or Campus Ministry.
    • Conduct a mock interview with a faculty member or in Career Services.
    • Research graduate programs and determine timelines for applications.
    • Take on leadership roles in on- and off-campus groups.
    • Join professional organizations in your field.
  • Senior Year: Launch your Career!

    Prepare to begin a successful career—develop strategies to get you noticed and stand out, learn how to integrate with your new team, utilize developed life skills. Move with confidence into your job or graduate school search, as you have prepared throughout your college career for this transition.


    Checklist for Success in Year 4: START YOUR CAREER

    • Develop a job search strategy—what jobs will you search for? Develop a list of employers to pursue.
    • Review your updated resume and cover letter with Career Services.
    • Maximize your final EBE opportunity to make a lasting impression.
    • Stay on top of your graduate school applications. Get tips for applications and essays.
    • Seek letters of recommendation from faculty for graduate programs.
    • Polish your LinkedIn profile and cleanse your other social media.
    • Attend the Career Fair to network with employers and land a job!
    • Report your employment or graduate school acceptance to Career Services.
    • Join the Alumni Association!

    Started your job search? 70% of positions are obtained through who you know! Attend career events to network with employers—you never know who will help you get that foot in the door! Although not as commonly successful, try searching online job search databases for openings.

Experience-Based Education

With your resume in hand, you’re ready to obtain professional experience in your field! The Experience-Based Education (EBE) program at Bethany allows students to earn credit and learn through professional experiences outside the classroom.


There are many different types of EBEs, such as:

 

  • Internships
  • Practicums
  • Shadowing/observing a professional in the field
  • Completing a service learning project throughout the semester
  • Conducting undergraduate research
  • Studying abroad
  • Bethany's new Pathways program

 


Starting a new EBE can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. Approach your experience as you would a full-time, permanent job in order to make the most out of the opportunity.


The most common forms of EBE are internships and observation. Understanding the differences between the two can help you determine which type of EBE is most appealing. Also, consider observing one semester and interning the next!

     An “internship” is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional setting. An internship is a 3-way partnership between the student, the employer, and Bethany College. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths. Interns positively contribute to an employer’s business objectives and goals. And they give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent for prospective hires!
     Observation/Shadowing occurs under the supervision of a professional within a specific industry with the intention to learn more about that career/industry and the day-to-day responsibilities of a specific occupation. It does not include hands-on skill development or the contribution to an employer’s business objectives. Rather, this type of EBE is focused on obtaining knowledge and experiencing a specific environment.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I find an EBE work site?

    Students are responsible for finding a EBE worksite. Students can meet with their faculty members and the Office of Career Services to discuss the purpose of the EBE and to brainstorm potential worksites. Some ideas to help find a worksite:

    • Visit the Office of Career Services
    • Talk with faculty, coaches, and other campus mentors
    • Work your connections back home—family, friends, previous jobs, organizations etc. (e.g., work, church, gym, etc.)
    • Scan local City and Chamber of Commerce websites for companies that interest you, then reach out!
    • Search online for paid and unpaid openings.       
  • How do I get enrolled in an EBE?

  • EB297 vs EB397—what’s the difference?

    You are in control of your EBE course enrollment—You decide which course and how many credits. Regardless of the course number (EB297, EB397), a student can earn 1 hour of credit for every 40 EBE hours logged at the worksite (or working for the supervisor). A maximum of 12 credits can be earned during a semester (Fall, Spring, Summer); and 3 credits during interterm. Ask your faculty advisor, if you’re unsure as to how many credits you might need. Indicate the course and credit load on the Education Plan. Do not enroll in more credits than you and your supervisor have agreed you’ll be able to complete during the semester. In addition to the EBE assignments, students enrolled in EB397 must work with a faculty advisor and worksite supervisor to determine an additional project that produces a learning outcome artifact. 

  • Can I do an EBE on campus?

    Try the Swedes@Work program, an on-campus EBE/Work-Study. Alternatively, students can work for departments on campus as long as the EBE is designed to help the student progress within his/her academic discipline and learn about a career/industry. Students must still work with the Office of Career Services, a faculty advisor, and the site supervisor (even when on campus) in the development of an on campus EBE.

  • Can I do an EBE with my coach?

    Athletic/Coaching EBEs are allowed, if they are relevant to your major and/or career path; however, it is best if EBEs are performed outside of your primary sport(s). In an athletic EBE, seek out these options, in this order:

    1.  Work with a business/organization in the community, such as a local school or fitness organization.
    2. Work with a Bethany College department outside of the athletic department, such as Admissions.
    3. Work with an athletic department or office at an area institution/college.
    4.  Work with a Bethany College athletic department excluding your primary sport. For this EBE option, your primary athletic coach cannot be the EBE Site Supervisor.
    5. As a last option, if you work within your own athletic department in an EBE and must be supervised by your primary sport coaching personnel, you must get preapproval from the Provost and the Dean of Athletics.
  • Can I do an EBE with a family member?

    Family members may not supervise EBEs. If you obtain an EBE through a family connection, that is ok. The EBE is designed to broaden your network and professional experiences.

Pathways Internships

Bethany College Path to your Purpose

Pathways Internships are a new initiative from Bethany College designed to cultivate experiential education opportunities for Bethany students in and beyond central Kansas. Via Pathways, Bethany College seeks to partner with local and national organizations to offer Bethany students real world work experience, in either onsite or remote internship placements. Pathways Internships provide students with multiple layers of professional and academic guidance within a framework of support services offered by Bethany College's new Path to Your Purpose office.

Click here for more information on Bethany Pathways →


Micro-Internships

Bethany College has partnered with Parker Dewey to give all Bethany Swedes access to micro-internships. Micro-internships are short-term, paid, resume-boosting opportunities with small and large corporations alike. These micro-internships help students make some extra money while building valuable career connections and gaining real, hands-in experience. Many micro-internships are remote with flexible work times that adapt to student schedules.

Click for more information on Bethany College's micro-internship program →


Alumni & Employers, if you're interested in creating a micro-internship with your company to which Bethany students can apply, you can learn more about how to do so by clicking here →


Criminal Justice EBE/Practicum

Many opportunities exist for  hands-on learning in the CJ Department at Bethany, including:  EBE (Experience-Based Education) through Career Services, CJ397 Criminal Justice Practicum, and occasions to volunteer or serve as a paid/unpaid intern.

 

  • Internships – You may perform an internship, either paid or unpaid, at your convenience.  If you apply for an EBE or Practicum first, you may be able to receive college credit for your internship.
  • Practicum – CJ397 Practicum is a variable-credit course, with 50 hours of time spent at your organization equalling 1 credit.  You may take up to 6 hours of credit for a practicum.

 

You must complete an EBE, either EB297 or EB397, prior to enrolling in CJ397 Practicum. The programs are very similar in structure, including the way in which you apply, how you submit assignments, and how the programs are managed. By successfully completing an EBE, you will be better prepared for a Practicum. EBE will allow you up to 12 hours per semester (3 during interterm); Practicum allows up to 6 credits. It is recommended you take an EBE during Interterm and Practicum during the Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters.

Criminal Justice EBE Opportunities

  • Salina Police Department

    Duties here will involve learning all aspects of the police department, from communication and records to patrol and investigations.


    Download the application here.

  • Phoenix, Arizona Police Department

    Phoenix Police is proud to offer an internship program to students wishing to gain experience that will prove invaluable in their path to pursue a career in government or law enforcement. The primary role of a student intern is a support functions.


    Find more information here.

  • Saline County Court Services

    Saline County Court Services offers intern opportunities year round. Interns will start off learning about the operations of Court Services and end up with an actual caseload of clients.


    Download the application here.

  • United States Probation Office

    U.S. Probation Office Interns will work under the guidance of U.S. Probation Officers in the normal course of their duties, which include pretrial investigations and supervision, pre-sentence investigations, and post-release offender supervision. Interns will be allowed to perform some of the duties assigned to probation officers while under the direction and guidance of an officer. Interns will be expected to complete orientation and training relevant to the U.S. Courts and the U.S. Probation Office to gain an understanding of the U.S. Probation Office and its role in the Federal Court system. Interns will be expected to assist officers and support staff with case file management and other support functions, and shall be responsible to maintain confidentiality in all areas of work. Interns will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 hours of work during a school semester.


    Download part 1 of the application.

    Download part 2 of the application.

  • Kansas Highway Patrol

    The Kansas Highway Patrol sponsors the Kansas Collegiate Law Enforcement Academy on an annual basis.  The cost of the academy is $125, which includes room and board.  This is an immersive academy during which students will learn many facets of the agency, including:  

    • Situational awareness
    • Ethics
    • Search & seizure
    • Firearms
    • Driving
    • and much, much more.

    Click here for more information.


  • Kansas Guardianship Program

    The Kansas Guardianship Program is a partnership involving the State of Kansas and citizen volunteers.


    Download the application here.

  • Martin Youth Center

    Learn to work with troubled youth and youth in crisis, assisting with schoolwork and behavior stabilization.


    Download the Application here.

Click to View Volunteer Opportunities on SignUp.com

On-Campus Student Employment - Work Study at Bethany College

Bethany offers on-campus student employment through the Federal Work-Study program and the Bethany Pathways program. Work-Study is a great way to earn extra money for school on-campus, at a job with a flexible schedule. Please visit our On-Campus Employment page for more information.

On-Campus Employment

Information for Employers

Information for Employers

Bethany College has joined with the Handshake network in an exciting partnership that empowers employers to connect with current Bethany students and recent graduates via Handshake's extensive and intuitive recruiting platform. If your organization has full time jobs, part-time positions, internships, experiential education or volunteer opportunities you would like to advertise to current Bethany students and young alumni, please use the link below to create an employer account on Handshake. Be sure to select Bethany College | Lindsborg as the college with which you'd like to connect!

Employer Sign-up Link

After creating your employer account, Bethany College's Career Center Coordinator will review and respond to your request to connect with Bethany College in a timely manner. Once approved, you'll be able to advertise jobs, post other opportunities, and interface with students via Handshake's internal messaging systems. 


If you have questions while setting up your account check out this Quick Start FAQ from Handshake or you can reach out to Chad Moore, Director of Path to Your Purpose at moorecd@bethanylb.edu

Path to Your Purpose - Partner with us!

Bethany's Path to Your Purpose office is currently looking for businesses and community institutions to partner with the college in its mission to prepare both a capable Kansas work-force and the next generation of civic-minded community leaders. In addition to providing institutional support to students during their Pathways Internship placement, Bethany's Path to Your Purpose office is willing to work with Pathways Partners to create mutually beneficial cost-sharing arrangements that offset the costs of Pathways Interns' wages to our partners where possible

Click here for more information on Bethany Pathways →

Begin the journey down your path.

Share by: