Building Your Credentials

In today's economy, students need more than a degree to get noticed,  Employers like students who have multiple internships and other experiences in addition to their degrees.  According to Dr. Phil Gardner (MSU, Collegiate Employment Research Institute, 2014), to be considered for positions in today's economy, students must "engage in a high stakes internship and fluently articulate skills developed through experiences."

Undergraduates are required to complete service-learning, internships, research or student teaching as real-world experiences as part of their degree programs.  What have you done today to make yourself stand out from the crowd?

Additional Majors and Minors

Speak with an Academic Advisor about your options, many classes and degrees overlap.

Undergraduate Research

  • Work with faculty on grants.
  • Volunteer, paid and research opportunities at the Child Development Laboratories.  
  • Practicum experience is available in the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic.

Honors College Students

  • Students in the Honors College are encouraged and supported with opportunities for H-College options in HDFS courses

Leadership Positions

  • The Dean's Student Advisory Council are chosen for their academic excellence, interest in issues affecting education and their ability to represent their majors and communicate effectively.  These students also help to select Commencement speakers, and have opportunities to work the Dean's Office on other projects.
    • Jenna Torigan and Brittany Lane will serve on the College Council to represent HDFS during the 2016-2017 school year, with Jenna McNamara as alternate.

Student Clubs

  • The HDFS Helping Hands Club is a registered student run organization which does community service, fundraising and plans events for area children, youth and families. For more information please contact hdfsclubmsu@gmail.com.

Study Abroad/Study Away

  • Studying for one week, one semester or an entire year in another country will change your life.  Programs are available on all continents and throughout the year
  • The College of Social Science offers internships and programs for students who want to develop as professionals with field experience and classroom learning in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, New York, New Orleans or Hawaii.

Professional Organizations

  • Joining a professional organization or attending a professional conference shows interest in your chosen profession.

For more information about building your credentials and getting involved in your interest area, please schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor, or e-mail hdfsadv@msu.edu