Parent Association

Interview with Alex Callis

Kaitlin Kotasek (KK): For those who may not be familiar, can you explain what the Center for Career Development is and how it supports students?

Alex Callis (AC): The Center for Career Development is the university's centralized career education and student recruitment center. We connect students and alumni with employers by conducting on-campus interviews and hosting annual career fairs. We offer other employer engagement events, and coordinate the cooperative education program, which provides students with real-world work experience in their chosen major. From freshman year to graduation (and even beyond), our staff provides resources in career guidance, resume writing, job search strategies, and interview preparation. These resources enable students to make a successful transition from college to career.

KK: What sparked your interest in working in higher education and career development, and how does that passion guide the work you do with students?

AC: I am passionate about helping others and being a connector. I like informing people of opportunities, instilling knowledge or guidance where I can, and learning from them along the way as well. Higher education, and career development specifically, have been so rewarding for me to help students because I am able to connect them with opportunities and be a "taxi" to hopefully get them to where they want to go.

KK: With your background in employer relations and firsthand knowledge of what employers seek in today's graduates, how will that perspective help you enhance support for our students as director?

AC: I think my whole career up to this moment has prepared me for this role. My time working in admissions allowed me to see students at the very beginning of their college journey and better understand their questions, concerns, and hopes for finding the right fit. Over the past four years in employer relations, I've gained valuable insight into what employers truly value in our students and what they view as essential for long-term success in the workplace. Now, it's incredibly rewarding to bring those perspectives together, helping students recognize the value of their skills and experiences, translating those strengths into resumes and interview responses, and connecting them with employers who can advance their goals while meeting organizational needs. I'm driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, and in this role, it's especially fulfilling to see firsthand how our work positively shapes students and the future workforce.

KK: Why is it important for students to engage with the Center for Career Development? And what are some cool initiatives you’d like to highlight?

AC: It’s so essential for students to engage with our office, and it’s never too early for them to start. The career piece is always around them, and the earlier they can meet us, the sooner they can begin to hone their skills. We can assist with informing them of competencies employers look for and how the student can provide the employer with their best examples regarding those competencies. We can assist with helping them find a major, developing an employer-ready resume, how to answer behavioral-based interview questions, and so much more. Our office also administers an exam known as The TypeFocus. It is a personality and skills inventory that ultimately identifies career clusters that students may be interested in or fit based on their responses. This exam can be enlightening and valuable for students who may be unsure of their major or exploring career opportunities.

KK: What are some of the biggest hurdles students face when preparing for their careers after college?

AC: As many of us know, today’s job market is highly competitive. That’s why it’s so important for students to take full advantage of available resources and focus on being as career‑ready as possible. One of the most significant deciding factors in close hiring decisions is whether a student has completed an internship or cooperative education experience. These experiential learning opportunities allow students to build critical skills, develop meaningful relationships with employers, and determine whether a particular field is the right long‑term fit. I think anything students can do to differentiate themselves from other candidates is so important. Aside from internships, things like leadership opportunities, research experience, volunteer work, or other projects and skills can help them stand out.

KK: Career fairs at Tennessee Tech have reached record levels of participation from both students and employers. Why are these events so critical component to student success?

AC: I would attribute a lot of the success we have had regarding the employer turnout to be indicative of the strong employer brand that Tennessee Tech has. Career fairs at Tech are the premier way for students to connect with real-world opportunities. Meeting employers face-to-face, learning about industries, and building professional relationships often leads to internships and full-time positions. We also encourage students who are not actively job searching to attend in order to practice communication skills and build confidence. One of the great things about our career fairs is that we have several employers who are marked as “freshman friendly,” so it’s a great way for students to who aren’t actively searching for opportunities to get comfortable with the environment and practice engaging with employers before they are searching. This helps a lot with comfort level, feeling more prepared, and getting their name out there early.

KK: How does early career planning influence a student’s confidence, preparedness, and career options after graduation? What should Tennessee Tech families keep in mind? 

AC: I firmly believe that early involvement in career education can make students feel more confident and be better prepared for what opportunities arise. Engaging early with our office can help students connect with employers, gain experiential learning opportunities, and develop competencies employers value. Families who encourage engagement with our services can make a meaningful difference in their success after their time at Tennessee Tech!

KK: What role can parents and families play in encouraging their students to get involved with the Center for Career Development? And what advice do you have for parents who want to help their students navigate uncertainty around career choices?

AC: Our office primarily uses a system called Handshake to communicate with students about all upcoming events and important reminders; however, for parents, I think following the Center for Career Development’s LinkedIn page would be a good start. Parents and family members being an extension of our office is so vital in just informing the students that there is a dedicated office on campus to assist them in all things career oriented. Instilling confidence in students and especially in their choice of major can be a great starting point.  When it comes to navigating career choices, I think just reassuring the student that starting at Tech undecided with what career they want to pursue is totally fine. It can be very valuable to take time to identify likes, dislikes, strengths, and how skills and interests align with majors and future career opportunities. Along with providing reassurance, it’s important to remind them there is an office (Center for Career Development) that can assist with these decisions. 

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