An Interview with Career Services
Recently Julie Cosimo, Ed.D., Director of Career Services, provided insights into the ever-changing world of work, and how Lewis alumni can navigate the process of finding the right fit.
1
What are you hearing from employers looking for Lewis graduates and alumni?
We consistently hear positive feedback from employer partners about the academic and professional preparation our Flyers receive at Lewis. Our distinct mission and values are uniquely integrated into the student experience through academics, service, and co-curricular involvement—intentionally supporting students’ professional and personal development so they are ready to enter the workforce. What we hear from employers is that they prioritize candidates who exhibit critical thinking, communication, technological proficiency, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and relevant industry-specific skills. These competencies are intentionally embedded within both the curriculum and co-curricular experiences offered at Lewis.
Additionally, employers value individuals who approach career opportunities with openness, apply transferable skills beyond their academic major or program, and demonstrate the motivation and attitude necessary for organizational success. The University’s goal is to equip graduates with the agility to adapt and pivot at any point in their careers.
2
If I am looking for a new job, what are your recommendations?
Everyone has a different background that has to be considered and much of this is industry specific. Accordingly, my recommendation would be to set up an appointment with your career advisor if you are currently looking for a job. Your career advisor will work with you to ensure you are putting your best foot forward in all aspects of the job search process to maximize your chances of landing an interview. Furthermore, many industries have transformed rapidly just in the past few years. Accordingly, we encourage all alumni to consider pursuing additional credentials or certifications that are industry-specific.
3
How has the digital world evolved in the job search?
The digital world impacts the job search experience from the candidate perspective, however it is more important to realize that it now impacts the entire hiring process. The way in which employers advertise jobs, methods for conducting initial candidate screening, background check protocols, methods of interviewing and assessing candidates all continue to evolve with the integration of various digital platforms which integrate AI.
Another example is that many companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline and manage their hiring processes. Often, candidates are required to answer preliminary questions before their resumes are reviewed. If the applicant does not meet specific criteria set by the ATS, they may be automatically screened out. It is beneficial for students and alumni to work with our career services to navigate these systems effectively.
4
What are some of the best ways to present my experience without giving away my age?
It's totally normal for job seekers to be concerned about age bias, but there are a few practical steps you can take to help minimize it:
- Be mindful of your online presence. Employers often look up candidates on social media, so make sure your profiles reflect the image you want to present—professional, current, and relevant to your career goals.
- Highlight your accomplishments and key skills. Instead of focusing on when things happened, emphasize what you achieved and how your experience can bring value to the role you're applying for.
- Consider trimming down older or removing less relevant roles. It’s okay to leave out early jobs that don’t add much to your current career direction. Focus on what’s most aligned with the positions you’re targeting now.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job. Pay close attention to the wording in job descriptions and try to mirror that language when describing your own experience. It helps show you're a strong match and your experiences align with current industry trends.
- Be ready to discuss your career goals. Employers are looking for candidates who are driven and genuinely interested in contributing to the success of their organization.
5
How can I tactfully ask about culture, salary, benefits, and things that will help me to know if this is a good fit?
Salary information is now included in the job postings for all companies with 15+ employees (effective 1/1/25 https://labor.illinois.gov/news/press-release.30746.html). Benefits information will be provided to you at some point in the hiring process – some employers provide it to you up front in a meeting, some will provide you with a link, and some employers provide it at the final stage of the hiring process so you can have a little time to look it over before you make your final decision. Asking about company culture is acceptable at the end of the interview when the employer will typically ask you if you have any questions of them.Be ready to discuss your career goals. Employers are looking for candidates who are driven and genuinely interested in contributing to the success of their organization.
6
What does Lewis offer for alumni that I should take advantage of?
This is one of the great things about being a Lewis University Flyer! The wide array of services that are offered to current students are also available to our Flyer alumni. We assist students/alumni with resume writing and refinement, learning about LinkedIn for job searching/networking, cover letter writing, interviewing strategies, mock interviewing, preparing for graduate school, and other topics that are unique to specific majors. Our alumni also have access to our nation-wide job board so even if they have relocated to another state, they can still take advantage of this resource: www.lewisu.edu/gethired. In addition, our alumni are always invited to come back to our job fairs to network with our employer partners, some of which are Lewis alumni themselves! We typically host smaller fairs in the fall semester and our larger fairs in the spring. Both graduate and undergraduate level alumni should take advantage of this opportunity to talk face to face with multiple employers all in one convenient location.
7
For alumni who are not looking for jobs, how can we help current students at Lewis University?
Alumni already work closely with some academic departments and serve on some department-specific alumni panels, however alumni who are employed at organizations that are currently hiring interns or full-time employees for degreed positions can be a great asset to our current students. We are happy to help them advertise these opportunities to fellow Flyers through our electronic job board and through potential participation in our on-campus recruitment events. Any interested alumni are welcome to reach out to us at careerservices@lewisu.edu to inquire.
Perseverance to Purpose: Julia Schmidt’s Graduation Journey
Lewis is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates. Julia Schmidt, who graduated in May, was interviewed by the regional news outlet, Shaw Media and featured in their publications. With their permission, we are sharing her story here. Congratulations Julia on your degree.
By Christine Jackson - For Shaw Local News Network
When Julia Schmidt walks across the stage this May to receive her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Lewis University, she won’t just celebrate academic success—she’ll celebrate resilience, growth, and a future filled with new possibilities.
As a mother to a teenage son and an adoptee who grew up in the U.S., Julia’s journey hasn’t been easy. After earning her associate’s degree in 2019, she found herself stuck in retail management roles with little room to grow. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a realization: it was time to pursue more.
Returning to Lewis University was not only about career advancement, but also about discovering her purpose. Despite battling an autoimmune disease, ocular challenges, and ADD, Julia thrived in the supportive environment, feeling recognized as both a student and a person facing real challenges for the first time.
The university’s thoughtful accommodations—like extended test times, flexibility with deadlines, and understanding of her health needs—offered her the grace and structure she had never experienced before. It was a place that allowed her to heal, grow, and truly believe in her potential again.
Now, she’s ready to give back. With dreams of entering human resources leadership, Julia wants to empower others just as she’s been empowered— “to inspire and be inspired,” as she puts it. She hopes to expand her professional network and use her degree to open doors for others navigating difficult paths.
Julia’s advice for anyone considering returning to school is simple: stay determined, manage your time, build structure, and lean on a strong support system to balance family, work, and education. For her, earning a degree is about more than career growth—it’s also about setting an example. Her proudest moment is inspiring her son, who hopes to attend Lewis University, too.
