Virtual Career Center FAQs

General FAQs  

• Is the Career Center still open?
   For students, the best way will be through the Career Center Live Chat. (Please do not ask any personal questions on Live Chat.)
• What is Microsoft Teams?
  A: Microsoft Teams is a way to connect to other students and the Career Center while off campus! You can message, call, or video chat. As a CSUSM student you already have an account, just download the Teams app on a desktop or phone and login with your credentials (leave the “cougars” part off your email). Alumni will need to make an account on Microsoft Teams to access it (unless you still use your CSUSM email as an Alumni).  Teams Help  
• What is the Career Center Live Chat?
  A: The Career Center Live Chat is a platform on Microsoft Teams, where you as a student or alumni can ask questions to the Front Desk Student Ambassadors; just like you would if you came to the front desk at the Career Center on campus. If you would like to make or cancel an appointment let the Ambassador know, and they will privately message you through Teams. This is a public platform, so refrain from sharing any personal info.  Career Center Live Chat direct link 
• What is the difference between messaging the Career Center on the Live Chat vs. emailing?
  A: The Career Live Chat is where students/alumni can ask general questions to get a quick response and ask to make an appointment with a counselor.  If you are asking more personal questions, feel free to email us or tell us in the Live Chat what you want to ask us is personal and we will send a private message to you. (Please do not ask any personal questions on Live Chat). 
• Where do I check to see if events are still planned to occur?
  A: Check out the Career Center homepage. On the left-hand side you will see an events tab. Click on it. It will show you all the events the Career Center has planned, and if they are cancelled, postponed or moved virtually. You can also sign into Handshake for current info. Events/workshops will still be available through a live webinar on Microsoft Teams. 
• Will the live webinar workshop be held in the Career Center Live Chat? How can I register?

  A:  The workshops will not be held on Career Center Live Chat. If you would like to attend one of the virtual workshops we are offering, please follow these steps: 

  1. Register for the workshop in Handshake. 

  2.  Download the Microsoft Teams software/app.  

  3.  Check your email the day prior for the link to join the webinar on Teams. 

  4.  Link will also be posted in Handshake under the specific event. 

• What are virtual appointments with a career counselor?
  A: Virtual appointments can either be a video or phone call. The Career Center is now operating virtually/remotely to allow students/alumni access to our resources wherever they are. In order to access a video or a phone call with a counselor you must download Teams and set up your account so that counselors are able to reach out to you through Teams. 
• If I scheduled a video call appointment with a counselor, how will I gain access?
  A: By the day of your appointment, the counselor will email you a Teams link that will allow you to enter the video conference call. The video call takes place in Teams and the link will direct you to the video call. 
• If I scheduled a phone appt. with a counselor, how will they contact with me?
  A: By the day of your appointment, the counselor will email you a Teams link that will allow you to enter the phone conference call. The call takes place in the Teams and the link will direct you to the call.   
• Will there still be Career Peer Connection Drop-Ins?
  A: Yes, Career Peer Connections will operate by appointment only, scheduled through Handshake.  
• Is there any way I can access the Cougar Closet?
  A: The Cougar Career Closet will not be operational until further notice.  
• Where can I drop off donations at this time?
  A: During this time, the Career Center is not accepting donations. However, the Career Closet is accepting monetary donations in place of physical donations for now.
• I want an internship that relates to my major. How can I get one?
  A: All questions regarding internships will be answered by the Career Center.  Please call (760)750-4902 or email internships@csusm.edu for assistance.