Planning for your future isn’t really that hard. Deciding what you want your future to be, now that’s a challenge.

Thankfully, like everything else at Dana, the Career Services Office is always there for students, from the first day they step on campus all the way through to their first job.

“One of the things about building a future is figuring out the pieces,” said Ann Nelson, director of Career Services. “We don’t tell students what to do. But we help them explore possibilities through internships, talking with Dana Mentors and information on different careers.”

Almost half of Dana freshmen come to Career Services for guidance and support. By the time they are seniors, nearly all students have used the office’s resources several times.

“A lot of what we do is help students learn how to search for a job — developing resumes and cover letters and working on interviewing skills,” Nelson said.

Career Services also relies on Dana alumni to help students prepare for future careers. Through the Dana Mentors program, alumni share information about their careers with students who might be interested in something similar. So far, the program has been a success, but Nelson is still looking for Mentors, especially in the fine arts, technology, business and government services.

Nelson would also like to add alumni to the office’s list of internship possibilities. Career Services is always looking for new places for students to intern, especially in states other than Nebraska and Iowa. Many Dana students use internships to test whether a particular career is right for them and get that crucial first foot in the door.

“There are also side benefits to an internship people often don’t think of,” Nelson said. “Students gain experience in what it is to do a job search and they get a sense of what kinds of skills they will need in the career of their choice.”

When it comes time for that first real job, Dana students do extremely well with the help of Career Services. Eighty-five percent find employment or graduate school positions in their field of study within six months. With some electing not to pursue careers in their fields, 85 percent is a very high number.

“Dana students have a good reputation for working well with others,” Nelson said. “I think it speaks to the emotional support they receive as students.”