Career Advisor Scholarships: Developing Career Practitioners at FSU
The FSU Career Center is a teaching-focused career center, uniquely recognized nationwide for its commitment to professional development. A prime example of this is the Career Advisor Scholarships, which provide specialized training for graduate students pursuing master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Before working with clients, career advisors undergo 40 hours of intensive training using Career Center resources, including theory and research, ensuring they are well-prepared to support students and alumni in their career journeys. Advisors offer free drop-in services with no appointment needed, as well as individual counseling sessions for more personalized guidance.
Career Advisor Scholarships are integral to the Career Center’s mission, offering crucial financial assistance to students pursuing careers in career counseling, human resources, and related fields. Since 1995, over the past 30 years, 270 contributors have made 830 donations, contributing to eight scholarship funds with a total endowment of $910,438 as of November 2024. These scholarships have benefited 141 students, equipping them with the skills needed to make a meaningful impact in career services.
A random sample of 43 graduates (30%) found that 17 former career advisors are now working in Florida, while 18 have secured positions in other states, continuing to provide career guidance in an ever-changing job market.
Alumni and friends of FSU who invest in these scholarships create a lasting impact by supporting graduate students dedicated to helping others navigate their careers. Donations to Career Advisor Scholarships continue to grow over time, as only four percent of the interest earned from each gift is allocated annually for scholarships, ensuring long-term sustainability. This funding model allows contributions to support future generations of career advisors, expanding the Career Center’s reach and creating more opportunities for students to develop essential skills for success in career counseling and beyond.
Anna Watson
Spring Cleaning with Meaning: Donate to the Professional Clothing Closet
Feeling the urge to purge your closet? Students, faculty, community members and businesses are encouraged to donate their gently worn business attire to the FSU Career Center’s Professional Clothing Closet. The annual Spring Cleaning with Meaning Clothing Drive will run from March 1 through April 1.
Spring Cleaning with Meaning is an opportunity for the FSU Career Center to give back to students in need while spreading awareness of the Professional Clothing Closet. In 2024, the Closet distributed 6,100 clothing items to students, supported by 280 donors. In the Fall 2024 semester, more than 1,400 students accessed the closet.
“The closet is a vital resource for students and provides access to professional attire for both on and off campus needs,” said Heather Lazar, senior assistant director, employer relations, Career Center. “More and more students are utilizing the Professional Clothing Closet each semester and this clothing drive helps.”
Donations to the Professional Clothing Closet should be clean, free of damage, and clearly labeled with sizes, as well as reflect current fashion in “business professional” or “elevated business casual” styles. Items that do not meet these standards will be donated to other local charities.
This year’s drive is accepting all gently used or like-new professional attire items for both men and women. Items of need include:
Suits, blazers, dress pants, skirts and tops
“Like new” dress shoes Accessories, including belts and ties
Accessories, including belts and ties
“As an FSU graduate and someone who mentors a ton of students, I have always felt good about donating interview clothing to your program," said a donor who wished to remain anonymous. “It gives me joy that FSU helps those on their journey after college and it all starts with first impressions at an interview.”
To donate to the Professional Clothing Closet, please contact Heather Lazar at heather.lazar@fsu.edu or 850-644-6493.
Anna Watson
