Cascades Edge
Gain an edge
Confidence in your career path | Fewer costly major changes | Professional experience before you graduate | Stronger resume and interviewing skills
From career fair to internship to career
Last year, Camryn Guzman '24 secured an internship with U.S. Bank through an OSU-Cascades career fair, which transitioned into a summer job. Camryn is now looking at careers in finance, and networking through Cascades Edge has been invaluable. Wanting to gain additional leadership skills before graduating, Camryn participated in a Cascades Edge Leadership Hackathon event. “We worked with mentors to apply leadership skills to real-world situations,” she said.
Hearing from industry professionals
In an academic success course his first term, Adam Nickerson '27 researched career paths and heard from industry professionals. Working as a legislative assistant or attending law school are the front-runners for his future. To get there, the political science major has laid out an action plan that includes internship goals, stellar grades and a position in student government. As the current chief of staff for the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, he’s well on his way.
Explore it
Cascades Edge starts your very first term. Whether you are passionate about your major or still undecided, we’ll work with you to explore your strengths, values and interests — and how they relate to different career paths.
You will:
- Take values and personality assessments.
- Identify important issues you're passionate about.
- Explore possible occupations.
- Conduct informational interviews and learn from guest speakers.
- Get career planning support and resources.
- Explore student clubs and local organizations of interest.
- Evaluate the ROI of your chosen career and your financial goals.
- Create a draft resume.
Design it
How do you want to make an impact? You’ll design a personalized mission statement and action plan that gives direction and purpose to your academic career. Refine it as you grow!
You will:
- Create a mission statement.
- Develop a personal action plan.
- Define what success looks like and connect with a unique purpose.
- Meet with academic and career advisors.
- Create an action plan that identifies next steps to developing your career.
Land it
Get the edge you need to land a great job after graduation. Every term, you'll pursue professional development activities that give you a career advantage.
You will:
- Conduct informational interviews.
- Participate in job shadowing and get to know employers.
- Meet with career advisors.
- Participate in internships, research or other experiential learning.
- Practice interviewing skills.
- Refine and target your resume.
- Attend career fairs and networking events.
- "Preparation for" workshops
Earn digital badges for LinkedIn
The National Association of Colleges and Employers has established eight career-ready competencies. Employers are looking for graduates with these skills. Earn digital badges from the Cascades Edge program for online platforms including the Licenses and Certifications section of your LinkedIn profile. Badges include:
Communication |
Critical Thinking |
Equity & Inclusion |
Financial Literacy |
Leadership |
Professionalism |
Teamwork |
Technology |
Earning professional skills badges for LinkedIn
So far this year, Shelby Turner '25 has been to a financial literacy escape room, a leadership skills event and a resume-building workshop. “It makes an impact having professors help you develop your skills outside of class,” she said. The business major is interested in a career in human resources and has been working on Cascades Edge professional skill badges in technology, leadership and financial literacy. “My LinkedIn profile is pretty bare,” said Shelby. “Having badges to add to it is valuable.”
The strength-finder assessment set her on a career path
Ruby West '27 declared a major in biology after hearing from professors, alumni and guest speakers in the medical field. “I’m interested in pursuing a career in anesthesiology,” she said. “Financial stability, helping people and the opportunity to travel for work are values that came up on a strength-finder assessment.” Cascades Edge helped her set out on a career path.