Supporting Your Student’s Career Journey
At Gallaudet, career development begins long before graduation. The Office of Career Success helps students explore careers, gain experience, build professional networks, and successfully transition into the workforce or graduate school.
Parents and families are important partners in this process.
What the Office of Career Success Does
We help students:
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Explore career options and majors
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Identify strengths, interests, and goals
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Find internships and experiential learning opportunities
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Develop resumes and cover letters
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Prepare for interviews
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Build professional networks
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Search for jobs and graduate programs
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Negotiate offers and salaries
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Transition successfully from college to career
What Employers Are Looking For Today
Employers consistently tell us they seek graduates who can:
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Communicate effectively
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Work well with others
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Solve problems
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Adapt to change
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Think critically
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Demonstrate curiosity and initiative
These skills are developed through academics, internships, leadership experiences, student employment, and community engagement.
Why Internships Matter
Internships are one of the strongest predictors of post-graduation success.
Students who participate in internships often:
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Gain practical experience
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Clarify career goals
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Build professional networks
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Strengthen résumés
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Increase employment opportunities after graduation
We encourage students to pursue internships early and often.
Supporting Deaf Talent in the Workforce
Gallaudet students bring unique strengths to employers, including:
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Adaptability
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Resilience
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Problem-solving abilities
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Strong visual communication skills
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Cross-cultural competence
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Experience working in diverse environments
Employers increasingly recognize the value of these skills.
The answer is simple:
As early as possible.
Career development is most successful when students engage throughout their college experience rather than waiting until senior year.
No.
Many students refine their goals through exploration, internships, and conversations with mentors.
We provide:
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Career advising
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Employer connections
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Internship support
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Career fairs
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Networking opportunities
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Job-search assistance
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Interview preparation
Be supportive, encouraging, and curious.
Ask questions such as:
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What did you learn this semester?
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What career interests are emerging?
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Have you explored internships?
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Have you connected with Career Success?
Career development starts in the first year of college.
Internships provide valuable hands-on experience, help students build professional networks, and strengthen future job opportunities.
Yes. Networking is a normal and expected part of career development and helps students discover opportunities, gain advice, and make professional connections.
No. Many students explore different interests before deciding on a career path, and that’s a normal part of the college experience.
No. Employers look for transferable skills, experiences, and potential—not just a student’s major.
Self-advocacy is a critical career skill that helps students communicate their strengths, needs, and goals with confidence.
Students who engage with Career Success throughout their college experience—not just during their senior year—are often the most prepared for life after graduation.
Gallaudet graduates are bilingual, culturally competent, adaptable, resilient problem-solvers who can navigate diverse environments and communicate across cultures.
Understanding workplace accommodations helps students learn about their rights, available supports, and strategies for requesting accommodations in the workplace.
Learn about employment outcomes to understand graduate career paths, job placement trends, and post-graduation success.
Contact
- Office for Career Success
- Fowler Hall | 100
- career.success@gallaudet.edu
- 202.448-7036
- (202) 250-2071
- 202-448-7036
